It is often said that we can’t have it all, but this 1969 Buick Gran Sport 400 Convertible demonstrates that we can go close. This exceptionally tidy classic features stunning looks, impressive performance, and a long list of factory options. It has no apparent needs, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beauty listed here on Craigslist in Rutland Township, Michigan. The seller set their price at $33,900 OBO but is willing to consider trades.
The “400” variant enjoyed a very brief reign within the Buick Gran Sport range, with buyers only able to secure one of these classics in 1968 and 1969. Various sources quote different production figures, but the general consensus seems to be that only around 1,300 of the automatic Convertible variants rolled off the line in 1969. This is one of those cars, and its presentation is impressive. The seller doesn’t mention a restoration history but confirms that it has always been garage-kept to protect it from the elements. The Burgundy paint looks to be in good condition and is perfectly contrasted by the tight-fitting White power top. The panels are straight, and with this classic spending most of its life in a dry climate, its rust-free status is unsurprising. The sparkling chrome and clear glass add to its visual appeal, as do the sports wheels.
Lifting the hood reveals what separates the GS 400 from mere mortals. As the model designation suggests, the engine bay houses a 400ci V8 that inhales deeply via a Ram Air setup. It sends 340hp and 440 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed Turbo 400 automatic transmission. The inclusion of power assistance for the steering and brakes ensures the driver doesn’t need to expend too much energy behind the wheel to extract the best from this classic. With a ¼-mile ET of 14.9 seconds and a top speed of 131mph, the GS 400 is no automotive lightweight. The seller doesn’t mention whether the vehicle is mechanically original, but there is still plenty of good news. This gem runs and drives extremely well, and is ready to head into the sunset with its new owner behind the wheel.
If the exterior paint shade provides a classy impression, it is heightened by the first owner’s decision to order this classic trimmed in White vinyl with contrasting Black carpet. The condition is pretty tidy, considering White trim has a reputation for becoming dirty and developing a yellow tinge. There are marks, but this interior is comfortably acceptable if potential buyers are seeking a high-end driver. It is interesting that while the first owner loaded the inside of this classic with some desirable options, they didn’t select air conditioning or a floor shift. However, the buyer receives power windows, power locks, cruise control, and a console. The modern stereo appears to be the only aftermarket addition.
The seller’s listing suggests that an in-person inspection will reveal that this 1969 Buick Gran Sport 400 Convertible isn’t perfect. However, it seems to meet the criteria for a high-end driver that can be enjoyed immediately. The seller’s price appears realistic, and with their apparent willingness to consider offers, it could become even more attractive if they are flexible on the matter. It hasn’t been on the market for long, and I won’t be surprised if it finds a new home fairly quickly. Do you agree?
More good news.. lighter than they look, just over 3700lbs. Going to please the crowd onboard when you open up those 4 barrels. 🏁
Nice car and probably rare these days. Agree with Stan and would assume it would hold it’s own at a stoplight drag.
I’ve never cared for these. That swooping chrome on the side just looks out of place to me. I’m sure that’s why some people like it. And I’ll hand it to Buick for thinking outside of the box. And this one is a fire breathing beast and a convertible of course, but it just wouldn’t be my first choice in muscle cars.
Minor correction for the author, while it was a different body style, the 400 engine first became available in 1967, so it was available for three years from ’67-’69. Personally, I really like these “stepchildren” as they’re affectionately called by Buick enthusiasts. Probably does not hurt that my Dad and Mom owned a ’68 GS400 while living in Missouri. Long before I was born but I definitely inherited the love for Buicks thru DNA.
buckets console and column shifter. First I seen this..nice GS
This design may be one of the major reasons for implemented laws on impact damage on safety equipment. A Freightliner’s driver will have difficulty seeing the brake lights come on, depending on proximity. That said, this is my favorite muscle car of the era.
Wow, while I prefer the 65–67 styling on the Gran Sports, this is pretty damn close! I spent 4 hours in a Buick Dealership trying to talk myself into buying a 67 California Gran Sport in college but didn’t pull the trigger. I’m not sure if that was a mistake, but it has always been high on my bucket list. I am glad this is in Michigan, if it was closer to California, and a stick, I would be dipping into the retirement fun, great find, especially for Buick GS folks.
Nice car but that goofy pinstriping really takes away from the car in my opinion.
Buick embraced that sweep spear styling and adapted it to a lot of vehicles up to the 90s Skylark. I liked it. Others not so much. The whole motief was out of step with GM in general but so very Buick. Great looking and unique car.
Great looking car and at a fair price if it is as good as it looks after a visual inspection and maybe up on a lift to view under carriage. I took my drivers license test on a 1969 Buick Gran Sport ,same color, hardtop but it was a GS 350 that belonged to my mother. Many good memories, thanks mom
My neighbor had a gorgeous blue with a white top and interior.It had an elegant look like a bouncer in a tuxedo. I wonder if he knew what he had. I believe it had a console.
Could you even get a console from the factory with a column shifter? This one looks modified to cover the shifter slots. I’m thinking this was originally a bench seat car with console and buckets added.
The 400 4bbl engine prior to emission controls will not disappoint. My mom had a 1969 GS350 and I also took and passed my driver’s license test in the GS. I later bought the car from mom in 1974 for $700 which matched the trade in offer on her new car. The size (200 inches long) was midsized for it’s day and presented no problems parking as opposed to the land yachts of the day with excessive overhang. The 350 pumped out a sufficient 280 horsepower so the 400 would really be fast. Things I didn’t like: 1. power drum brakes that needed replaced then turned too often, 2. hot in summer and cold in winter vinyl bench seats, 3. a stuck thermostat that blew hoses and shot steam like a geyser until the problem was finally solved by a gas station mechanic 4. no air conditioning to make that plastic steering wheel and black seats extra uncomfortable 5. gold color with black vinyl roof (more heat) wasn’t as colorful as the convertible for sale here. It was my first car and got me to college classes but a few options like a/c and power front disc brakes would have made it awesome.