When owning vintage cars, it’s typical to have a dilapidated spare vehicle on standby for salvaging rare components that might require replacement. However, the scenario at hand is quite extraordinary: Two completely identical, superb 1987 Buick Grand Nationals with sequential VINs that exited the dealership and found their way into someone’s storage for three decades, only to be rescued and revitalized by a duo of devoted enthusiasts last year. Presently, these gems are available for purchase on eBay.
About ten months back, we shared the tale of Shawn Mathews and William Avila, after stumbling upon an online forum post regarding an unidentified individual in Oklahoma looking to sell a pair of preserved Grand Nationals for $200,000. Initially skeptical due to the absence of images and the exorbitant price tag, they couldn’t pass up the opportunity to witness these survivors in person. Thus, Mathews and Avila embarked on a 3.5-hour journey to inspect them.
Facebook | William Avila
As fate would have it, the narrative was authentic. Avila mentioned at the time that they were left spellbound as the proprietor raised his garage door, unveiling the impeccable G-bodies comfortably nestled side by side beneath a thick layer of dust. Other than the drooping headliners, they were practically in showroom condition, complete with window stickers. Thanks to regular upkeep over the years, the only requirements for starting them up were fresh batteries and fuel. Avila and Mathews were immediately captivated.
What sets these Buicks apart is their uniqueness as inseparable twins. With matching features and consecutive VINs, they departed the assembly line in unison, moving on to the same dealership and being sold to the same individual. Following extensive negotiations regarding the steep asking price, Mathews ultimately penned a check to bring the twins home and restore them to their former glory.
eBay
Initially intending to retain them indefinitely, they are now listed for sale on eBay. The current bid stands at $145,000 with the reserve unmet and three days remaining. To learn more, The Drive reached out to Avila, overseeing the sale for Mathews, who clarified there are no issues with the twins, but Mathews, being a businessman, is contemplating other investment opportunities. Avila emphasized that the twins won’t be sold unless the right offer materializes, hence the undisclosed reserve price.
Since their rescue, the Grand Nationals have undergone thorough cleaning, although Avila convinced Mathews to retain the sagging headliners and faded bumper filler intact for originality (“If they were mine, they probably would have stayed dirty.”). Avila emphasized the narrative will be as compelling as the condition in the sale process. Besides those aspects, the vehicles are flawless, exuding even the scent of a new car.
Facebook | William Avila
“[Mathews] insists on perfection. Numerous individuals have marveled at their pristine state,” he noted. “These are not like your typical 30-year-old vehicles that show signs of frequent use and wear. They require no maintenance at all. They feel like completely new vehicles.”
The two enthusiasts concur on one crucial point—under no circumstances should the twins be separated. As an avid “Buick guy” engaged in Grand National racing on the side, Avila aspires for them to eventually find a place in a museum. Given that General Motors recently vacated some space in their Heritage Center collection, this prospect remains plausible. Primarily, both Avila and Mathews desire a fitting residence for the twins, ideally safeguarded from natural calamities.
“To be honest, the storage unit they are in was ravaged by a tornado back in 2013. The cars are insured, but we’d hate to see them obliterated,” he disclosed to The Drive. “I reckon that’s one of the reasons he wishes to relocate them.”
