Rare Drop-Top: 1968 Buick GS 400 Convertible

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“Simply stunning” seems like an appropriate term to describe this 1968 Buick GS 400 Convertible. From its sparkling paint to its beautiful interior, there is much to like about this classic. Throw a potent V8 into the mix and the Buick is an absolute winner. It would undoubtedly draw crowds wherever it goes, and its next journey could be to a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Convertible listed here on eBay in Scottsdale, Arizona. The seller set their BIN at $47,900 with the option to make an offer.

Buick offered GS 400 buyers a choice between Hardtop and Convertible body styles in 1968, with the former the more popular choice. Only 2,454 buyers splashed the extra cash for the drop-top variant, making our feature car relatively rare. Finished in Scarlet Red with a power top in contrasting Black, the exterior appearance is seemingly flawless. Paint with a mirror shine, laser-straight panels, a power top that fits as tight as a drum and works as it should, and no evidence of rust. It’s all there for enthusiasts seeking a high-end driver. Add sparkling trim and crystal clear glass to the equation, and the GS 400 looks like a winner. I acknowledge that we’re reaching the tail end of summer, but there are still plenty of opportunities for top-down cruising before winter arrives. Doing so aboard this Buick would be a supremely enjoyable experience.

The popular choice among 1968 GS 400 buyers was to team the car’s V8 with a three-speed automatic transmission. That box was ticked by 2,024 customers, while the three-speed manual tally of 79 made it the rarest. This GS features the self-shifter, power steering, and power brakes, and it is widely believed that Buick understated the car’s performance potential to avoid raising the ire of insurance companies. That year’s Sales Brochure quotes power and torque figures of 340hp and 440 ft/lbs, and even if those numbers are accurate, the GS 400 would still be a genuinely fast car. The seller states that they recently rebuilt the carburetor, replaced the valve cover gaskets and the power steering pump, flushed the cooling system and replaced the coolant, and repacked the wheel bearings. The “Item Specific” section of the listing indicates an odometer reading of 47,000 miles, and if that is verified as genuine, nobody has tried to wear out this classic. It appears that all the buyer needs to do is hand the seller their cash before pointing this Buick towards the horizon.

The positive vibes continue when we drop the top and marvel at this Buick’s interior. Trimmed in White vinyl with contrasting Black carpet, its appearance is as stunning as every other aspect of this classic, with only one visible flaw. The dashpad has cracked, which is a relatively common problem. However, it isn’t the end of the world, because high-quality reproductions retail for approximately $300. Therefore, installing a replacement would add the perfect finishing touch without breaking the bank. There is no evidence of stains, yellowing, or abuse, and the carpet is spotless. The interior is about more than good looks, because with air conditioning, power windows, a tilt wheel, and a pushbutton radio, it would also be extremely comfortable.

This 1968 Buick GS 400 Convertible is a gorgeous classic with no apparent major weaknesses. However, with the seller’s BIN figure sitting at the top end of the market, it needs to be virtually faultless to justify the price. The BIN may also partially explain why this gem hasn’t generated as much interest as you would typically expect from a car of this caliber. That said, the listing still has twelve days to run, and the situation could change without warning. Do you think the seller will achieve their asking price, or will compromise be key to a successful sale?

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Comments

  1. bobhess bobhessMember

    Do I get the idea you like this car Adam? Agree with you on this beauty.

    Like 4

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