Kevin Hart stopped by the 2022 SEMA show in Las Vegas to catch a glimpse of his latest project build, a 1987 Buick Grand National T-Top. Hart’s Grand National, nicknamed “Dark Knight,” was on display at the Magnaflow booth, just across from his 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner in the Meguiar’s booth. Both cars were built by Salvaggio Design with designer Sean Smith at the helm.

Subtle Sleeper Car

Hart’s vision for Dark Knight was that of a sleeper car. Indeed, Hart was looking for a modern-day restomod with the latest technology, but the design directive for Dark Knight was more about subtly. Hart already owns a Grand National GNX with its original flares and wanted to preserve the factory styling as much as possible for Dark Knight. 
Some of Dark Knight’s most important styling cues are also functional. Smith and the Salvaggio Design team used CAD technology to scan and 3D print a new carbon fiber front bumper with air ducts to improve cooling and aerodynamics. Carbon fiber from Brothers Composites is also found on the hood, chin spoiler, rear spoiler, and mirrors.

Next was to “tighten” the body lines, which involved reprofiling the door shut lines to create a smooth look across the primary surface. Randy Russell, Telly Violetto, and Craig Ness completed Dark Knight’s metalwork fabrication. Meanwhile, Smith designed new door handles machined from billet with carbon fiber inlays. 

With the bo...