02-02-2022 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 02-02-2022 -



THE WINNER OF OUR CONTEST AND THE HAMMERED PRICE THE LAST GN SOLD FOR -

This Barrett Jackson Auction was the 50th Anniversary. I think being it was the 50th Anniversary added to the excitement. The last Grand National was one of five cars in the million dollar group and went through the auction late Saturday afternoon as one of the Premier cars of the event. Also 3 real GNXs also were at this auction. All 3 according to my sources had a non working power antenna. One GNX even had zero brake fluid in the brake reservoir. Not a good sign to start for the new owner. One fact that many of you may not know nor did I, is that Craig Jackson's Mom actually worked at the Pontiac plant when the last Grand National was built and her signature is on the turbo shield! Talk about a small world!

Here are the results: The last Grand National built sold for $500 grand before fees. A cool half million dollars. I am not sure of the fee percentages buyer and seller paid but between the 2 fees it added at least another $50 grand to the overall selling price. Mrs Colvin will be able to make a pretty nice playroom for the grandkids since the Grand National no longer occupies the one bedroom of the house! The 3 GNXs are sold basically around the same price between $265,000 and $275,000. All strong money. I am not sure of the mileage on them besides one had just 80 miles on it. All 3 were close in auction numbers. I was informed that there actually were 4 GNXs at the auction. Seems strange that the 3 were close with their auction number. I have no idea what number the 4th GNX was nor what it sold for. I also was told that a modified Grand national went through the auction Sunday the last day.

We are awarding two people for their guess on the contest. The reason is, I failed to indicate the guess had to be the closest under the actual hammered price. With a guess of $457,000, was Bob Pederson out of Madison, Wisconsin as he had the closest guess under the hammered price. Bob and his wife drove to our 2007 Kirban Reunion for my 60th Birthday in their 1986 blue T-Type and had Molly sign it. He has been a customer of ours since 2004. With a guess of $500,100 was Norman Fioroni. He almost nailed the hammered price exactly. Norman has been a customer of ours since the winter of 2013. His 1987 Grand National has a mere 13,000 miles on it. He says his guess was just a wild guess! This contest by far was the most popular contest we have ever run. Congrats to all those that participated and to our two winners!

I ended up watching 6 solid hours to witness the results of the 3 GNXs and the last GN. Also Burt Reynolds personal 1977 Trans Am sold for $450,000. The Fast and Furious Grand National according to my source sold for $55,000. (I did not see it go through the auction). I had no reports indicating if any other Turbo Regals went through the auction or any Olds 442 or Monte Carlo SS examples. Regardless, the high water mark for G body examples is the GNX and the GN (1986-1987 models). An investment that continues to grow if maintained, garaged, and fairly stock.

It is pretty plain to see that the values of original 1986-1987 Grand Nationals and GNXs have now jumped considerably in value based on the results of the Barrett Jackson auction. I am referring to ones that are original and documentation. You have to be even more careful now when you drive and park your car. It is also wise to check your insurance policy and make sure you have accurate coverage. A stated value with an appraisal is something you should also make sure you have.



OBSERVATIONS FROM THE BARRETT-JACKSON AUCTION -

The cheapest car sold the last day Sunday for $3500 a 1990 mint condition Dodge Colt. Resto mods all brought strong money, especially the 1963-1967 Corvette versions. A vehicle that surprised me was the number of modified early style Ford Broncos. All sold in the $250 to $350 grand price range. One 1941 Willys rear brakes must have locked up when it was up on the stage and being bid on. They had to use portable jacks under the massive rear tires to push it off the stage. It still sold for over 100 grand plus. Camaros and Chevelles as expected have a huge selection to choose from. Several low mileage unrestored examples. One 21 window VW bus hit six digits. Its horsepower rating was still just 2 digits. They continue to amaze me.


PHOTO 1 - The top left is a screenshot of the last Grand National on the auction block. You can see the bid of $500,000 in the top left corner. The top right is a screenshot of the first GNX and you can see the bid in the top left corner of $250,000. The bottom left is a screenshot of GNX 519 that hit for $280,000. The bottom right shows a screenshot of the third GNX that hit $265,000. Special thanz to my wife Eileen to capture these photos from her computer. I only got the GNX car number on the one GNX. All three GNXs I believe had very low mileage.



