Buying a station wagon frequently involves compromise. Often, an owner needs to sacrifice performance for practicality, but that isn’t the case with this tidy 1970 Buick Sport Wagon. Its original V8 made way for a fuel-injected 455, which could spring a few surprises at the local drag strip or a “Traffic Light Grand Prix.” It needs a new home, with the seller listing it here on Craigslist in Austin, Texas. They set their price at $29,900, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L. for using a highly-tuned classic radar to spot this muscle wagon.
The seller indicates this Buick spent most of its life in Arizona, with a brief stint in Missouri before finding its way to its current location. Vehicles from those locations often look burned and crisp, but the overall indications are that this Wagon may have been garage-kept when it wasn’t prowling the streets. Regardless of the truth, they recently treated it to a repaint in its original shade of Gulfstream Blue. It presents as nicely as you might expect in such circumstances, with no visible flaws on the panels or paint. The original owner selected a few desirable options, including a chrome roof rack, rear dust deflector, and the ultra-sool two-way tailgate. These features remain intact and are in good order. Dry climate living means the vehicle is rust-free, which is a significant positive attribute for any classic from this era. The trim and glass look flawless, with the Magnum 500 wheels adding a subtle sense of purpose.
When buyers ordered a new Sport Wagon in 1970, the most potent engine available was a 350ci V8 producing 315hp. Coupled with a three-speed automatic, it allowed the Wagon to scorch the ¼-mile in a respectable 15.7 seconds. However, this owner wanted more, so the 350 is a distant memory. The engine bay houses a 455ci monster, while the rest of the drivetrain includes an upgraded TH-400 transmission, power steering, and power brakes. To improve reliability and smoothness, the carburetor on that V8 made way for an FiTech fuel injection system. The engine specifications are unclear, but it would be fair to expect the new owner will have at least an additional 50hp at their disposal. It should drop the ¼-mile ET into the low 15-second bracket, with a fourteen conceivable on a good day. The car is mechanically in good health, with the seller describing the 455 as having plenty of power. I find that claim easily believable, and I suspect this beast could be entertaining if the driver buries the right boot. The engine bay features surface corrosion typical on classics from dry climates, but lifting the presentation would not be difficult. Otherwise, it seems the buyer won’t have to spend a dime on this aspect of this Wagon. It runs and drives perfectly and is a turnkey classic awaiting its new owner.
The seller replaced the headliner and rear cargo area trim as part of the cosmetic refresh. Otherwise, it appears this interior is original. Its overall condition reinforces my belief that the Wagon was garage-kept because there’s none of the baked upholstery and plastic we might expect. The two-tone Blue vinyl is excellent, with only some slight foam sagging on the outer edge of the driver’s seat and a deteriorating armrest on the same side. The dash and pad are spotless, as is the carpet. The original owner ordered the Sport Wagon with air conditioning, and although the seller fitted a new compressor, the system requires further parts and attention before it blows ice-cold. It looks like this gem retains its factory radio, with the only other visible options being a remote driver’s mirror and a tilt wheel.
This 1970 Buick Sport Wagon is a genuine sleeper. Although its upgraded V8 might offer significantly more power than the motor it replaces, the fuel injection could conceivably allow it to return better fuel consumption figures if the driver is light with their right foot. Its overall presentation is impressive and could be the ideal cross-country weapon for those wishing to channel their inner Clark Griswold. If a classic wagon is on your Wish List, this one deserves a closer look.
I always thought Buick was the step up from Pontiac/Chevy… no power anything and vinyl? Why buy a Buick over the = P/C?
For a Buick 455, which fully dressede with accessories weighs like 150 lbs less than a big block Chevy. Obviously.
Looks like it has power brakes & power steering to me.
And A/C with a belt!!!
Magnum 500s ???
The wheels are Buick’s version of the Magnum 500, the major difference are the “spokes” are the same width from the bub to the rim, whereas with the Magnums, the spokes are tapered, narrow at the hub, wider at the rim. Still one of the most iconic wheel designs ever, they work on just about everything.
This is the first station wagon I wouldn’t mind owning.
Seeing that I am a south Georgia redneck, I would have to add a GS good.
Id like to have this Beauty Buick, and the nice Riv. 😌
Awesome looking car. I love the grille on this car. I find it way more attractive than the standard 1970 Buick Skylark grille.
Great wagon, nicely done – and yes, a GS hood would have been a great touch on this. However it is NOT a Sport Wagon as that version would have the roof skylights as in the Olds Vista Cruiser. Its “just” a regular wagon.
The skylights were discontinued in the Sport wagon and Vista Cruisers in 1970, so this correct. I had a 73 Vista Cruiser and it did not have skylights.
The Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser with the skylights was discontinued after the 1972 model year.
Sportwagons lost the vista roof after 1969. 1970-72 were flat top wagons and they had the shorter wheelbase at 116″.
Would love to have this car, but I’m out of room
It’s got a TH-400, I wonder how much trouble it would be to swap to a 400-R4. It’s got plenty enough power that it should run down the road fine with O/D, and get good mileage. The only thing that would worry me if I were considering buying this wagon is that comment that it has a new a/c compressor but needs more work to blow cool. That often means that it needs an evaporator. Even so, I’d love to have it. I hope someone who appreciates it will get it.
Few reading these words have had a vehicle where you can WATCH the gas gauge visibly drop as you put your foot into it. Anything with the 455 (or a 454) will behave thus. Going really fast and getting 50 mpg at the same time doesn’t seem like an unreasonable goal. (Please, no e-car comments. Those things are an utter lie.)
I had a ’72 Buick LeSabre that had a 455.It got pretty close to the same mileage as a 350,but would run forever.
A 455 and TH400? The only thing this wagon has ever hauled is ass.
LMFAO.
30 large huh?
The world just gets worse and worse everyday.
Agreed, if this rolled through any of those car auctions I would be surprised if it passed the 10 to 15k mark. I am amazed how everyone thinks all these cars did back then was race. They forget most folks used things like this as family haulers with travel trailers, horse boxes and so on.
This car is awesome .Should do low 13’s with drag radials and a gear no problem. My worn out 67 impala wagon with a tired 120k original 396 th400 and a 3:07 gear did mid 15’s at Great Lakes all day long in 90 degree heat.
Correct. This 70 Sport wagon is essentially the same car as my 69 Special Deluxe wagon. Fuel injected 455 with mild cam with 3.73 gear. 13.11 at 102.
It really could use modern suspension and brake upgrades, otherwise it’s only good in a straight line….