European 85 GN

[kem0]

Well, my Father bought a new GN when we lived in Germany and it was built to order for him. Because we lived in Germany at the time, it has different taillights and I believe some suspension and emissions differences. I've been under the impression that it is the only one from 85 that was built for export. The block isn't original, but the rest of it is pretty much. There was no cat, just a small piece of pipe that bolted on and off, but that piece is gone now and a cat is there. Anyway, it's a work in progress, but I've already had the rear replaced, the trans rebuilt by Dana Brisco? (forget if that's his name, but supposedly he helped design the trans or something) and the block is now bored out and rebuilt (not original) with a fresh cartridge in the turbo as well. I'm getting there with it, I think. :p

Anyway, knowing a little about the history, does anyone have the opinion on a value to a GN collector? I think it shows 120-130k (rolled over to 20-30k range on mileage), but like I said it's a fresh rebuild as well as the trans and rear. Needs paint (stripped and reprimed, no rust though, it's just been repainted once already) and minor cosmetics. T-top car, factory digital dash, climate control, power windows/lock, tilt, ac, etc... and a true GN.

Thanks for opinions, just trying to gauge a fair value in case I want to trade/sell it when I'm done, although I doubt I ever will.

[Keller]

I think the key to any additional value would be documentation. Do you have the sticker? Does it have the codes on the trunk sticker to support the fact that it was an export build and that it has the export lights (amber insets for turn signals, right?), etc.

Actually, I thought the export rear lights were only for pre-84 cars. Have to check the parts books.

[1985WH1]

Man, I'd sure like to see some pics of it....and I'd kill for a set of the export tail lights!

[mybuick]

post a pic of the taillights!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kem0]

Scott, I do not have the original sticker. My Father says he doesn't ever remember getting the original (I know, very odd) or even one being in the window of the car when he picked it up, or he would have saved it. I will have to check the trunk sticker for you, but if you give me an idea of where and what I'm looking for I'll be more than happy to. I'm supposed to go to the shop this week, so hopefully I'll remember a digial camera and I can take some pics (even though she's still rough, I know you all want to see it). I do however have the Certificate of Origin for a Vehicle from GM dated 1-19-85 with the VIN, Invoice Number, Series/Model, etc... as well as listing the Distributor as Auto Staiger, Stuttgart, Germany. I also have the Flint S.U. Body Order Broadcast, the original letter from GM's Worldwide Military and Civilian Sales Group stating my Father had made a deposit for his order and it should be delivered February 11, 1985 at the US Pier, the carbon copy of the original Military Personell Sales Program Customer Order listing all the options he wanted and a Commercial Invoice and Packing List from GM Overseas Distribution Corp. To quote a portion of it for you "These commodities licensed by U.S. for ultimate destination Fed. Rep. of Germany Diversion contrary to U.S. Law prohibited. Country of origin United States of America." I still wish I had a window sticker, but I do have quite a few documents with the VIN to support my claim that it is in fact a exported GN. :D

I remember him taking me on the autobahn in it... I think *some* "sports cars" were quite suprised when we blew past them, hehe.

Now, as far as pics go... I will get some asap (it's in the shop currently getting engine work done), but I don't have to leave you totally high and dry. My Father just happens to be a known expert model builder and of course he built an exact replica of his car (now mine though, mwahahaha). So, here's a few pictures of the model kit he built to exactly mimic the Euro GN.

http://www.network54.com/Realm/modeleral/buick1.jpg
http://www.network54.com/Realm/modeleral/buick2.jpg
http://www.network54.com/Realm/modeleral/buick3.jpg
http://www.network54.com/Realm/modeleral/buick4.jpg
http://www.network54.com/Realm/modeleral/buick5.jpg

[Keller]

The only pic that works is an overview of the car. See http://www.network54.com/Realm/modeleral/85gn.html

We still wanna see those taillights! :D

[kem0]

I'll be sure to get some pictures. It's my baby, but she still needs more love, you'll see. Anyone got some free bumper fillers? :banghead: Regardless, I'll be more than happy to show you the progress as I go along. :)

I'm probally going to the shop tomorrow where it's at. I'll take a digital camera and get pics of it, I'll try to remember the taillights. :p

I'll also look for that trunk sticker and any other interesting things I happen across. I'd really love it if there was any way someone could help me find out for sure if it's the only European export GN from 85. Honestly, I wonder if ANY others were built to ship to another country...

[GrnNatlFan]

You may want to check with Dennis Kirban at www.kirbanperformance.com for information on # of export vehicles. He deals mainly with 86-87 models but seems to have a lot of contacts within the Buick insiders.

[kem0]

Thanks for the info. I'll get in touch with him asap.

Here's a link to some pics I took today. http://members.aol.com/k3m0/

[Keller]

Thanks for the pic link.

Those are clearly export tail lights. They are also clearly pre-84/85 in design. I don't think any were officially made for the 84-87 cars. If so, they would have the chrome or black strips down the center. These do not. In fact, I think I even see the residue from a chrome "Regal" script on the right one, just as a earlier Regal would have. Is that correct?

Another question: Do the signal (amber) areas work correctly? i.e. Do they only illuminate when the turn signals are used? Or do the brake/night lights illuminate them as well? The stock (U.S., anyway) wiring would work them as a brake/turn/night light, which wouldn't be right for an amber signal light.

If I were you, I'd be tempted to set these aside so they were not damaged or stolen. Just replace them with regular Regal/GN units. Having them destroyed by a careless driver or a wayward shopping cart is too risky!

Other things that quickly stand out on the build tag: VD6 and VD7 - aluminum bumper supports, G80 - posi. Both prized options.