FOR SALE 22,000 MILES 1987 GRAND NATIONAL WITH T TOPS -

This mostly stock example belongs to a customer of mine in Florida who bought it in 2007. He wants to see it go to someone that can enjoy it. We have it fairly priced at $46,900. Considering the number of ones in recent weeks that have been listed with more miles and for a higher price tag. I have over 60 photos I can email for any that are interested. He does have the window sticker. The car has had 4 owners including himself. The chip has been replaced with Turbo Tweaked as well as the injectors as he had one leaking. Car has a very smooth idle now. He has kept the original chip. With the last Grand National fetching half a million before the fees, this one with a mere 22,000 miles on it is a bargain. There is little doubt that some sellers will be raising their prices higher on the low mileage examples.

My email is [email protected] to get more details, info and photos. I also have a very detailed description of all the work that has been done since 2007 relating to maintaining this Grand National. Partial trades considered. I would buy your trade and pay the difference to the seller. However I would need to see the trade at my location. Trades save you sales tax. Trades are not limited to just Turbo Regals. I work with 2 sources that hold a dealer license.



FOR SALE 300 MILE ORIGINAL 1987 GRAND NATIONAL HARDTOP -

This example has been properly preserved all these years. Runs and drives. Been stored on a 4 post lift as part of a huge car collection in Illinois. This car shared space with Lamboghins and Ferraris so it was in good company! My seller will consider partial trades of one or more vehicles of interest towards the price tag. The window sticker has never been removed from the car. Originally sold in Texas. The price tag $199,900 takes it home. The tires have been upgraded to the correct new reproduction tires. The original tires have been replaced with the new reproductions. The car has been properly preserved and runs. The window sticker has never been removed. For more info and photos email me direct [email protected]



MORE PARTS FOR SALE -

Concerning our Rare Parts. We have reduced slightly the dollar amount in order to qualify for free shipping. The total of your order on the listed Rare Parts is now $75. If your order of the rare listed parts falls short of $75 you must add $15 to cover shipping. This is due to UPS raising their fees beginning last month. You hit $75 and we cover shipping. Below $75 you have to tack on $15 additional.

PHOTO 2 - The top left photo shows a 3-ring binder with over 50 pages of original articles and dealer info covering the 1987 Turbo Regals. The top right photo shows a good used pressure tested original brake bowl. Its appearance is like new, used powermaster pressure hoses, brake switch and master cylinder cap with gasket. The bottom left photo shows a good used oil tube and cap, NOS spare tire washer, radiator overflow bottle correct cap, a diagnostic cover, and a mint original burgundy horn center with horn contact. The bottom right photo shows 2 repro new GNX center caps and one used powermaster brake reservoir cap and gasket. All these items can be found for sale under the Rare Parts section.



PHOTO 3 - The top left photo shows a good used gray and a good used burgundy visor with a vanity mirror option. The top right photo shows a NOS GM spare tire washer, 2 wire loom clips, one used brake switch, one used wastegate solenoid with 2 foam filters, one diagnostic cover, and one mint radiator overflow bottle cap the original one. The bottom left photo shows one used working power trunk release with directions, and a pair of repo NOS 3.8 sfi hood emblems. The bottom right photo shows a good used battery hold down clamp, 4 various corect black clamps, one NOS GM spare tire washer, and one set of reproduction 3.8 sfi hood emblems.

PHOTO 4 - The top left photo shows a pair of the new reproduction 3.8 sfi hood emblems, all 3 rubber pedals NOS GM, NOS GM spare tire washer, 2 NOS GM wastegate filters, and one factory correct radiator overflow cap. The top right photo shows a pair of the reproduction 3.8 sfi hood emblems, a real nice used scanmaster with directions, steering column mount and shade. The bottom left photo shows a good used powermaster brake reservoir lid and gasket, both used pressure lines to the powermaster pump, a gray and blakc brake switch with no warranty. The bottom right photo shows a pair of the reproduction 3.8 sfi hood emblems, copy of the Black Air DVD, and both Facts and Figures Books 1 & 2.



