ORIGINAL STAGE 1 CAR, PERIOD CORRECT 455 BIG BLOCK, CORRECT COLOR COMBO, NICE!

Description

For reasons that aren't altogether clear to us, Buick muscle cars don't get much respect. Just imagine if this 1970 Buick GS Stage 1 was, say, an LS6 Chevelle. It wouldn't last three minutes in the showroom at this price. Well, the good news is that this is a real code 46 GS 455 and it's packing a Stage 1 upgrade that makes it the biggest, baddest torque factory to ever come out of Flint.Buicks were cars for grown-ups, and the handsome code 28 Diplomat Blue on this GS looks very appropriate. Better still, it's this car's original color, now rendered in modern urethane paints so it has a great shine that'll be easy to maintain. It was repainted in 2003 and is holding up well with only about 10,000 miles since the restoration, and despite the understated look, this one has a serious predatory vibe on the street. Of course, the GS wing out back kind of gives it away, as well as the functional ram air hood, but there are no stripes or other flashing give-aways like on the other GM intermediates, just a set of subtle GS Stage 1 emblems on the front fenders to warn potential competitors on the street. This one also wore a white top when it was new, but that, too, was replaced in 2003, and I think you'll agree that basic black on the mature Buick is definitely the right choice.Handsome and unusual blue buckets are also this car's original combination (code 181) and they look fantastic. Fresh seat covers, matching GS door panels, and correct carpets all maintain the Buick's upscale look and feel inside, and you really can see a difference between this car and, say, a Chevelle. It definitely feels more luxurious. Don't let that fool you, however, because this one still packs a heck of a punch; it's just a softer silk glove for that particular iron fist. A center console with a horseshoe shifter, a leather-wrapped wheel, and clean factory gauges are joined by a trio of aftermarket dials under the dash, as well as a great-sounding AM/FM/CD stereo head unit in the original slot. Options like a remote mirror and factory A/C shouldn't be a surprise on a Buick, and this one even has custom GS-logo floor mats that match the carpets almost perfectly, a nice touch. In back, the trunk is in great shape with original spatter-finish paint and plenty of room for a weekend road trip.While the 455 under the hood is not the #'s matching motor, it's also not selling for a #'s matching price (or anywhere close to that). An era correct 455 block built to somewhat Stage 1 specs, it has a very authentic look, complete with a chrome air cleaner, reproduction decals, and bright Dante Red paint on the block. An Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor probably helps build power and there are upgraded ignition components to help light the fires. The transmission is a TH400 3-speed automatic that doesn't seem to mind the torque, and the 3.42 gears out back are a great compromise between acceleration and easy cruising. Big Flowmaster mufflers and an X-pipe work with long-tube headers to maintain a suitably Buick soundtrack and with big sway bars at both ends, the big Buick is a capable handler, too. Classic Buick road wheels are some of the best-looking OEM wheels of all and carry fat 235/60/15 BFGoodrich T/A radials.This is a heck of a lot of car for the money, and while it's not a pedigree car, any Stage 1 Buick with a big block demands respect. This car be verified through the GS Historical Society (Wayne Roberts) as being an authentic Stage 1 car. The upscale features and look are just icing on the cake. Call today!