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Original Survivor: 1968 Buick GS 400

While the idea of owning a pristine classic holds a great deal of attraction, there’s something quite special about owning a vehicle that wears its original survivor tag like a badge of honor. That is the case with this 1968 Buick GS 400. It isn’t perfect, but the buyer could hold their head high whenever they hit the road in this beauty. Barn Finder MattR referred the Buick to us, so thank you so much for that, Matt. The Buick is located in Washington Township, Michigan, and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. Simply hand the owner $21,500, and you could be driving away in this fantastic survivor.

The Buick is finished in Ivory Gold Mist Poly, and from a distance, the paint holds an impressive shine. A closer inspection reveals a few spots, scratches, and some wear in the paint. None of these are horrendous, and none would justify an urgent repaint. If the buyer was to choose to drive the car as it currently stands, then the paint is sound enough that it isn’t going to let moisture through to the solid steel that hides beneath. Speaking of the steel, this is in excellent condition. There are no signs of any rust in the panels, and the floors look to be spotlessly clean. The Black vinyl top is in excellent condition, and there are no bubbles to suggest that it could potentially be hiding any nasty surprises. Maintaining a consistent theme, the trim, chrome, and glass appear to be as nice as the rest of the exterior. The Magnum 500 wheels that the Buick rolls on aren’t original, but they look period-correct on this car.

When you open the doors and take a look around inside the GS 400, what you find is an interior upholstered in Black. It is also an interior that would seem to need very little. The covers on the seats are new, while the rest of the upholstery could best be described as immaculate. The dash and pad are free from flaws, and there is no significant wear or fading on the carpet. The only fault of any significance is a crack on the wheel. However, this could potentially be repaired. There are a couple of aftermarket additions, but these don’t represent major changes. A set of gauges have been mounted under the dash to monitor the health of things under the hood. These are a retro-style set, and they don’t look out of place. A Pioneer CD player has been fitted in place of the factory radio. However, the original radio and surround are included in the sale, so these could be swapped back in without a lot of drama. The rear package tray has been cut to fit speakers for the CD player. If the buyer chooses to refit the original radio, the tray will need to be replaced. With a new tray available for around $50, this is a cheap fix.

Lifting the hood reveals one of the tidiest engine bays that I’ve seen in a car of this age. It is spotlessly clean, and you could eat your lunch off it. The good news stretches way beyond the appearance because this GS 400 is a numbers-matching classic. We find a 400ci V8, a 3-speed automatic transmission, a 2.93 Posi rear end, and power steering. The only deviations from original here are the fitting of a brake booster with a matching master cylinder, along with a Flowmaster dual exhaust and an aluminum radiator. However, the original radiator and master cylinder are included in the sale. That V8 should be pumping out a respectable 340hp, meaning that the GS 400 should be capable of blasting through the ¼ mile in 14.8 seconds. Have you had enough good news? No? Good! The owner says that the Buick has a genuine 60,000 miles on the clock, and I suspect that he probably holds evidence to verify this. He also says that the car runs and drives perfectly, with no rattles, smoke, or odd noises. Included in the sale are the original Owner’s Manual, Warranty Card, Protect-O-Plate, and other assorted paperwork.

Hypothetically, you have just handed over the cash for this ’68 Buick GS 400. What do you do next? Do you treat it to a light cosmetic refresh, or do you drive it as it currently stands? That’s a tough call to make, and I don’t know which way I’d jump if it were parked in my garage. Do you? The big question is whether this is likely to remain hypothetic to you or whether you would seriously consider contacting the seller with a view to becoming this classic’s next proud owner.

Comments

  1. Avatar Cattoo Member

    I drive it as is. It’s perfect for a ‘68 GS.

    Like 28
  2. Avatar Engident

    I had a ’69 Buick Special wagon in this exact same baby s#!t green. But it definitely didn’t have THAT under the hood. I gave that car to the Salvation Army 20 years ago, and have been kicking myself for about the past 10.

    Like 5
    • Avatar Chas358

      Ouch.