I BEEN CONTACTED BY HEMMING LOOKING FOR INFORMATION FOR AN ARTICLE -

Josh Skibbe who works for Hemmings Motor News has reached out to me wanting information on the various Turbo Regals that were used by various police departments, FBI, and the government. If you have any info or better yet one of the actual cars, email Josh directly at [email protected]

I know in my Kirban’s Guide to 1986 and 1987 Buick Turbo Regals I have a chapter on government agencies and the Turbo Regals. I also bought and sold at least 2 Turbo Ts that I purchased out of the New England area that were state trooper cars. They were basic “plain jane” examples with split bench seats. They had very few options. On the SPID label there was some sort of reference to the Eprom chip. They also had a few extra holes in the trunk and on the dash. Again going by memory. One was burgundy on burgundy. Perhaps a better known cop car were the Mustang notchback black and tan examples that were operated by the Florida Highway Patrol back in the day. They pop up once in a while at car shows. The 5.0 manual shift notchback Mustang is highly collectible today.



WIDE VARIETY OF USED TRIM, BODY, BUMPERS, MOLDINGS - PICK UP ONLY

We acquired several plastic bins packed with used 1984-1987 Turbo Regal interior plastic trim parts. Almost every imaginable plastic interior part including ECM covers, T-Top moldings, seat trim, a-pillar moldings in various colors, including door panel armrests, and pull straps. I also have a wide variety of used black outside trim molding around the windshield and back glass and some used exterior Limited stainless moldings etc. We also have some exterior parts, core support, Turbo Regal hood, powder coated transmission mount, driveshaft, complete tilt steering column, 4 of the 1984-1985 Grand National wheels to name some of the bigger items we have. We will not ship. You must come to our location to buy them. We may ship the wheels.



SHOW CAR EVENTS FOR 2022 -

The dates have recently been announced for the 41st annual GS Nationals. The dates are May 11th thru the 14th 2022. Beech Bend Raceway, in Bowling Green, KY. Facebook BuickGS Nationals. Instagram BuickGSNationals



TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -

If you have an idea or tip or a product idea, send it to my email [email protected]



IMPORTANT - INFORMATION ABOUT OUR SHIPPING ADDRESS –

If you are returning any cores for a Letter of Credit or cores that we charged you for, it is important that you send them to the address below. Please make sure you put a note in the box with your information.

KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
529 HAYCOCK RUN ROAD
KINTNERSVILLE, PA 18930

For all other returns such as a part you purchased that is incorrect or defective you must call Christina and get a RA number. She will determine if it goes to our main warehouse in Kintnersville, PA or our distribution center.


CORES NEEDED - URGENT REQUEST –

Here is the information on our credits for cores.

STEERING WHEEL CORES. Currently we need good 1986-1987 Turbo Regal steering cores. They must be straight and not have rusted spokes. We will issue a Letter of Credit of $100 for each acceptable core. You must email me [email protected] a photo first to make sure the steering wheel is acceptable.

POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS. Currently, we are accepting powermaster brake units. We give a $150 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core. Or, we will pay $125 cash for each powermaster core. To avoid having your core not accepted, you MUST first email me a photo of the core you plan to send in - [email protected] - We will NOT accept any cores that have severe rust issues or have been disassembled. Core must have the brake switch and brake bowl reservoir. Too many of the cores we have been getting are in such terrible shape they are worthless to us.

TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock turbo. They must be complete. We will issue you a $175 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core. We need cores now. Or we will pay $150 cash for each complete stock turbo core.

BRAKE PEDALS we issue a letter of credit for $50 for each powermaster brake pedal or we will pay $40 cash for each pedal.



If you ship to us, the post office is the cheapest method. Pack the item(s) with a note with your name, address and phone number.

UPS or MAIL - Ship to Address –
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
529 HAYCOCK RUN ROAD
KINTNERSVILLE, PA 18930


CLASSIFIED ADS -

We accept Classified Ads in our weekly Inner Circle emails. Over the years several customers have asked about placing an ad in our weekly Inner Circle.

Here are the options and the costs.

Ads can be from any individual or company. It needs to be automotive related, meaning it does not need to be specifically Turbo Regal related. It can be for something for sale or something wanted.

Maximum number of words is 125 words, which is about 7 to 9 lines of copy. No photos. You can list a website. We recommend you state your name, phone number or email, a price, and your location in your ad.

