Well, it’s brown, no doubt about that! And that shade is what I noticed first. More importantly, this 1968 Buick is a GS 400 convertible – not a common sight. This one appears to be in magnificent condition, so let’s give it the once-over and see what makes it tick. Curvette found this muscled-up drop-top for us; it calls Arlington, Washington, home, and it’s listed here on craigslist for $28,000.
GM’s intermediate A-body models (Chevelle, Tempest, F-85, and Special) got a major makeover for the ’68 model year, with two-door body styles riding on a 112″ wheelbase perimeter frame while four-door sedans and station wagons got stretched out to 116″. And being 1968, muscle cars were big business, and all four divisions had their take on that hot topic, including the SS396 (Chevrolet), GTO (Pontiac), 442 (Oldsmobile), and Grand Sport, or GS, as Buick’s entry was known. Drilling down, the GS came in two flavors: GS 350 (coupe only) and GS 400 (coupe or convertible). Total GS 400 production was about 13K units, with just 2,454 convertibles! Yup, this is a rare one!
While Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Oldsmobile shared basic similarities in styling, Buick went its own way with its sculpted sides and concave “Batmobile” rear-end styling. Of course, the four divisions, in those days, still had quite a bit of autonomy, so their designs expressed their independent identities. This GS 400 is a repaint, resprayed in what appears to be Burnished Saddle. I’ll admit it, I don’t like brown cars. This example, however, appears to have been very professionally refinished in what is likely a modern two-stage application – it has too much shine and depth to be enamel or lacquer. I can’t find a demerit to issue regarding this car’s exterior – it’s in fabulous condition. The folding top, which appears to be sound, contrasts nicely with the Burnished Saddle hue, and the American Racing wheels are certainly appropriate for a Day Two look.
A 340 gross HP, 400 CI V8 engine channels its power through a Super Turbine 400 automatic transmission – Buick’s terminology for GM’s Turbo-Hydramatic 400, a three-speed gearbox. The seller states that the odometer reads 13,850 miles but then adds that the actual mileage is unknown. There is no statement of running or driving characteristics referenced in the listing.
The interior is a white vinyl bucket seat with a center console arrangement. There’s only one image, but it shows an environment that is clean, free of yellowing, and not indicative of too much top-down fatigue. White can be a bear to keep tidy, but no deficiencies are evident here.
Final thoughts? This GS 400 appears to be in excellent overall condition! It’s a rare bird, and the price doesn’t seem out of line considering all of its features and positive attributes. Assuming there aren’t many who will take exception to its chosen color (it’s probably just me), I imagine this Buick will find a new home posthaste, wouldn’t you agree?
Nice 68 GS!! Had a white 68 GS 400that was kinda rough.
Wouldn’t mind this one at all!!
Parked next to a silver convertible two days ago. Looked really nice!
I like the color, in the sun it looks closer to copper.
Love the interior, if it’s really as clean as the pictures, it should sell fast.
More like dog poop brown, but I still like it.
The fact that we both like it, what does that say about us ?
Well, John, it might say that you have a broader sense of imagination.
Ohhh lee sheet, i must admit that i also sort of like it , the white off sets it and that’s good
This might be the best one of these I ever seen.
I’m not a fan of Brown at all for Paint Finishes, but fortunately this one has the White Interior and White Convertible Top to make it look much better… She looks to be in remarkable condition and priced well for being a rare one… if I was looking to purchase I would be inclined to ask if the original factory styled wheels for this car were still kicking around and ask the seller to include them in the sale. I like the original wheels that this Convertible came with…Just a thought…
Ad says the original rims are included with sale.
Best body style for the Skylark. Would change to Buick mags
Are my eyes fooling me or is there damage on the rear bumper and trunk lid?
Zoom in on the right rear fender and bumper, some wild reflections.
Good Shine
Ok. The Pic of the car on the road is definitely clean. It is a nice car.
If you look at the last picture where it’s in the garage with the top up you can see it has the factory Buick mags on it
Nice car even though I’m more of a fan of the ’70 – ’72. I just never cared for the style of the rear bumper on these. I do see the factory rims in the last picture, compared to the custom ones in the other pictures. It would have been a whole lot nicer if, all the pictures were taken when they took the side picture in front of the house. The pictures in the garage are basically too close up except for the interior shot. But very nice paint job.
Holy cow is that gorgeous. Once again, I’m torn between wanting it or a divorce. Have to say this one is a tough call.
The Buick is cheaper,
Great Buick, terrible colour for a drop top!
Power windows…
GS’s were fast rides back in the day! 340 hp might not sound like much but these things FLY!
Unlike the standard black, love the brown!
not too often seen that’s for sure. had 1 45yrs ago. she was a runner. colors work well on this body. i feel it was in poor taste to slap the Buick emblem on the corner of the trunk lid. not supposed to be there. i agree with pat p. swap out those wheels for the factory 1s but i would go with the 15s for better look. 68,69 are tough years to sell even being a G/S. needs more pics and on C/L they give you 24. i bet 25k cash drives it home.
I’m with John on being a fan of the 70 to 72 models better, but if someone likes the 68’s this is definitely a nice one. The color is not the best but it’s also not the worst and it’s obviously well done. Gary’s comment noticed the fact that it’s a well optioned car as well with power windows and tilt wheel. Probably has an aftermarket radio because it looks like it has speakers cut into the kick panels.
The color of this GS doesn’t appeal to everyone but doesn’t bother me and it looks to be in excellent condition – for $28k. I think this will sell quickly. And it comes with two set of wheels/tires.
If only it was triple black w/ air. We can dream can’t we. LOL. Should go quick at that price
haunches