Although Buick based its Gran Sport range across several platforms, the badge first saw the light of day as an options package on the 1965 Skylark. This 1972 example is a GS 350, but it has received an engine transplant that should unleash a considerable performance boost. It presents nicely and is set to head to a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting this GS listed here on Craigslist in Española, New Mexico. The seller set their price at $27,500 for what appears to be a turnkey proposition for its new owner.

One attribute that the Gran Sport shared with Pontiac’s GTO is that, while both first appeared as options packs, it didn’t take either manufacturer more than a few years to grant their high-performance offerings standalone model status. Buick ticked that box in around 1967, a year after Pontiac made the move. The badge remained available throughout the production of the Second Generation Skylark from 1968 until 1972. This Gran Sport is a final-year offering that looks stunning. The paint shade is a slight mystery, because I couldn’t locate a similar shade on the 1972 color chart. It looks close to Twilight Turquoise, although I must stress that this is an educated guess. The Black vinyl top is a perfect addition, and finding any cosmetic shortcomings is seemingly impossible. The seller is sparing with their information, but the car’s overall presentation suggests that it could be a recently completed project build. I can’t spot any rust problems to spoil the ownership experience, with the Buick situated in a region with a well-earned reputation for classic steel preservation. The trim and glass are excellent, as are the wheels.

As the model designation suggests, this Buick left the line with a 350ci V8 under the hood. Buick’s specifications for 1972 seem to indicate a significant power drop, with the company quoting a power output of 190hp in its Dealer Specifications Handbook. However, we must drill down to expose the truth, because while the same engine was claimed to produce 260hp in 1971, most of that loss was due to the move to quoting outputs in Net terms. The company’s 1971 literature provides both, confirming that the actual deficit between 1971 and 1972 was only five horsepower. This car’s first owner teamed the 350 with a four-speed M21 manual transmission, and power-assisted steering and brakes. The original four-speed and rear end recently received a refresh, but the numbers-matching motor is no more. It has made way for a professionally rebuilt 455ci powerplant with the capacity enlarged to 463ci. The 455 wears a 1972 date code and should provide at least a 50% power boost over the 350. The car runs on regular fuel and is a turnkey proposition that could be driven home by the new owner.

The seller only supplies a couple of interior images, but they paint a positive picture. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces look extremely nice, and there are no visible issues with the headliner. It doesn’t score such touches as air conditioning or power windows, but the kick panels suggest that the buyer will receive an aftermarket stereo.

This 1972 Buick GS 350 makes a positive first impression cosmetically, and slipping behind the wheel and hitting the gas pedal would confirm that it has the performance to back its looks. It is no longer numbers-matching, which might prompt purists to give it a wide berth. However, if the aim of the exercise is to park a high-end driver in their garage, many enthusiasts will find it extremely attractive. I may typically lean towards unmolested vehicles, but I admit that this Buick should provide an entertaining driving experience, and isn’t that what the ownership experience should be all about?