GSX Stage1

Mecum auctions a écrit:ESTIMATE: $175,000 - $225,000

Perhaps as a result of Ralph Nader’s highly public targeting, for years General Motors’ conservative management kept its divisions constrained by an edict that prevented any engine displacing more than 400 cubic inches from powering its intermediates. Then in 1970 it all changed: GM muscle cars were suddenly on even ground with their crosstown rivals at Ford and Chrysler. Like its competitors at Chevy, Pontiac and Oldsmobile, Buick responded with a big block powerhouse, the colorful and ferocious GS. Judged by many as the greatest Buick ever built, the GS model’s engine was punched out to a full 455 CI. In contrast to the previous year’s figure of 440 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 RPM, the 1970 GS pounded out an incredible 510 lb-ft at only 2,800 RPM, the highest figure in the industry. But Buick engineers were not finished. They created the Stage 1 package featuring a radical cam profile and higher-flow heads and carburetion, raising the official factory horsepower rating to 360. The GSX appearance package was available in radiant Saturn Yellow and Apollo White, and gave the car front and rear spoilers, contrasting accent body striping, heavy-duty suspension with larger Goodyear Polyglas tires and a Matte Black hood-mounted tach. Documented with the original build sheet and title history, this Saturn Yellow 1970 Buick GSX Stage 1 from the Wellborn Musclecar Museum is one of 118 produced with a 4-speed manual transmission. It was sold new at Elliot Buick in Salem, Virginia, and remained a local Roanoke, Virginia, car for more than 30 years. During that time it was professionally restored to stunning concours-quality condition by Buick specialist Dave Kleiner before its purchase by Tim Wellborn in 2007. Optioned with power steering and brakes, Black bucket seat interior with center console, Sonomatic radio and tinted glass, this exquisitely detailed GSX Stage 1 will please the most demanding collector.

HIGHLIGHTS

- 1 of 118 GSX Stage 1 4-speed cars produced
- Documented with the original build sheet and title history
- Stage 1 455/360 HP big block V-8
- 4-speed transmission
- Power steering and brakes
- Hood mounted tachometer
- Sonomatic radio
- Goodyear polyglas tires
- Ownership history since new
- Sold new at Elliot Buick in Salem, Virginia
- Local Roanoke, Virgina car until 2007
- Professional restoration by Buick specialist Dave Kliener
- Saturn Yellow paint with Black stripes
- Black bucket seat interior