1970 Buick GS 455 Convertible Heads To Kansas City Auction
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1970 was the final year for full-powered, hairy chested GM muscle cars like the Buick GS. GM knew the end was nigh, as with new emissions standards on the horizon and insurance companies balking at big horsepower numbers, the party was coming to an end. GM decided to go out with a roar rather than a whimper, lifting its self-imposed limit of four-hundred cubic inches on intermediate models for the 1970 model year.
Buick wasted no time taking advantage of the mandate’s repeal, stuffing the massive 455 cubic-inch V8 into the Buick GS, thereby creating the GS 455 and replacing the GS 400. The GS 455 produced 350 horsepower and an earth-moving 510 pound-feet of torque. The GS 455 received a restyling that maintained the previous wheelbase, but added two additional inches in length.
Our feature Buick GS 455 is a glossy Regal Black with black vinyl interior and convertible top. It looks to have been recently restored. The paint presents well, with good shine. Chrome bumpers, trim, and stainless are all brilliant, with no signs of pitting or patina observed. Ram Air hood scoops add to the menacing appearance. The convertible top looks snug, without the wrinkles that occasion having been stored in the “down” position. Buick Rally wheels are wrapped in raised white-letter BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires.
Inside the Buick GS 455, fresh black carpets are plush, without sign of wear or fading. Front and rear bench seats are covered in recent black vinyl. Faux woodgrain trims the crack-free dash. The shifter is column mounted, sitting in front of sharp, crisp gauges. An aftermarket stereo, made for the stock cut-out, has been fitted. This GS 455 is equipped with factory air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, and an in-dash tach.
Beneath the hood of the GS 455 is the Big Block that gives the Buick its moniker. Ram Air surrounds are in fair condition, showing some of the crushing that age and time inevitably visit upon the foam. The 455 cubic-inch mill is backed by a Turbo Hydramatic three-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the wheels through a Positraction rear diff with 3.23 gears. Spent gasses are exhaled through a true dual exhaust. The engine bay is reasonably clean, but a bit of detailing could make it outstanding.
This intimidating Buick GS 455 convertible will be crossing the auction block at the Mecum Auctions Kansas City event happening the first week of December.
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Nice! 510 ft lbs of monster torque!
If I had the money I could definitely find a place at home for it.
Nice !!! Will go for big $$ !!!
It will do good on auction day, it would have done three times better if it was a 454 Chevelle.
Personally I would take the GS any day over a Chevelle.
Never understood people ordering muscle cars with front bench seats and column mounted shifters. Had one didn’t like it nearly as much as My floor mounted shifters. Didn’t mind the floor mounted 3spd with a bench seat though.
What a beauty!! Wouldn’t you really rather have a Buick?
Amen!
It’s called “going fast” with “class”!
What’s with the black trim around the headlights? Suppose to be chrome. A stage 1 455 would be much more desirable.
What does GS stand for?
“GS” stands for Gran Sport.
The Gran Sport logo was used in 1965 & 66
In 1967 it was shorted to just GS..
My guess is that Buick looked at the other divisions, they all used lettere or numbers
I asked that question what GS stood for because I have a 2019 Vette Grand Sport and a 2019 Buick Regal Sport Back GS.
Both red and both grand autos, and thank you for your answer! Barry in Canada.
@BJ Reno,
You are very welcome..
I have owned GS Buicks for years, they are very under appreciated and only in the last 5-8 years have they gone somewhat up in value, they are still a basement bargain compared with i.e. an SS Chevelle.
They are far better cars than the Chevy’s mainly due to a far better build quality, they were also more expensive, after all Buick was right behind Cadillzc price wise
Jan, Sweden (Scandinavia)