1970 Buick Gran Sport Hardtop Coupe

Much like its brother the Oldsmobile 442, the Buick Skylark G.S. is not always the first car though of from the muscle car era. Evolving from the original small car/big engine formula started by the GTO, it is the Chevelle that usually steals the spotlight.

Just as Oldsmobile responded to the GTO in 1964, Buick would jump in for the 1965 model year. Using the intermediate Skylark platform, the G.S. was born. Initially, that meant taking the 400 cubic inch engine along with Police and heavy duty equipment and offering all the things that would appeal to the hungry youth market.

In 1970 the A-Body platform for all General Motors offerings would receive a major facelift. A sleeker flowing body would make the car one of the most popular, and with a standard 455 cubic inch engine rated at 350 horsepower, it had enough to grab plenty of attention.

In 1970 General Motors lifted the ban on engines greater than 400 cubic inches in mid-size models. Buick quickly jumped in with the 455 engine as the standard offering in the Gran Sport line. This prime example went one step further with the optional Stage 1 package, adding even more performance enhancements. It is one of 15 Stage 1s built in 1970 painted in Desert Gold. It was found in deplorable condition, but was returned to its original glory with most of the restoration completed by the owner.