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1970 Buick GSX

The Buick Gran Sport was produced from 1965 through 1975 and began life as an option on the Skylark. Under the hood was a powerful 401 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine producing 325 horsepower and 445 foot-pounds of torque. Zero-to-sixty took just under eight seconds while the quarter-mile could be reached in about 16.6 seconds. The option proved to be highly successful with around 16000 examples being produced in its introductory year. The two-door hardtop was the most popular with over 11,000 being produced. A two-door coupe and convertible were also available, both with over 2,000 examples selected.

The second-year brought more horsepower and updated styling. The 401 cubic-inch engine now produced 325 horsepower and 340 horsepower depending on the configuration. The Skylark had been given a slopping rear sail panel which the Gran Sport was easily identified by its dark grilles, hood scoops, front fender vents, and GS badging. These improvements did not bring the desired results as sales fell to just under fourteen-thousand. The two-door hardtop configuration was again the popular choice with almost 10,000 being produced.

The revitalized interest in the vehicle inspired two versions of the GS, the GS400, and GS340. The numbers in the name symbolized the cubic-inch size of the engine. The 401 cubic-inch engine was replaced by an improved 400 cubic-inch unit. Though slightly smaller in size, it was smoother, sportier, and more responsive than the power-plant it replaced and still produced the same 340 horsepower rating as its predecessor. The GS 340 was equipped with a 340 cubic-inch engine that produced 260 horsepower and 365 foot-pounds of torque. Performance and versatility continued with the introduction of a three-speed automatic gearbox; a three and four-speed manual gearbox was also available. Sales held steady but below expectations, with production almost equal to the prior year.

The chassis of the GS was revamped for 1968, becoming smaller in size. Though it became smaller its overall weight increased due to the design and materials used. The 400 cubic-inch engine remained the same while the 340 was enlarged to 350 cubic-inches. The power output rose to 280.

A Stage 1 Special Package was offered which added improvements to the engine, modified suspension, and a better transmission. The result was 345 horsepower and a drop in the quarter-mile by more than a second.

A new model, the California GS, became available in 1968. It was outfitted with a 350 cubic-inch engine, California badging, vinyl top, chrome wheels and trim, and a two-speed automatic transmission. It was only sold in California.

Sales climbed to over twenty-thousand examples in 1968.

A Stage 2 option was added which increased horsepower to 360. Performance throughout the entire lineup was improved due to a functional hood scoop which forced cold-air into the engine. Unfortunately, sales plummeted by almost half. Buick responded in a year later by ignoring its policy of using engines that were no larger than 400 cubic inches in size in their compact and intermediate body styles. The 400 cubic-inch engine was replaced by a 455 cubic-inch power-plant that produced 350 horsepower and 510 foot-pounds of torque. The engine was accompanied by a restyled exterior.

The Stage 1 option added improvements to the engine and other mechanics resulting in over 360 horsepower. The California option was no longer offered while the GS350 received an increase in power, now producing 315 horsepower and 410 foot-pounds of torque.

1970 also brought a new option, the GSX. The GSX was available in only two colors, Yellow or Apollo White. Included in the package were larger tires, improved suspension, hood tachometer, body stripes, and a front and rear spoiler.

For 1970, sales increased to over 20,000 units. This trend would not continue due to new government safety and emission regulations. Rising gasoline prices and an impending oil embargo brought manufacturers adjusting the model line up and engine offerings to compensate. All engines for the Buick GS were detuned. The 350 cubic-inch was rated at 260 horsepower; the 455 cubic-inch was rated at 315 horsepower; and the 4551 cubic-inch Stage 1 produced 345 horsepower. The GSX package was now offered in multiple colors. Sales reflected the drop in horsepower in 1971, with just over 9000 examples being produced. The two-door hardtop was by far the favorite, with over 8,000 examples being sold. Less than a thousand convertibles were produced.

The trend of decreased horsepower and better fuel economy continued throughout the early 1970s. In 1972 less than 9000 examples of the Buick GS were sold. General Motors made the decision to make the GS its own model line for 1973. The GS was moved to the Buick Century Coupe chassis. With decals, wide tires, and dark grille and headlamps, the Buick GS was easily identifiable. The base engine was a 350 cubic-inch eight-cylinder which now produced 150 horsepower. The top of the line engine was the Stage 1 455 cubic-inch eight-cylinder which produced 270 horsepower. With this option, the zero-to-sixty took less than nine seconds which the quarter-mile was accomplished in just over 15 seconds.

The only option available on the GS in 1974 was the 350 cubic-inch V8 in either two or four-barrel carburetor configuration. The platform was again changed, this time finding a home atop the Apollo platform.

In 1975 the GS was again an option on the Century platform. A Gran Sport 231 cubic-inch was introduced.

by Dan Vaughan

Hardtop

On General Motors' prestige ladder, Buick was traditionally positioned a step below Cadillac. It was an elegant and dignified car that was often described as a 'doctor's car.' As the muscle car era rumbled to life even Buick entered the fray with Grand Sport versions of several models. By 1970 the horsepower wars were in full force with factory big blocks contesting virtually every bleach box and stoplight. GM lifted its 400 CID limit on intermediates and Buick quickly dropped 455 cubic-inches into the restyled Skylark GS.