The cost for an ad for 2 consecutive weeks is $25. The cost for 4 consecutive weeks is $40. You save $10 with the 4-week plan. No changes can be made to your existing running ad. You can only run one ad at any given time. We will have a code system at the end of your ad, so we will know what week number your ad is to run 2 or 4 weeks.

It can be an ad for something for sale or an ad for something you are looking for.
We have never missed a single week since we started the Inner Circle email format in 2009. It’s something I enjoy doing and I just always seem to have enough material to write about.

Our weekly Inner Circle now reaches over 3,500 members every Wednesday direct to their inbox. The Inner Circle also appears every Wednesday on our website with the related photos. Your ad would be visible to both groups of readers. So, the exposure to your ad is well over 3,500 potential buyers.

Ads submitted by the previous Sunday would appear the following Wednesday in the weekly Inner Circle. Ads and payment (paypal) must be submitted by email to - [email protected]



NOTE - IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO SEE THE BUICK RARE PARTS SECTION -

If you are not able to see the Buick Rare Parts section at the end of this Inner Circle, it is because you are not an actual Inner Circle member, but instead are reading this on the website. You must subscribe to see the Rare Parts section each week. It would go directly to your inbox every Wednesday at 3 pm eastern time. It is FREE, probably one reason why nobody complains about what I write about. To subscribe simply email – [email protected] - to get our free weekly Wednesday Inner Circle email. This allows everyone to have the same opportunity on the parts we list each week.



EMAILS TO KIRBAN PERFORMANCE -

NOTE - If you email us and do NOT get a timely reply, be sure to check your “SPAM” folder. Some emails do not go through.

If you need to email us, use - [email protected]



TECH CALLS -

If you need technical information, it’s best to email - [email protected] - rather than call us. We will do our best to answer any technical questions within 24 hours. Please remember I have very little knowledge of the mechanical workings of the engine.



NEW PRODUCTS FROM US –

1986-1987 BUICK TURBO REGAL HEAVY DUTY ENGINE MOTOR MOUNTS (2) -

Part #7981 can be found on our website. These are currently in stock. These poly mounts are designed to benefit the everyday driver as well as the full time racer.


BUICK T-TYPE FENDER COVER -

This fender gripper fender cover is GM licensed. Part #7980 can be found on our website. It is currently in stock.



BUICK MOTORSPORTS FENDER COVER -

This fender gripper fender cover is GM licensed. Part #7979 can be found on our website. It is currently in stock.



1981-1987 BUICK TURBO REGAL REPRODUCTION LICENSE PLATE LIGHT HOUSING AND LENS -

See Part #7977 on our website for photos and more detailed information on this restoration part. It is in stock for immediate delivery.



ELECTRIC 2 ½ STAINLESS DUMP PIPE WITH HARNESS -

See Part #7975 on our website for photos and more detailed information on this stainless electric dump pipe.



1986-1987 TURBO REGAL HYPERTECH PROM -

If you have a fairly stock 1986-1987 Turbo Regal here is one easy and simple way to improve performance and torque. Hypertech is one of the very first companies to make a Prom for the Turbo Regals. The introductory price good for the month of January is $174.95. The part number is #7973. See our website for pictures and more details.



BAD TO THE BONE LEATHER KEY CHAIN -

Using the same quote and font style we now have a leather key chain. The price is $14.95 and the part number is #7974. See our website for pictures.



1984-1987 TURBO REGAL GM BRAND NEW BLACK WIPER BLADES.-

These are available once again. These are brand new GM in the wrapper. See part number #7800 on our website for photos and details.


1986-1987 BUICK TURBO REGAL REPRODUCTION ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK HANDLE, REPRODUCTION TURBO REGAL TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK HANDLE & REPRODUCTION BUICK TURBO REGAL OIL CAP

Part # 7970, 7971, and 7972 for pictures and order details. All 3 of them are currently in stock.



“BAD TO THE BONE” EMBROIDERED BEANIE BLACK KNIT HAT -

This black Beanie knit hat has the quote "Bad To The Bone" embroidered on it in the same design as our decal, part #7968.

Each black hat is embroidered in red, gray and black. The embroidery work is some of the best I have ever seen. It almost looks like it was printed on the material.

A prime example of poor embroidery work can be found on the Power Six logo on the Grand National bucket seat headrest. The embroidery on this hat is much sharper.

