SEMA Show photos by Jesse Kiser

Studio images by CenterScene

There are “hero” cars throughout hot rodding history – vehicles that represent a set of engineers, racers, or industry professionals in a profound way. These are cars that mean more than the sum of their parts. The Buick Grand National, named after NASCAR’s top racing series, was just that.

Buick conceived the Grand National in a difficult time of emissions concerns and fuel economy panic. For performance enthusiasts of the era, the million-dollar question was, “How do you get V8 power without poor V8 fuel economy?”

General Motors engineers answered the question in a way that was both unorthodox and inspired for an American automaker at the time – a turbocharged V6. It combined the virtues of turbocharging and the precise control of electronic fuel injection to make surprising amounts of power from a relatively small-displacement engine. And it was a sensation when unleashed on the public. Hot rodders embraced it, once they saw the Grand National’s vast untapped potential and discovered the tunability of its ECU.

The rest is history. The Buick Turbo V6 has since become a thing of legend.

Decades later, famed custom-car builders Ringbrothers are celebrating the legacy of the mighty Buick Grand National with their latest creation, INVADR. This 1987 Buick Grand National is a stunning blend of classic styling and modern performance, paying respect to Buick's impact on 1980s hot rodding.

Unveiled today at the 2024 SEMA Show, INVADR is the latest in a long line of hero cars built by Ringbrothers.

From the moment you lay eyes on INVADR, it’s clear that this car is a masterpiece. Its aggressive stance, widened body, and custom front fascia give it a menacing presence on the road. Body modifications include flush-mount quarter glass and aluminum wraparound bumpers. (Notice that the plastic bumper filler is missing?) The hood is styled after a Cadillac ATS-V. The striking metallic black BASF “Dark Vader Gray” is complemented by subtle red accents.

“Driving INVADR is an experience like no other,” says Mike Ring. “The combination of classic styling and modern engineering creates a unique driving experience that truly makes you feel alive.” Every detail of INVADR has been meticulously built to perfection. From the custom aluminum hood and fenders to the bespoke interior featuring Recaro seats and a modern digital dashboard, this car exemplifies the artistry that Ringbrothers is known for.

In a world filled with engine swaps, it’s worth mentioning that INVADR is still powered by a turbocharged Buick V6. But now it’s fortified with twin Precision GEN 2 62mm mirrored turbos. The motor, built by Kenny Duttweiler, retains its original 3.8 liters of displacement but generates a whopping 1,246 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque.

INVADR rides on a custom Roadster Shop Fast Track Stage III chassis with 58.75-inch track width and four-link rear suspension. One trick feature is the Duco Performance air jack system, with a nitrogen tank in the trunk. “A customer basically brought it to us with a bunch of parts,” said Jim Ring.

Grand Nationals originally came only with automatic transmission, but INVADR channels its copious power instead through a Bowler T-56 six-speed manual. The wheels are HRE 528 three-piece designs with satin charcoal centers. They measure 19x10.5 front and 20x13 rear.

The interior, crafted by Steve Pearson at Upholstery Unlimited, offers a blend of comfort and performance that caters to both the casual driver and the performance enthusiast. At the same time, it walks a fine line between modern and vintage. Although there’s a full roll cage, and the floor material is meant to resemble carbon fiber, “The customer wanted it to look like a Buick on the inside,” said Jim.

INVADR is more than just a car – it’s a statement. It embodies the spirit of innovation and craftsmanship that has defined the American automotive landscape for decades. As we continue to celebrate the rich history of classic cars, INVADR serves as a reminder that the future of the automotive world is bright, bold, and full of possibilities.