On the heels of Pontiac's GTO judge, Buick added the colorful GSX. It arrived with rear spoiler, body stripes, hood-mounted tach and Saturn Yellow or Apollo White paint. The Stage I version boasted bigger valves, ported heads and a hotter cam among other performance upgrades. Of 678 GSX's built in 1970, only 400 enjoyed the Stage I's 360 horsepower and 510 ft. lbs of torque. Enthusiast magazines of the day gushed over low 13 second quarter miles passes.

The current owner has owned this rare four-speed GSX since 2003 and recently treated it to a restoration. The owner also has a white 1970 GSX which gets driven regularly. It was his dad's GSX that led to this Stage 1 joining the family.

Hardtop

The GS series was Buick's entry into the intermediate-size muscle car market. In 1969, The GS was available with either a 350 or 400 cubic-inch engine. For 1970, the engines were the 50 and the 455. The 455 was equipped with functional hood scoops, a Hurst-shifted 4-speed, 14x6-inch chrome wheels, and various cosmetic items. Stage I and II performance packages with hotter cams, increased compression, carbs, and headers were also optional.

In mid-year 1970, the GSX package with the hood-mounted tach, G60x15 tires on 7-inch rims, spoilers, front disc brakes, heavy duty suspension, and bucket seats was offered with both the 350 and the 455 Stage I engines. The GS 455 could do 0-60 in 6.5 seconds and had 129.5 mph top speed.

666,501 1970 Buicks were built and Buick ranked 4th in US production. This GSX is on display at the National Automotive and Truck Museum of the United States located in Auburn, Indiana.

Hardtop
Chassis number: 446370H272905

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 Dan Vaughan

Hardtop

In the period from 1969-1972, the Muscle Car wars were at fever pitch. When Pontiac introduced the GTO Judge in 1969, with wild 'Carousel Red' (Orange) paint and multi-color stripes, they grabbed the attention of the media and of course, the young male buyers, eager to stand out from the crowd.

Among the General Motors division, Buick was thought of as the conservative, upper scale brand. All of that would change in 1970 with the introduction of the GSX. Under the hood was the division's torque monster 455 cubic-inch engine. In standard form, it produced a highly under-rated 350 horsepower. For a mere $199 more, buyers could opt for the State 1 option, which increased horsepower to 360, while producing a massive 510 pound feet of torque, making it what many consider the most powerful muscle car of the era.

What really makes the GSX stand out is the Saturn Yellow paint, accented by black and red stripes that are unique to this model. Adding full length rear deck and chin spoilers, along with a hood tachometer, upgraded suspension and G60 x 15 tires mounted on chrome Buick Rally wheels sets the stage for the ultimate gentleman's muscle machine.

A mere 479 Stage 1 Automatic GSX's were produced in 1970 in direct response to Chevrolet's LS6 Chevelle SS and Oldsmobiles W-30 442. This prime example of Buick's pinnacle Muscle Machine has been in the current owner's collection for over ten years.

Hardtop

In 1970, all of the domestic auto makers were working hard to get a piece of the youth market. Big engines in smaller bodies were the rage and wild colors and graphics only added to the appeal. Even companies that were known to be a bit conservative could not ignore the profits that these cars were generating, not to mention the potential to draw an entirely new audience to the showroom.

Buick may have been a bit late to the game, but their G.S. (Gran Sport) models would quickly gain respect. When first introduced in 1965, the Grand Sport was Buicks response to the huge success of Pontiacs GTO, something that corporate honcho's were not expecting.

In 1970, at the height of the madness, Buick decided they would step-up their game. With the Stage 1 455 cubic-inch engines already well respected, the decision was made to not only run strong but to also make a bold statement. Advertised as 'A brand new brand of Buick', it was initially offered in just two colors; Saturn Yellow and Apollo White, both with bold black and red graphic stripes. The standard 455 engine produced 350 horsepower while the optional Stage 1 package produced an under rated 360 horsepower with a massive 510 pounds feet of stump pulling torque.

This prime example of Buick Maximum Muscle is one of only 199 Apollo White GSX's produced in its inaugural year.

Hardtop
Chassis number: 446370H 275251

This is the 153rd GSX built in late March 1970. It's a unique example because of its rare combination of options. It came with the 'Stage 1' option which includes the 455 cubic inch engine with a hotter cam and larger valves, a 3.42 posi reared, 4-speed gearbox, tilt wheel, tinted glass and air conditioning. This one is Saturn yellow with special black striping unique to the GSX. Out of the 678-car production run, only 118 of them built were Stage 1-four speeds. It was delivered to Russell Buick in Amarillo, Texas.

