Unknown at the time, the year 1970 became the pinnacle of Detroit’s power prowess. In one swift moment, all the rules were thrown out the proverbial window, particularly at General Motors, which finally lifted the self-imposed 400 CI engine restriction for intermediate platforms. But while much of the attention was bestowed upon Chevrolet and Pontiac with their image-leading Chevelles and GTOs, it was Buick that may have subtly made the ultimate “supercar” statement. Equipped with a newly developed 455 CI engine, the rebadged GS 455 touted a whopping 510 lb-ft of torque—this from a division that catered to the upright businessman and the moderately successful family alike—bolted into a car that, with the exception of discreet badging, didn’t scream “muscle” like its striped brethren. And if that was not enough, there was the Stage 1 option that, when adapted to the 455, produced an additional 10 HP… or so it was claimed. Even the contemporary motoring press, specifically Motor Trend, which tested a Stage 1 to a 13.38-second ET at 105.50 MPH (January 1970), was quick to quip that the factory rating was “some kind of understatement of the year.” This prize-winning 1970 Buick GS Stage 1 Convertible is one of only 67 Stage 1 convertibles equipped with the Muncie 4-speed manual transmission. Being they were built in the pinnacle performance year of 1970, 4-speed-equipped Stage 1 convertibles are commonly referred to as the “Holy Grail” of classic-era Buick GS muscle cars. Few remaining examples approach this one’s exclusivity, for it is one of the most highly optioned cars of its type built. Finished as originally produced in Fire Red with a Pearl White-on-black interior and matching white soft top, it combines the Stage 1 option package (including the Positraction performance axle, heavy-duty cooling, Rallye Ride Control Package and Heavy Duty Suspension Components) with power steering and front disc brakes and Goodyear Polyglas GT G60-15 white-letter tires on chromed wheels. Building on Buick’s reputation for upscale comfort, the GS convertible’s luxurious interior offers a Soft Ray-tinted windshield, Custom Trim bucket seats, locking “Consolette” short center console, Convenience Light Group, Tach and Gauges Instrument Group, dual chromed outside mirrors with driver’s remote control and an AM/FM radio. All these options are documented on both the window sticker and the included GS Historical Society report generated from Buick factory records. After the paintwork was completed, the car was sent to highly respected Buick GS expert Dave Kleiner of GS Enterprises in Potosi, Wisconsin, who completed the car’s rotisserie restoration to painstaking detail. As a testament to Kleiner’s craftsmanship, the car received the “Best Muscle Car” award in a very high-quality class at the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours d’Elegance. This is a very special opportunity to purchase an ultra-rare, highly sought-after 4-speed convertible with complete documentation: a true pinnacle of Buick performance and the muscle car era alike.
