Live auctions can be exciting. Many auction houses even have their employees shout and cheer in an attempt to make things even more thrilling. That’s because they know that humans are emotional creatures and when caught up in the moment, there’s a good chance we will do things we wouldn’t normally do. My dad demonstrated this phenomenon this past summer when he attended his first classic car auction with my mom. The lights were blazing, money was flowing, and a certain muscle car caught his eye…
He quickly forgot that he was taking delivery of a Cougar in the fall when this 1967 Buick GS 400 drove across the block. Before my poor mother could stop him, his paddle went up and after a furry of bidding, a big-block convertible was his. I thought he was a little crazy when he called me up, but that all changed when I finally saw it in person when Josh and I visited for Thanksgiving. This car is impressive! Just think, that 400 cubic inch V8 puts out more torque than a the mighty SS 396!
Besides the engine and droptop, the next best feature of this car is the air conditioner. That may sound strange, but there weren’t a lot of these cars produced and even fewer convertibles with A/C. The ivory over light fawn color combo and subtle styling make this one classy cruiser. After a quick spin around the storage facility, it quickly became apparent that this thing is a beast too! The rear brakes were a little sticky and I could tell the carb needed some attention to get every pony out of that engine, but this thing seemed like a bargain entry into a car with this kind of performance.
So, now that the Cougar has taken over the heated garage, Dad has decided that the Buick needs to go to someone with enough garage space, money, and time to enjoy it. We have listed it for him here on eBay with a reserve in hopes that he will recoup some of his investment. I know if my dad could go back in time, he would do it all over again. He will probably lose some money on the whole thing, but it created a memory and even gave him something new to chat about with his sons. Sometimes this hobby is about more than the actual cars themselves. Automobiles are just metal, but they sure can create and rekindle a lot of memories in us. Heck, sometimes they can even bring us all together.
That’s not a 401 Nailhead. It’s a 400 GS engine. Basically a smaller version of the 455. I parted out a ’67 GS 400 and used the engine in a ’66 GMC pickup. Made a nice truck out of it. I sold that goofy air filter for more than I paid for the car!
Well, if it’s a 400GS engine, he needs to fix the ebay ad.
Nice car BTW.
I’ve updated the post. Thanks for catching that Lee.
Nice car. I hope your dad has good luck with the auction.
I’m no convertible fan but I do like the 67 Buick GS 400’s, had a girlfriend for a short time in the early 70’s that had one and it was light blue with dark blue interior and it was a nice car. Good luck to your Dad and I hope he breaks even.
Nice car, I’d be tempted to sell the Cougar before I parted with this.
What kind of rust are we talking about? Please post pictures, thanks
This story rocks!’
Deep purple in HOF and your Dad following his passion!
Better vehicle than a gnx!
I believe 1966 was the last year for the “Nailhead” . Still a nice car.
Man, I really like those valve covers and air cleaner! The housing on the console, would that have been for an optional tach or clock? Good luck on your sale.
I believe that the GS 400s all came with the tach.
Sweet.. Best of luck…
For God’s sake!! Let that Cougar go.Keep that Buick. Cougers are all over the place (they’re 3 in my town of 9500 folks that I see on the road alot, and that isn’t counting one Couger owner who has THREE parts cars.Keep that Buick.. Please!!!!
Well, the Cougar came from the first owner and is in amazing condition. There may be a lot of Cougars around, but not many like his.
Jesse, I wasn’t being a smart about the rust comment – in the ebay listing you mention “no serious rust”. Can you please elaborate and attach pictures of the rust areas? Thank you
Well, there is surface rust as shown in the photos. We were not able to find any cancer though. Josh is going to take a few more photos this week which we will post up.
What a great classic looking Buick! Your Dad has good taste in convertibles. I hope he at least makes his money back on this little gem. I would love to enjoy cruising in this thing. I forwarded this to a couple friends, I wish I had the cash for this.
I have a 67 Skylark convertible. I have had it for 25 years and never plan to let it go. I agree… get rid of the cougar.
My family owned a 67 Buick Special Deluxe and I owned a 67 Skylark Custom but I always wanted a GS. If I was at the auction the dad attended, we would have fought over this car!
Here’s your chance. I am sure he’ll let you bid on it now.
Yep, it’s listed on eBay Alexander so you still have a chance.
I really like the car.. Has it been sold and what is the asking price. Thanks.