GMP 1987 Buick

GMP selected an automobile chock full of history when choosing the ’87 Regal Turbo T to recreate. The ’87 Regal Turbo T was one of the most popular releases of the ’Turbo Regal series with 1987 bringing about few changes on the ’Turbo Regal line. For example the T­Type badging was gone, the design was simply called the "T" package. A small emblem on the front fender denoted this, along with "3.8 SFI Turbo" emblems on the hood.

The car came in a variety of colors and all examples had an option for a blackout package, which deleted chrome trim from the exterior. For emblems, the car received "3.8 SFI Turbo" on the hood bulge, a "T" badge on the front fender, a "Regal" badge on the rear quarter panel, and the words Buick and "3.8 SFI Turbo" on the rear deck lid. In addition, the grille was now all black, which was changed from previous years that sported it in chrome with black appointments.

For a power plant, the T came standard with the LC2 package, just like any other Grand National. The other non­GN turbo cars were identical to the GN in terms of their drive train and were every bit the muscle car that the GN was known to be.

The LC2 package included a 3.8 SFI turbocharged V6 engine mated to a specially prepared TH2004R transmission. Horsepower was modestly rated at 245 with torque checking in at 345 ft/lbs. Real world tests however; put this figure closer to 275 hp.

GM modestly rated horsepower for the simple fact that upper management wanted no other car to have a higher rating than America’s sports car, the Corvette. Even so, the ’Turbo Regal’s outperformed every production car made in America in 1987, earning it the title of the fastest production car in the US.

I must say I am rather impressed with the detail put forth on this replica. As described above in the body markings, GMP did their homework recreating the markings perfectly. Also, they receive high marks on the fit and finish leaving you mystified at the quality of the finish itself.

Lifting the hood to examine the ’Turbo T one has to be mesmerized by the amount of detail stuffed into that compartment by GMP. I love detail and on this model GMP went the extra yard to give it to me by placing all the warning and information labels under the hood, kudos on that.

Moving on to the interior that too is well appointed. It was mentioned on our forum that the door panels could have used a little more detail, such as door locks. I agree with that comment but it is so minor when viewing all the amenities incorporated into the interior no one would ever realize they were missing.

With a good magnifying glass take a minute to check out the dash you will be very impressed with the amount of detail on it and the console. The gauges and switches are all read­able and there is even a key in the ignition. In typical GMP fashion they included floor mats giving the interior that nice personal touch, too.

Finally, flipping the model over you will see that GMP didn’t quit with the body only eye appeal. I love the GMP undercarriages they generally don’t skimp on detail there either. This model was no exception with the driveshaft shocks exhaust pipes and muffler. The only thing missing are break lines, and maybe a few others. Again no big deal as they did a fabulous job by giving us more than most mints. You have to just love this one if you are a muscle car collector.

JSS really loved this replica based on our criteria, which is fit, finish detail and price. The collector gets it all here especially a good bang for their buck on this one; therefore we rank this one a solid four-star model. If you don’t own it you should or at least put it on our wish list.