An excellent winter hat. Also makes a great gift.

7967 - “BAD TO THE BONE” Embroidered Beanie Black Knit Hat - $21.95

CLICK HERE - For the link to this hat on our website.



“BAD TO THE BONE” DECAL

This “BAD TO THE BONE”decal is similar to the one we sold years ago.

The script wording is red and black with a black shadow. The line between the words in the gray area is black. The design is diecut with a self-adhesive backing. Each decal measures about 5-1/2" x 1-3/4”.

It is designed to fit in the area on the back window, just under the third brake light on the outside of the glass. It can also be used in other areas, on a tool box, or a car show display board.

7968 - “BAD TO THE BONE” Decal - $4

CLICK HERE - For the link to this decal on our website.



“BLACK AIR” BLACK T-SHIRT

We now carry “BLACK AIR” black T-shirts for the many Turbo Regal enthusiasts out there.

Wording is silk screened in white with a Turbo Buick outline and the words, “WHAT’S WITH ALL THE BLACK CARS?” on the front. The back features the Turbo-6 logo and the words, “BLACK AIR - THE BUICK GRAND NATIONAL DOCUMENTARY.”

T-shirts are Gilden brand high-quality 100% cotton.

We stock the 4 most popular sizes - MEDIUM, LARGE, X-LARGE, and XX-LARGE.

This T-shirt makes a great statement at a car show, and T-shirts also make a great gift for that Turbo enthusiast or for your mechanic.

Here are the 4 options for these T-shirts.

7969-M - “BLACK AIR” BLACK T-shirt - size MEDIUM - $28.95
7969-L - “BLACK AIR” BLACK T-shirt - size LARGE - $28.95
7969-XL - “BLACK AIR” BLACK T-shirt - size X-LARGE - $28.95
7969-XXL - “BLACK AIR” BLACK T-shirt - size XX-LARGE - $28.95

CLICK HERE - For the link to these T-shirts on our website.




ALWAYS LOOKING FOR IDEAS -

If you have any product ideas that would fit our Turbo Buick market that you would like to see available, email me direct - [email protected]



ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION FOR TURBO REGAL PARTS -

Got any Turbo Buick parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. We also may buy your new or used parts. Simply email me a list - [email protected]

Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.



NOTE - ABOUT LINKS IN THE INNER CIRCLE -

We have heard from a couple people that have had problems with the links in our Inner Circle.

When we check the links, they work fine. However, if you are not able to be directed to the exact website page or internet site, you can "copy" and "paste" the link into the URL in your browser (such as Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, etc.) If it doesn't link in one browser, it may work in another.

Most people having problems are using Internet Explorer. If you are having issues with links, try another browser to see if it works.

You may need to "UPDATE" your browser to be used if you are using the current version.



NOTE ABOUT PHOTOS ON THE WEBSITE -

We have heard from a couple people that have viewed the photos on the website. Because these must be low-resolution photos to work on the Inner Circle segments on the website, any photos of text don't appear clear when enlarged. This is a problem when you are trying to see numbers, such as those on the VIN labels or pages from Options booklet. Also, because of photo reproduction and computer screen variations, the colors may not be true to the actual product or photo.

If you would like to have us email you any photo at the higher resolution for viewing, just email us and we will email them to you. Be sure to be specific on which pictures you want to see - Reference Inner Circle date and photo number 1, 2, 3 or 4 - [email protected]



ABOUT OUR EMAILS -

Any inquiries concerning used parts, you must email me directly - [email protected] - and I will answer you. However, if I fail to answer you within 24 hours, please email us again.
Since expanding into used parts, I get a lot of emails and sometimes I may forget your request or may not remember who requested the item.





IN CLOSING -

Remember, the weekly Inner Circle always goes out at 3 pm eastern time so subscribers all have the same equal chance on the Rare Parts. All our parts generally are priced to sell and priced below what others offer. Also our used items are exactly as described. Emails are acknowledged in the order we receive them regardless of when I respond as I am not always by a computer and I only use a flip phone. It's best to email as soon as possible with your request(s) as many of our items sell within the first hour! Do NOT call the office on the listed Rare Parts as you could lose out by someone beating you with an email. Remember if the total of what you purchase on the Rare Parts falls short of $75 we will charge $15 extra for shipping.

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