Drivetrain
Chassis
Body
1970 Buick GS455 Convertible, 2 Owner CA Car Great Running Car
The Gran Sport name has been used on several high-performance cars built by Buick since 1965. In the GM brands hierarchy, Buick was surpassed in luxury and comfort appointments only by Cadillac, which did not produce performance models. As a result, the Buick GS series were the most opulently equipped GM sport models of their era. The Gran Sport performance enhancements on all Buick products during this era sought to affirm Buick's tradition of producing powerful and comfortable products going back to the 1930s when all Buicks of the time were upgraded to the Buick Fireball Straight Eight, then installed the 278 cu in Roadmaster engine in the shortest model Special and introduced the Century, known as "the banker's hot rod" with a three speed syncromesh manual transmission. The Gran Sport sought to identify cars that were fun to drive with a luxury approach.
In 1968 and 1969 Buick offered the GS 400 in a convertible and hardtop model. The 400 was replaced for 1970 with the Buick 455 cu in (7.5 L) V8 engine, used in the GS 455. The base model was rated at 350 bhp and 510 lb⋅ft of torque at 2800 rpm. The optional Stage 1 trim equipped with a single 4-barrel Rochester Quadrajet carburetor was rated at 360 bhp
The upgraded engine option to the 1970 GS 455, the moderately priced Stage 1 package, drew a great amount of attention and controversy in the muscle-car world when in the 1980s it was listed as faster than any of the Chrysler Hemi cars in the original "50 fastest muscle cars" list. This Hemi vs. Stage 1 controversy has prompted several contests to settle the issue; it remains an unsettled matter and has been a great boon to car magazine sales over the years.
This Car was purchased by our Client from the Original Owners in California a few years back. The car is largely original but wears a later respray in the Original Color. The Previous Owner had performed a lot of mechanical work prior to selling the car. and since acquisition a new top has been installed with all new Cylinders and Motors, The water pump and Thermostat have been replaced, the radiator recored, and expansion tank replaced. A more sporting Steering Wheel, modern stereo, and New Carpet set was installed as well. All Original Parts were retained and are with the car.
The car runs and drives very well, the interior is quite nice and in excellent condition really. This car can be immediately enjoyed and improved over time.