1970 Buick GSX Hardtop

In the 'Muscle Car' category, the Buick GSX certainly checked every box. After receiving a green light, Buick's product mangers wanted to do what Pontiac, Chevrolet, and Oldsmobile had done - installed a big-inch V8 into an intermediate-sized coupe. In 1970, the GS455 appeared. Buick advertised the GSX with a very conservative 350 horsepower, and the 'tuned' GSX Stage 1 was officially rated at 360 horsepower (in reality it was closer to 425 with the help of a higher-lift cam, a special four-barrel Rochester carburetor, and less-restrictive exhaust). Along with plenty of power, it also offered incredible torque, rated at 510 foot-pounds at just 2800 RPM, more than anything else in its class.

Many consider the GSX 'The most powerful muscle car ever built' and it was offered in only two colors - Saturn Yellow and Apollo White, both with black interiors and contrasting tape trim. They were given front and rear spoilers as standard equipment, along with bucket seats, a floor shifter, wide oval tires, quick ratio steering and anti-sway bars.

In 1970, Buick produced just 678 examples of the GSX and just 479 were given the Stage 1 performance package which included larger valves with stronger springs, a high lift cam, ported heads, a special carburetor, and a low restriction exhaust.

This particular Saturn Yellow Stage 1 GSX coupe was the 117th example produced in 1970. It is one of just 199 GSXs factory-equipped with a four-speed gearbox with floor shift. The car also has power steering and front disc brakes, and a radio. When new, it carried a sticker price of $3864.17.

The car was delivered to Del-Ton Buick in Tonawanda, New York and sold to Legendary Motor Car Company in Halton Hills, Ontario, Canada. Since then, it has passed through several owners. In 2007, it was fully restored and earned a Gold award at the Grand Sport Club of America's annual competition at Bowling Green, Kentucky. In October 2012, the car was offered for sale by Chris' Auto Connection in Moorpark, California where it was acquired by its current caretaker.

Currently, the car shows just 42,703 miles. It has its original radio, spare, jack, and tools. The 455 cubic-inch overhead valve V8 engine is fitted with a single Rochester 4-barrel carburetor and produces 340 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual transmission, front disc brakes and rear drums.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2015