The Pontiac GTO shouldn’t exist, and if it weren’t for a mandate from GM’s top brass, it wouldn’t exist. GM executives, along with all other members of the American Automobile Manufacturers, signed an agreement not to participate in organized motorsports after a horrific crash at the 1955 24 Hours of LeMans. Soon after, all manufacturers began providing covert support to racers everywhere. In the early 1960s, GM sold six out of ten new cars in the US, and GM executives feared the federal government would begin to view the company as a monopoly and break it up. To avoid extra scrutiny, GM brass halted any motorsports involvement. This killed the Corvette Grand Sport and put a dagger in the heart of Pontiac’s advertising campaign. It will also give birth to a new car category that includes the GTO and Buick GS.
The GTO, after overcoming several obstacles, achieved surprising success. It sold more than 32,000 copies in its first year. Of course, other GM divisions wanted their own mid-size muscle cars, and began work on building their own A-body platform hot rods. Buick based the car on the Skylark and called it the Buick GS or Gran Sport.
The Buick GS was subject to the 1965 model year. Being a Buick, it was more luxurious than other brands’ offerings. Powered by a 401 cubic inch Buick Nailhead V8, the GS produced 325 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. The Gran Sports sold well, with over 15,000 sold in its first production year and almost as many in 1966. In 1967, the GS became a standalone model as the GS 400.
The Buick GS didn’t sell as much as the GTO, Olds 442, or Chevy Chevelle. But in 1969, GS grabbed all the attention with the Buick GS Stage 1. Production of the GS Stage 1 was limited to around 1,500 copies, with a power output of 350 horses. The Stage 1 came with chrome valve covers, better cooling, an induction hood, and a 3.64 limited-slip rear end. If you order the optional AC, the Stage 1 comes with a 3.42 rear gear.
For 1970, GM withdrew the 400 cubic inch displacement limit for midsize passenger cars, and the Buick GS could be had with the 455 Big Block. The 455 is very underrated at 360 horses (actually more like 420) and 510 pound-feet of torque. Motor Trend magazine tested a GS Stage 1 that covered the quarter mile in 13.79 seconds at 104.5 mph using stock tires and no modifications.
Our featured 1970 Buick GS convertible could possibly be the best of the 455 cubic inch 1970 GS Stage 1s, thanks to the modern 6.2-liter LS engine under the hood. Professionally restored in Silver Mist, the GS is equipped with an automatic transmission, Hotchkis suspension, aluminum radiator, Wilwood four-wheel power disc brakes, Dakota Digital replacement gauges, center console with horseshoe shifter, and Haartz fabric power convertible top.
This is updated A 1970 Buick GS convertible will cross the Mecum Auctions block at 39 years oldth Original Spring Classic Saturday, May 16thin Indianapolis.
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