Cody U. 
We thought comedian and actor Kevin Hart would be at SEMA 2022, and he was. While his Muscle Car Crew was on hand, serving as the opening day’s keynote speakers, Hart was there for the cars. Hart, who has a history of passion for muscle cars and the automotive world, was presented with one of his finished projects on the SEMA showroom floor. The car, a 650 horsepower 1987 Buick Grand National that goes by “Dark Night.”
The vehicle was unveiled at the Magnaflow booth as it was equipped with a custom Magnaflow exhaust system. To produce the build, Hart enlisted the help of Dave Salvaggio of Salvaggio Designs and Sean Smith of Sean Smith Designs. Salvaggio Designs, in case you weren’t aware, is the same team that helped Hart create a “terrifying” 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner. The Dark Knight, as the name implies, carries a SEMA worthy batman style and attitude from bumper to bumper. After the reveal, Kevin, thankfully honored the team with a toast, saluting their work and everything they do.
Kevin Hart’s ‘Dark Knight’ Buick Grand National: Details
The inside of the car carries the Batman theme throughout, featuring gray, and dark blue leather, as well as some subtle hints of bronze on the trim, steering wheel, and cooling vents giving a nod to the superheroes utility belt.
On the exterior, Kevin Hart’s 1987 Buick Grand National features various carbon fiber pieces, namely the hood, front splitter, and mirrors. The car also features custom modernized badging all the way around. The Grand National, a T-top convertible, is covered in BASF black paint with exception to the wheels which are 19-inch nickel-plated HRE 501’s. Supporting the vehicle is a custom made Salvaggio frame, Detroit Speed front suspension, four-link rear end, and Ultimate Performance coilovers. Powering the 1987 Buick is a Cadillac ATS-V 3.6L V6 LF4 twin-turbo V6 engine mated to an eight speed automatic that produces 650 horsepower. Considering the original engine for the Buick Grand National was also a turbo six, this engine choice feels more appropriate to the car than, say, what Roadster Shop did with theirs.
