The fact that Buick released a car like this speaks to what the muscle car era was about. After all, Buick was just one step below Cadillac in terms of price and quality from General Motors. However, by 1970, one could now get a Skylark-based GS with a 455 CI engine. Package all of that into a convertible, and a new-car owner was spending serious money. In fact, this special GS is a three-owner car, documented with the Protect-O-Plate, line number build sheet, owner’s manual, sales brochure, warranty book and maintenance receipts. The car still hosts its original matching-numbers 455/360 HP V-8 engine, Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission and 3.42 Positraction 10-bolt rear end. However, this is not exactly a restoration, as one prior owner who kept it for 32 years was a professional mechanical engineer. He personally rebuilt and upgraded this factory engine to its more notorious Stage 1 specification level. The car has flow-through exhaust and highly correct engine detailing, including its carburetor, air cleaner, hoses, hose clamps and fresh air hood. The body is finished in Fire Red with a black top, showing the benefits of its body-on restoration with newer paint and power soft top, plus its highly original headrest-equipped split front bench seat interior. Again, highly factory-correct components such as front and rear floor mats, trunk mat and spare tire, seat belts, washer system, soft top boot, and T-3 headlights are all part of this car’s overall presentation. There is an in-dash electric clock, driver’s side remote mirror, Buick-designation steering wheel and Sonomatic radio as well. The trim outside includes the GS 455 fender tags, tinted glass, the twin-opening hood design and chrome touches on wheel well openings, door edges, and lower rockers. Sans additional graphics as might be expected with a Buick, this hot red machine rides on 5-spoke factory chrome wheels with Buick insignia center caps and Firestone Super Sport Redline tires. Buick wanted to light your fire, and 455 CI did just that. The muscle convertible here echoes the sentiment of that era to this day.
