FAST FRIDAY: The Grand National: Part I- Inspired by NASCAR

There's no doubt that the decision by Buick to enter the Nascar circuit in 1981 led to the development of one of the most revered Buicks of all time. Buick had gone into Nascar in 1981 with the goal of turning the heads of younger buyers.  The newly restyled 1981 Regal was a good looking car that turned out to have excellent aerodynamics. It was said that the car was born to race, and race it did very well- allowing Buick to win the coveted Manufacturer's trophy in 1981 and 1982. What it didn't have was the V-6 engine, due to a GM decree that all divisions would use the 358 cubic inch Chevrolet engine, and that ultimately proved problematic for the folks in Flint. But they had a couple of amazing seasons in 1981 and 1982.

Here's what Stock Car Racing had to say:

"The first Buick season came in 1981, and it was gangbusters. Darrell Waltrip won the championship in a Buick, posting 12 wins and 21 Top-5 finishes. The second-place finisher, Bobby Allison, also drove a Regal. But there were a lot more Buicks in the Top 10, with Harry Gant in third, Terry Labonte in fourth, Ricky Rudd in sixth, and Richard Petty (who drove Buicks for this single season) in eighth place. Other drivers wheeling Buicks that year included Tim Richmond. The coming dominance of Buick certainly came to light when Richard Petty took the Daytona 500 that season with a total of 14 Buicks in the starting field."


"The 1982 season was even better for Buick, with Waltrip again taking the title, followed by Allison and Labonte in second and third, Gant in fourth, Dave Marcis in sixth, Ron Bouchard in eighth, and Morgan Shepherd in 10th. The domination was again overpowering for Buick, with 25 total wins. Next in line was Chevrolet, with just three wins. Twenty-five of the 42 cars starting the 1982 Daytona 500 were Buicks. Bobby Allison took the win."

So Buick was riding high in the Nascar world in 1981 and 1982. It is into this reflected glory that the first Regal Grand National was launched in 1982, hoping to turn Nascar victories into retail sales for Buick dealers. A dealer bulletin was released on February 8, 1982 and said the following:

"The New "Grand National" Regal is a luxurious commemorative version of the winning Grand National Vehicle.  Buick designed this magnificent Regal to be a one-of-a-kind car. With its special "GN" styling treatment and appointments, it is a distinctive vehicle inside and out.  Our objective in producing these "Grand National" Regals is to offer an attraction that will stimulate sales of all the 1982 Buicks  We also want to capitalize on the momentum being generated by the Grand national racing competition and take advantage of enthusiast's magazine coverage to increase Buick's penetration of the enthusiast market!"

It was based on a Regal coupe, with charcoal and silver two tone exterior and interior color scheme, red striping, and special BUICK graphics and wheels. It featured two tone Lear Siegler seats and a special dash plaque. Grlles and wheel opening moldings were blacked out and modest front and rear spoilers were fitted, Produced by Cars and Concepts, it was a very sporty looking coupe and featured the 125 HP Buick 4.1 litre V6 as standard. The Turbo V6 was offered, developing 175 HP. Of the 215 cars produced, only about 50 had the Turbo V6 engine. 

Who would have thought that from this modest beginning, one of the most desired cars in Buick history would arise?

Coming next: Part II- Bad to the Bone

The 2011 Buick Regal is Affordable Royalty

The National Automobile Dealers Association Guides(NADA Guides) provides a helping hand for people looking for a car by supplying information on prices of new and used vehicles as well as what to look for when purchasing one. NADA Guides recently presented the award for September 2010’s "Car of the Month" to the 2011 Buick Regal. The Regal was given this award due to its innovative technology, increased power, and MPG. Not only that, this vehicle redefines the already prestigious Buick brand.

The features on the 2011 Buick Regal are numerous, each providing functionality and luxury. With regards to safety, the Regal utilizes StabiliTrack with Traction Control, plus Anti-Lock Brakes with Brake Assist, ensuring the vehicle has full control and complete stability in all road conditions. The safety features also include Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist as well as full airbag protection on the front, back, and sides. For the technology-oriented consumer, the Regal sports Bluetooth connectivity, ONSTAR, a USB port for MP3 devices, and voice activated navigation, plus a multi-function controller to optimize the user interface. The comfort of the vehicle is also unparalleled, with 12-way power heated seats, as well as Auto Dual-Zone Heating and Air controls, so that the driver and passenger each may set their desired temperature levels.

Brian Sweeney, the U.S. Vice President of Buick & GMC Sales and Service stated, "The Regal delivers a dynamic driving experience that competes with the best import sport sedans in the mid-size sport car segment and is available at Buick dealerships now." Don Christy, Jr., president of NADA Guides, made it clear that "The 2011 Buick Regal is changing the way consumers perceive Buick vehicles and the brand is making a statement with this vehicle: everything you need and want for a very affordable price". The 2011 Buick Regal is competitively priced for its class at $26,245.

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Buick Reinvented: The 2011 Buick Regal

Much buzz has been going on about the new 2011 Buick Regal, General Motors’ newest addition to its Buick line-up. Though the Buick brand has long been thought of as a sedan your grandfather would drive, the 2011 Regal is set to bring back Buick to the mainstream. The 2011 Buick Regal is a mid-sized sedan with an ample 37.3 inches of rear legroom, and 14 cubic-feet of trunk space, perfect for an executive who is a weekend golfer.

What sets the Buick Regal apart from the Honda Accord, Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and the Chevy Malibu is its luxurious interior and its elegant finish. It has more soft-touch plastic surfaces, satin-metal door pulls, and piano-black trim than the competition. 

A 2.4-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine that produces 182 hp and has a torque of 172 lb-ft powers the GM’s 2011 Buick Regal. Also available as an option is a turbocharged 2.0-liter in-line four, producing 220 hp and 258 lb-ft torque. Both engines feature direct-injection and are paired with standard six-speed automatic transmissions with manumatic shifting. The turbocharged engine also comes with the option of a 6-speed manual transmission.

The 2011 Buick Regal has a MacPherson-strut front and multilink rear suspension, with aluminum lower control arms all around. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard, with an option to upgrade to 19s.

The Regal has a wheelbase of 107.8 inches, a length of 190.2 inches, 73.1 inches wide, and a height of 58.4 inches. The manufacturer’s estimated weight is 3600 lb.

Based on reviews, the 2011 Buick Regal is a pleasant drive. It boasts of stability and comfort, taking away the “floaty boat” feel of its predecessors. The 2011 Buick Regal is climbing up the luxury sedan category, in terms of its looks and class-competitive performance.

Once thought of by some as a brand that had long been forgotten and ignored, this mid-sized sedan is doing its best to change that perception. In fact, the 2011 Buick Regal is handsome and hip, bringing the brand back into the spotlight.