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
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 it’s supposed originality pretty hard. 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 GS. Was it a GS 350 or 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.