While the 1960s are viewed by many as a golden age in automotive history, few would be willing to attach that label to the 1970s. Under mounting pressure from those in the seats of power, manufacturers focused on emissions regulations and safety, a double whammy for performance enthusiasts. Compliance pushed vehicle weights up, while engine power dived dramatically. This effectively sounded the death knell for high-performance models, with cars like this 1972 Buick GS 455 representing a sort of last hurrah for the breed. It presents impressively and, as the Stage 1 variant, it was about as good as it got in 1972. We always appreciate the input from our valued readers, so I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Buick listed here on eBay in Bloomington, Illinois. With an asking price of $49,995 OBO and strong listing statistics, this GS 455 could head to a new home in 2026.
Although it presents beautifully, there is a lot to unpack with this Buick. The dazzling Stratomist Blue paint looks superb, but the Cowl Tag indicates that this classic left the line wearing Seamist Green. It is unclear when the color change occurred, but the seller states that it was applied over the car’s original steel. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the gaps are as tight and consistent as you could hope to find on any classic of this vintage. Rust isn’t an issue, with the underside shots confirming that this Buick is as solid as the day it rolled off the lot. The contrasting White vinyl top looks perfect, as does the trim and glass. The Magnum 500 wheels sparkle and are wrapped in BF Goodrich rubber.
Buick introduced the GS 455 in 1970 as its replacement for the previous “400” variant. As the designation suggests, the company bolted a 455ci V8 under the hood. It offered two versions, with the entry-level motor delivering 260hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque. However, this car features the more potent Stage 1 version, placing 270hp and 390 ft/lbs at the driver’s disposal. Rounding out the package are a three-speed Turbo 400 automatic transmission, a 12-bolt rear end, and power assistance for the steering and the front disc brakes. We’ve reached the point where the water is slightly muddy, as the seller describes the engine as “period correct.” That suggests that it sports the correct date code, but that this classic isn’t numbers-matching. That will negatively impact the car’s long-term investment potential, although enthusiasts seeking a driver-grade vehicle will find it less of an issue. And “driver-grade” is an appropriate term, because this Buick is a turnkey proposition with no mechanical needs.
Buick focused on perfectly combining luxury and performance with its Gran Sport range, as demonstrated by this car’s interior. The White upholstery looks classy, while the air conditioning, acres of faux woodgrain, console, factory tach, and sports tilt wheel combine to make life aboard this GS 455 very pleasant. The only visible aftermarket additions are the GS floor mats and the retro-style stereo. Otherwise, there are no cosmetic issues or signs of age deterioration. It is neat and tidy, and it looks incredibly comfortable.
The asking price for this 1972 Buick GS 455 Stage 1 isn’t pocket change, particularly at a time when values have dropped dramatically. That raises the question of whether the seller’s BIN is justified, which is challenging to answer. If this car were completely original and unmolested, recent successful sales suggest that it is. However, with the Cowl Tag indicating a color change and the listing text suggesting that it is no longer numbers-matching, the seller may need to be flexible in their negotiations to taste sales success. Do you agree?
Having owned a 71 Skylark convertible that left the factory Seamist green I certainly understand the color change here. My Skylark was painted bright red before the mid 70’s by my uncle, before my ownership. I’m not one to assign value to cars as I’m out of the market and probably out of touch, but following these loosely for years I would expect to spend around $30,000 on something like this, and this car is beautiful. For $50k I’d be thinking of a numbers matching 70 or 71 GS455
It looks nice, great color combination. The VIN will tell you what engine it originally came with. The sellers description is a bit off, it has a BOP 10 bolt, the “period correct” 455 doesn’t mean it has a Stage 1, which is never mentioned in their ad. It’s a bit surprising rear boxed control arms and an OE style rear sway bar weren’t added, they are an inexpensive upgrade and contribute to the cars performance heritage.
As with any car listed for sale, especially if it’s being sold by a dealer, it’s up to the buyer to give it a thorough inspection to verify what they are getting for their money.
Steve R
Looks like all they did for suspension upgrade is jack up the rear end which does nothing for handling.
That could be due to repop springs versus any intention to make the car look a certain way. A lot of the muscle car reproduction springs will make the car sit way too high. It’s a small detail but can be a tell tale sign of a restorer trying to get the car out the door quickly versus taking the time to source the correct components.
