Car Craft – October 2019

(Joyce) #1
HURST-EDITION OLDS
The Hurst-edition Oldsmobile Cutlasses are the more popu-
lar hot rods from the era, and Brian has 10 in varying condi-
tions. The 1983 model was the 15th anniversary of the
Hurst-edition Olds. All cars had two-tone black and silver
exteriors, with the first-year 1983 models featuring silver on
the bottom and black on top; the 1984 models are reversed,
with black on bottom and silver on top. Originally, only 2,000
were set to be produced, but that number went to 3,000
after increased demand. In 1984, 3,500 were made.
These cars have mostly been used for R&D testing, as
GBodyParts.com is currently designing a new lightning-rod
shifter. The new shifter will feature some upgraded internal
components for better longevity.

56 CAR CRAFT OCTOBER 2019

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➔SOURCE
GBodyParts.com; 252/825-3293; GBodyParts.com

BUICK REGAL WE4
It’s easy to find GBodyParts.com’s place in the sleepy town
of Bethel, North Carolina: It’s the one with the long row of
Grand Nationals. These vary in condition and features, but
one that’s the most special is this factory race car. The 1987
Buick Regal Turbo T WE4 package featured lightweight alu-
minum bumper supports, aluminum wheels, and radiator
support. These were stripped-down models, and most came
with manual door locks and crank windows. Only 1,547 were
built. They were nearly identical to the Grand Nationals,
except for a rear spoiler.
This one has a moonroof option, which is slightly heavier
than the standard roof. This car was once sold, but the
owner was attempting to style it as a Grand National, so
Brian gave him his money back. “There’s over 20,000 Grand
Nationals,” Brian said. “So one day we’ll be able to find the
right buyer who will restore it to its former glory.”

1986 BUICK TURBO T
RECORD HOLDER
According to Brian, this 1986 Turbo T with only 6,000 miles
set the record for stock EFI quarter-mile times with a 11.30
index. The class required stock turbo, intercooler, and inter-
nals. It featured one of TCI’s first Buick transmissions and
was sponsored by Kenne Bell and Comp Cams. It features a
complete stock interior with a rollcage. Brian has used it
for checking interior components, as it’s one of the lowest-
mileage cars in his collection. This one will likely remain as
pictured in his museum.
We also visited Brian to pick up some products for Car
Craft’s Malibu ST wagon project, a LS1-supercharged 1980
Malibu Wagon. Namely, the company’s new Grand National
honeycomb wheels, offered in 18- and 19-inch diameters.
Stay tuned for another update on this project car soon.
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