      Like 1
  3. Avatar Gunner

    This one hits a nerve for me. As the previous owner of 4 GS’s and 2 Skylark’s, the want is VERY strong on this beautiful GS. My first driving car was a 69 GS California. I know this body style is limited to a select group of people that like it, but I am one of those people. These do not come up for sale often, especially in this condition. Fantastic. The purist in me approves. I would not do a thing to it other than maintenance and cleaning. I am tempted to call Fidelity and pull out of my 401k. The only thing that would make it better would be a 4-Speed and exterior color. I better go find something to do so I can try and stop thinking of making that phone call. :)

    Like 14
  4. Avatar Kirk Wolfe

    I only wish to see more pillarless and pillared sedans or even wagons from this fastback body. Throw some magnum wheels and lettered tires and fit a six cylinder engine with 3×2 barrel and 6-speed transmission. I grew tired of coupes, because in this generation they were massively popular at the time, so any other configuration than coupe or convertible.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Troy s

    Great condition for a 52 year old car. Unbelievable, but then again it’s a Buick not a Chevelle or Road Runner which were driven into the ground. These always seemed liked the speedy car for the young at heart, and I’m probably off there. Even the GS455 from the early seventies seemed to be “rediscovered” when muscle car mania hit in the eighties.
    Nice ride and keep her spotless.

    Like 10
  6. Avatar Robert White

    Nice, but expensive.

    Bob

    Like 2
    • Avatar Vince H

      Not really. If it was a Chevy or GTO it would be a lot more. The Buick just does not get the respect that it should.

      Like 7
  7. Avatar Clement Feldman

    Love it!
    Drive it as is.
    I had a ‘68 GTO that was the same color. A classic and beautiful color for that era.

    Like 6
  8. Avatar BigBlocksRock

    Owned a 72 Skylark waaay back when. One of the best cars I’ve ever owned. The 68-72 Skylarks are arguably some of Buicks best work.

    Like 8
  9. Avatar Racer417

    Appears to have original Buick 14″ chrome road wheel option, not Magnum 500s. Also has the rare factory option rocher stripes which were ’68 only.

    Like 3
  10. Avatar ADM

    My 68 year old grandmother bought a brand new ’69 GS 400, and used it as a daily driver, selling real estate, on Cape Cod. It had a sleeper look, with full wheel covers, and whitewalls. It was white, with a black vinyl top, and red pin striping. She could drive it like the little old lady from Pasadena. Anyway, in October, 1969, three months before I got my permit, she was t-boned in the passenger side, and that was that. To say I was unhappy, would be an understatement.

    Like 2
    • Avatar robert semrad

      Was she 68 then, or now?

      Like 0
      • Avatar ADM

        She bought it brand new, at 68. I’m 66. She was a hot ticket. She had more fun in her ’60’s and 70’s than people half her age. She made it to 90.

        Like 3
  11. Avatar S

    What an awesome car! Nice!

    Like 1
  12. Avatar Lance

    First car I owned was a 1969 Buick GS 350 gold with a black vinyl top. The 280 gross horsepower engine accelerated with authority. The car for sale would be even faster with the 400 cubic inch V8. Was not a fan of the black vinyl interior; holds up well but retains cold in winter and is very hot in summer. The power drum brakes required regular drum turning..not a fan of that system. Car overheated many times and blew hoses until a gas station mechanic found that the thermostat was stuck which other mechanics missed. My Buick did not have air conditioning; dealer probably thought it would detract from the performance. Handling was good for the time but the power steering had too much play like an Electra. The listed vehicle looks nice but having owned the same Buick body style I would pass.

    Like 0
  13. Avatar Johnny

    I bought a 68 skylark custom coupe, same color/no vinyl top in San Diego for $600 after 5 year Navy tour. Black interior with buckets and column shift auto, it was cherry and drove like a dream. 350 two barrel, sometimes getting over 20 mpg. Lent it to my homeless brother for a couple years until he got back on his feet. He returned it; it had been broken into several times and was basically toast. Was a great car, he’s doing well to this day praise the Lord.

    Like 1
  14. Avatar R.Lee

    4.10 gear, 28 inch M/T Slicks basic engine upgrades or replace engine and save the 400 from munching itself. A Buick with no air conditioning? Strange

    Kool car to cruise to the strip and be comfortable driving the 1320.

    Under car is black paint and undercoating, hopefully saving metal from getting cancer, and not hiding rust damage and repair. North of Warren Mi. I would have to inspect in person for sure. Car looks to have a lot of labor invested to paint and clean an original car.

    I hope the car is what it appears to be, a hobby, minor restoration project that now needs some new owner blood to restore interest in a great car.

    If the car checks out hand the owner 17,000 and trailer it home.

    Like 0

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