Documented Numbers-Matching GS455 Convertible 455/360 HP V8 TH400 3 Speed A/C

Description

SUMMARY

5-year restoration completed in 2014
Original 455 cubic inch Buick V8
Original GM Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic transmission
Correct Seamist Green paint / Correct White top
Correct Ivory interior / Factory air conditioning
Sales includes an original Protect-O-Plate and a copy of the car's factory warranty transfer
Sale includes vehicle registrations that span from 1973 to 2005
Chrome Magnum 500 wheels
Factory power steering / Factory 4-wheel power drum brakes
10-bolt rear axle / 3.08 gears

When most customers begin their search for an old school muscle car to drive and enjoy, they usually have three basic criteria. First and foremost, they want something that's super cool. Secondly, they want something that's reliable. And last but not least, they want something that doesn't require a second job to finance. Fortunately, the gearheads at RK Motors Charlotte pride themselves on specializing in first-rate classics of all kinds. And they always have cars, like this awesome 1970 Buick GS455, that are a perfect fit for anyone. Sporting an original 455, an original Turbo-Hydramatic 400 and fantastic white on green aesthetics, this sublime drop-top is certainly some of the coolest metal to ever roll out of Detroit. Thanks to a high quality restoration, the car can be driven and enjoyed for years without worry. And as a fully documented, numbers-matching classic that's priced at only $80K, it's a solid deal on some impressive muscle!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Decked in retro Seamist Green single-stage, this awesome Buick rolled off GM's Fremont, California assembly line during the first week of March, 1969 and headed straight for Hawaii. After 37 years serving just two owners, the car was shipped back to the mainland in need of minor repair. And, when it fell into the hands of a third owner, it became the focal point of a detailed, 5-year restoration that wrapped in the summer of 2014. During that thorough reboot, straight and solid sheetmetal was worked to better-than-new condition. Fresh Seamist Green 2-stage was topped with correct White vinyl. And presently, this GS rolls as a rare and unique classic that's exactly the kind of all-business, no-nonsense muscle car Buick always intended it to be.

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 grille hangs a bold GS emblem between a re-chromed bumper, chrome-trimmed headlights and clear parking lamps. Behind that grille, a scooped hood hides correctly recessed wipers at the base of factory tint glass and original stainless trim. At the sides of that hood, traditional door handles and color-keyed sport mirrors perfectly complement fresh wheel frames, red-trimmed rocker guards and fresh GS ornamentation. And at the back of the car, a second re-chromed 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 burly, 455 cubic inch V8 that's bolted between the car's freshly detailed 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 Super Max plug wires. Spent gases are jetted through correct, cast iron manifolds, which ride under traditional, stamped steel valve covers. And a large radiator, which circulates water around an old school Frigidaire AC compressor via pliable hoses and reproduction tower clamps, provides cooling. The bright red block looks fantastic, framed in Satin Black fenders and dressed in an array of correct decals. Well-planned details, like an authentic Delco Moraine brake booster, a Saginaw steering box and a high quality Delco battery topper, prove someone spent a lot of time executing this Buick's top-notch restoration. And naturally, the monster mill displays a correct 1231738 casting number and matching partial VIN.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Under this Buick, it's just as the factory planned, except with much more precision and, subsequently, much more appeal. An original, "BA" branded Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed sends power to a familiar 10-bolt that's equipped with mild, 3.08 gears. Holding that killer drivetrain off the ground is a familiar double A-arm front and 4-link rear suspension that's equipped with factory power steering. During restoration, power-assisted drums were completely rebuilt to factory specifications. On the outside of those brakes, chrome Magnum 500s twist 245/60R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/As in front of 255/60R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/As. The aforementioned manifolds dump spent gases in to aluminized pipes, which follow an X-shaped crossover with throaty Pypes Street Pro mufflers. The car's frame, free of any major damage, is painted black to match its solid, undercoated floors. And, in keeping with the 455 up top, much attention has been paid to making sure everything under this classic is clean, mean and ready to go!

INTERIOR

Pop the sculpted doors and you'll find a correct code 175 Ivory interior that's still restoration-fresh in virtually every way. Comfy seats and fade-free door panels continue the placid feeling of the soothing Seamist Green exterior. In front of the car's rare, power-adjustable front bench, an original dash frames a vintage Sonomatic radio, controls for Harrison air conditioning and crystal clear telemetry. At the base of that dash, heavy duty, shield-branded floor mats protect like-new carpet. In front of the driver, a cool Buick steering wheel laps a tilting column that's fitted with a simple shifter. Behind the passengers, a bright convertible cowl snaps tight over a lighted trunk that's complete with a fresh mat, a correct jack, a full-size spare tire and a new decklid decal. And factory power windows join a power-operated roof in welcoming cool spring mornings and crisp fall evenings.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

With this unique GS, authenticity is inborn. Here's a breakdown of the car's specially coded VIN and original cowl tag.

VIN: 446670ZXXXXXX

4: Buick Motor Division
46: GS455
67: Convertible
0: 1970 model year
Z: Assembled in Fremont, California
XXXXXX: Production sequence number

COWL TAG:

70: 1970 model year
4: Buick Motor Division
46: GS455
67: Convertible
BF: Assembled in Fremont, California
00057: Fisher Body sequence number
175: Ivory interior
45: Seamist Green paint
A: White convertible top
03A: Assembled during the first week (A) of March (03), 1970

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

An original Owner's Manual
A correct Warranty Booklet
A vintage Service Guide
An original Protect-O-Plate
A copy of the car's factory warranty transfer
A stack of registration certificates that span from 1973 to 2005
A reproduction window sticker
A large showboard
A small jar of paint

In summary, this clean, numbers-matching GS is a phenomenal car that, from the ground up, likely couldn't be duplicated for anywhere near our asking price. Its killer V8 will cruise effortlessly at will, and its slick body, classy interior and tough transmission are desirable attributes that set it apart from run-of-the-mill A-Bodies. As a rule, well-done Buick muscle cars usually don't inhabit our showroom for very long. And when they're built and priced like this, it's easy to see why!