Numbers Matching 34,822 Actual Mile GS455 Stage 1 455 V8 4 Speed Survivor

Like the Wildcat that came before it, Buick's GS was meant to take public perception of the tri-shield brand and turn it on its head. The idea was as simple then as it is today: appeal to a younger clientele to ensure the continued survival of the company. Well, whoever checked the options sheet for this awesome 1970 survivor certainly wasn't typical 'doctor's car' clientele. Its original, 455 cubic inch Stage 1 V8 was a go-to heavyweight for both stoplight brawlers and drag strip warriors. Its original Muncie 4-speed is as spirited as it is reliable. And its rare H1 trailer towing option means that someone was certainly thinking outside the box. Maybe that sort of enthusiasm is also why the car has been immaculately maintained for 45 years and, subsequently, was certified Gold by the Buick GS Club of America. If you're in the market for a top-notch example of one of the coolest Buicks ever produced, this national award winner is just the car you've been looking for!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Known throughout the Buick world as the 'trailer hitch GS455', this super clean Stage 1 features a solid body that conveys a sense of integrity perfectly befitting its parent division. Consistently providing its various owners with a great combination of rock-solid reliability and full-throttle comfort, that body has never been separated from its chassis. Fittingly, a smooth coat of original Diplomat Blue paint reflects an original vinyl roof. And presently, this Buick's desirability as something that's as rare as it is unique is both genuine and fitting.

By 1970, Buick had pretty much perfected its top dog performance offerings both mechanically and aesthetically. At the front of the car, a clean, silver-trimmed grille hangs a bold GS emblem between a broad bumper, chrome-trimmed headlights and clear parking lamps. At the top of that grille, a scooped hood leads the eye to factory-tint glass, which is sealed behind tri-shield mirrors, traditional door handles and polished stainless trim. At the base of that glass, correct door guards and correct door edging perfectly complement straight wheel frames, red-trimmed rocker plates and classy GS Stage 1 ornamentation. And at the back of the car, a second broad bumper centers a classy “BUICK” script between clear tail lamps, correct deck trim and a fourth “GS” emblem.

ENGINE

While the exterior of this slick A-Body does an excellent job of upholding GM Design's world-class visual aesthetics, the engine compartment is where purists REALLY start to take notice. And for good reason too, because the 455 cubic inch Stage 1 V8 that's bolted between the car's rust-free fenders is the kind of killer powerhouse that makes people either put up or shut up. Turn the key and a big Quadrajet carburetor mixes air from a black, dual-snorkel cleaner with fuel that's supplied by carefully bent stainless, and shoves it into a correct, cast iron intake. That intake feeds cast iron heads, which ride between a familiar points distributor and high quality Taylor plug wires. Spent gases are jetted through correct, cast iron manifolds, which ride under traditional chrome valve covers. And a correct, heavy-duty radiator, which circulates water around an old school Frigidaire AC compressor via pliable GM hoses and reproduction tower clamps, provides ample cooling. The red-dipped block looks surprisingly clean, dressed in an array of vintage decals and framed in requisite GM Satin Black. Correct ancillaries, like a rebuilt Delco Moraine brake booster, a Saginaw steering box and a reproduction Delco battery, prove someone has put a lot of thought into keeping this all-GM Buick all GM. And naturally, the monster mill centers a correct 1231738 casting number behind a correct “SS” assembly stamp and matching partial VIN.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Under this Buick, it's just as the factory planned, with solid, undercoated floors living a functional, unglamorous existence. An original Muncie 4-speed hangs a matching partial VIN between a correct 3925661 casting number and Muncie (P) M21 (B) assembled on March (C) 18th (18), 1970 (0) build stamp. That stalwart gearbox jerks a correct 10-bolt axle, which is finished with a correct posi-traction differential and correct, 3.42 gears. Holding that killer drivetrain off the ground is a familiar Rallye Ride Control Suspension, which pairs factory power steering with better springs, better shocks, a thicker front sway bar, a standard rear sway bar and boxed rear control arms. The car's optional power front disc and rear drum brakes are present and accounted for. On the outside of those brakes, chrome Buick Rallyes twist G60-15 Goodyear Polyglas GTs around red, white and blue center caps. And the aforementioned manifolds dump spent gases in to aluminized pipes, which make excellent use of throaty turbo mufflers.

INTERIOR

Pop the sculpted doors and you'll find a correct code 188 Black interior that's still factory-fresh in virtually every way. Comfy seats and fade-free door panels continue the rich feeling of the car's royal Diplomat Blue exterior. In front of those seats, an original dash frames a correct AM/FM radio, controls for the aforementioned air conditioning and clear telemetry that includes a correct tachometer. At the base of that dash, correct consolettes highlight classy Buick ornamentation and a familiar Hurst shifter. At the base of that console, heavy duty, shield-branded floor mats protect color-keyed carpet. Opposite that carpet, a tight headliner frames a correctly lit mirror. The driver keeps tabs on the road through a retro Buick steering wheel. And the passengers stash their luggage beside a full-size spare tire in the car's clean trunk.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

Since the sale of this awesome survivor includes Sloan Museum Documentation, there's really no question about the authenticity of its appearance. But, for good measure, here's a look at the car's specially coded VIN and cowl tag.

VIN: 446370HXXXXXX

* 4: Buick Motor Division
* 46: GS455
* 37: 2-door hardtop coupe
* 0: 1970 model year
* H: Assembled in Flint, Michigan
* XXXXXX: Production Sequence Number

COWL TAG:

* 70: 1970 model year
* 4: Buick Motor Division
* 46: GS455
* 37: 2-door hardtop coupe
* FL1: Assembled in Flint, Michigan
* 206193: Fisher Body sequence number
* 188: Black interior
* 28: Diplomat Blue paint
* B: Black vinyl top
* 03C: Assembled during the third week (C) of March (03), 1970

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OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

* Original marketing brochures
* An original Owner's Manual
* A partial owner history
* Photos of the car's pertinent numbers and broadcast sheet
* Service receipts
* A vintage appraisal
* Historical production reference materials
* A vintage Road Test article
* The aforementioned Sloan Museum documents
* A reproduction window sticker
* A large showboard
* Documentation from the car's participation in the 2009 New England Concours D'Elegance
* The car's Grand Sport Club of America judging sheets
* A polished hitch

Over the past year, we've seen some excellent Buicks roll through our RK Motors Charlotte showroom. And while they're all good investments, nothing beats the experience of owning a well-kept survivor! This national award-winning GS is an iconic classic that wraps one of the hottest powertrains ever produced in rare options and a great color combination. If you're ready to enjoy the high point of the muscle car era in something that's both authentic and unique, don't miss the opportunity to own this awesome Stage 1 hardtop!

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SUMMARY

* Highly original survivor that's logged only 34,822 miles
* Scored 389 out of 400 points to be awarded Buick Club of America Gold honors
* Original 455 cubic inch Stage 1 V8
* Original Muncie M21 4-speed manual transmission
* Correct Diplomat Blue paint / Correct Black top
* Correct Black interior
* Correct 10-bolt rear axle / Correct posi-traction differential / Correct 3.42 gears
* Sale includes: Partial owner history / Sloan Museum Documentation / GSCA judging sheets
* Correct power steering / Correct power front disc and rear drum brakes
* Correct Rallye Ride Control Suspension / Chrome Rallye wheels