That could be especially true here where the springs don’t even match. I suspect that they may have put new ones on the back but left the front ones that were on it alone, hence the dramatic rake. So what other corners did they cut? Again, inspections are very important.
I’m not usually a fan of the white vinyl roof, but it does work nicely with the current color of this vehicle. This is an extremely nice driver grade car, but the ask does seem high for a car that is not numbers matching. Otherwise, beautiful.
They tout its supposed originality. It is a “REAL GS not a clone” everyone, superior to a mere tribute. The “real deal.” But notice how they dance around and avoid telling you what kind of real deal. Was it a GS 350 or GS 455 originally? Lord only knows because they don’t give us the VIN. A 1972 GS 350 is basically just a Skylark with a trim package.
They do show the data plate. Paint code 43 T translates to Seamist Green with a tan vinyl top. Trim code 134 is for Sadlewood (tan) interior.
So this has had a color change – inside and out and up top too. And why show the data plate but not the VIN plate?
I would inspect this one in person and check all the numbers, along with the quality of the restoration. A lot of the repops for these cars do not hold up very well and are made overseas.
Judging by the badging on the fenders, this Buick at best, was a GS350 originally. A Sloan report is easily available for a ’72, and that would confirm what the car is.
Is BF getting a kickback from Autohouse Bloomington? I thought this site was about old cars in barns, not about overpriced dealer cars in slick showrooms.
I am willing to give a little runway as Barn Finds has been pretty good about avoiding this. Just because the car is in a dealership doesn’t necessarily mean it shouldn’t be covered. I think this particular car illustrates many things that are wrong with our hobby today, so i’m glad it’s here.
Yes, but Cayenne, they have no less than 3 cars from the same dealership on the site today! It’s time to get back to the barn!
I see your point but again, I think this one’s a good study to analyze. I didn’t look at the other ones but I consider these types of dealers to be our hobby’s version of a puppy mill. So I certainly hope this does not become a trend on here.
I agree with Rex. This is laziness on Barn Finds part, or favoritism to that dealer. And not subtle.
Not sure about it being favoritism as I don’t see any of us even entertaining a remote idea of a car like this in anywhere near the neighborhood of the asking $$$. I enjoy looking at all of them. But have had the same thoughts.
there are somethings here that are not jiving. no vin# in the listing. a true stage 1 will have a “V” in the vin which designates a real stage 1. no Sloan docs which are available for 72 Buicks. seller states “N31” bumper. does not have the thru bumper exhaust. has some other off the wall exhaust. this car looks good but seems fishy and they want top dollar for a under par example. 3 cars listed today on here by the same dealer. i feel only 1 should have been picked and spread the rest out thru the week. i feel that this site is far superior to B A T in a lot of ways
Meh, a little vague on information. They’re only telling you what you might like to hear… My guess is it’s a GS350.
Lose the air shocks please.
I think those are Chinese sourced coil springs, not air shocks.
Why do People insist on putting the nail on wheel weights on the outside of Beautiful wheels? They Destroy the Wheel and look like Crap. In our modern world we have stick on Weights that go on the inside of the wheel and does not harm the wheel. Just my opinion.
Three posts from the same seller, exactly 1 hour apart, and no response to the various posts suggesting a kickback. Draw your own conclusions.
They have the VIN# on their website. 4G37K2Z124201
So this is not a Stage 1 correct?
No!
I’m not a Buick specialist by any stretch of the imagination. But I still like them. In high-school on a double date in my ’55 Chev convert. I drove up behind one of these with a wing on the back. (,factory?)
The driver was driving 30 mph in a 45 zone.I could tell by the driver’s hat and the passenger’s hat that they were an older couple. I commented on the fact that the poor car had not been seen a full throttle in a long time. So I was kind of crowding him, partially because he was slowing me down. AND because I wanted to see him “step on it!” Well, I got my wish. A puff of black smoke from the tail pipes, puffs of bluish black smoke from the rear tires and chunks of carbon out the tail pipes told me I was correct in my assumption and it also told me HE WAS GONE! He left me so fast I never even saw where he went. And it wasn’t like we were out in the boonies. It was in the middle of Elmwood Park Illinois.
K = 350/4 in the VIN. Clone/faked car.
My first car as a 16 year old was a 1970 sea mist green stage 1 with brown leather seats and that car got me in more trouble. In Iowa you had to have a license for a year without a ticket on your first license . I started the year over at least 4 times before mom took the keys . Oh to be 16 again .