Hardtop

The Age of Aquarius came to life for Buick fans in 1970, this car is painted Saturn yellow. Taking a page from the space program, new GSX models, like this car, were an excellent way to introduce the new-for-1970 455 cubic inch engine option. The GSX designation meant more than a simple horsepower, however, even with a laughably underrated 350 horsepower, it had Detroit's then highest ever 510 lb-ft torque rating. GSX buyers went into the dealership looking for the hot graphics, special emblems, hood scoops, and deck wings. One of the most upscale American supercars of that era, only 81 of the 678 GSXs were built with a four-speed transmission. This combination made the GSX the most feared muscle car on the streets. Notably the fastest muscle car of the era.

The Buick Gran Sport was produced from 1965 through 1975 and began life as an option on the Skylark. Under the hood was a powerful 401 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine producing 325 horsepower and 445 foot-pounds of torque. Zero-to-sixty took just under eight seconds while the quarter-mile could be reached in about 16.6 seconds. The option proved to be highly successful with around 16000 examples being produced in its introductory year. The two-door hardtop was the most popular with over 11,000 being produced. A two-door coupe and convertible were also available, both with over 2,000 examples selected.

The second-year brought more horsepower and updated styling. The 401 cubic-inch engine now produced 325 horsepower and 340 horsepower depending on the configuration. The Skylark had been given a slopping rear sail panel in which the Gran Sport was easily identified by its dark grilles, hood scoops, front fender vents, and GS badging. These improvements did not bring the desired results as sales fell to just under fourteen-thousand. The two-door hardtop configuration was again the popular choice with almost 10,000 being produced.

The revitalized interest in the vehicle introduced two versions of the GS, the GS400, and GS340. The numbers in the name symbolized the cubic-inch size of the engine. The 401 cubic-inch engine was replaced by an improved 400 cubic-inch unit. Though slightly smaller in size, it was smoother, sportier, and more responsive than the power-plant it replaced and still produced the same 340 horsepower rating as its predecessor. The GS 340 was equipped with a 340 cubic-inch engine that produced 260 horsepower and 365 foot-pounds of torque. Performance and versatility continued with the introduction of a three-speed automatic gearbox; a three and four-speed manual gearbox was also available. Sales held steady but below expectations, with production almost equal to the prior year.

The chassis of the GS was revamped for 1968, becoming smaller in size. Though it became smaller its overall weight increased due to the design and materials used. The 400 cubic-inch engine remained the same while the 340 was enlarged to 350 cubic-inches. The power output rose to 280.

A Stage 1 Special Package was offered which added improvements to the engine, modified suspension, and a better transmission. The result was 345 horsepower and a drop in the quarter-mile by more than a second.

A new model, the California GS, became available in 1968. It was outfitted with a 350 cubic-inch engine, California badging, vinyl top, chrome wheels and trim, and a two-speed automatic transmission. It was only sold in California.

Sales climbed to over twenty-thousand examples in 1968.

A Stage 2 option was added which increased horsepower to 360. Performance throughout the entire lineup was improved due to a functional hood scoop which forced cold-air into the engine. Unfortunately, sales plummeted by almost half. Buick responded in a year later by ignoring its policy of using engines that were no larger than 400 cubic inches in size in their compact and intermediate body styles. The 400 cubic-inch engine was replaced by a 455 cubic-inch power-plant that produced 350 horsepower and 510 foot-pounds of torque. The engine was accompanied by a restyled exterior.

The Stage 1 option added improvements to the engine and other mechanics resulting in over 360 horsepower. The California option was no longer offered while the GS350 received an increase in power, now producing 315 horsepower and 410 foot-pounds of torque.

1970 also brought a new option, the GSX. The GSX was available in only two colors, Yellow or Apollo White. Included in the package were larger tires, improved suspension, hood tachometer, body stripes, and a front and rear spoiler.

For the 1970, sales increased to over 20,000 units. This trend would not continue due to new government safety and emission regulations. Rising gasoline prices and an impending oil embargo brought manufacturers adjusting the model line up and engine offerings to compensate. All engines for the Buick GS were detuned. The 350 cubic-inch was rated at 260 horsepower; the 455 cubic-inch was rated at 315 horsepower; and the 4551 cubic-inch Stage 1 produced 345 horsepower. The GSX package was now offered in multiple colors. Sales reflected the drop in horsepower in 1971, with just over 9000 examples being produced. The two-door hardtop was by far the favorite, with over 8,000 examples being sold. Less than a thousand convertibles were produced.

The trend of decreased horsepower and better fuel economy continued throughout the early 1970s. In 1972 less than 9000 examples of the Buick GS were sold. General Motors made the decision to make the GS its own model line for 1973. The GS was moved to the Buick Century Coupe chassis. With decals, wide tires, and dark grille and headlamps, the Buick GS was easily identifiable. The base engine was a 350 cubic-inch eight-cylinder which now produced 150 horsepower. The top of the line engine was the Stage 1 455 cubic-inch eight-cylinder which produced 270 horsepower. With this option, the zero-to-sixty took less than nine seconds which the quarter-mile was accomplished in just over 15 seconds.

The only option available on the GS in 1974 was the 350 cubic-inch V8 in either two or four-barrel carburetor configuration. The platform was again changed, this time finding a home atop the Apollo platform.

In 1975 the GS was again an option on the Century platform. A Gran Sport 231 cubic-inch was introduced.

by Dan Vaughan