Were this car in good running and driving shape (which it is not), it could easily be mistaken for a gutless overweight dinosaur, but nothing could be further from the truth. Buick engineered the 455 cid V8 to “Light your fire” with torque in bountiful tire-incinerating quantities. In 1970, only Cadillac’s 500 made more buttery torque than the 510 lb-ft developed by this GS 455. The Great Lakes region may not leap to mind when shopping for muscle cars, but this 1970 Buick GS 455 in Lake Villa Illinois retains all of its key numbers-matching components and most other original equipment as well. It won’t take much to get some skin in the game here on eBay, where bidding has barely surpassed $3300.
This is the view of a Buick GS that most challengers see about a quarter-second after the traffic light turns green. The seller reports this re-spray covers a more ’70s-appropriate lime green. The body panels show signs of rust and previous repairs, but none too drastically, and the bumpers are not bad aside from the faded chrome. The vinyl top adds to the sleeper theme. A true GS deserves a factory-correct restoration, but those gaping wheel arches scream for some meaty tires capable of handling the 455’s brutal torque and 360 HP (thanks to lov2xlr8.no for some details).
While some of these understated brutes came with column shift and bench seats, this one features bucket seats and a sporty console shifter. This vehicle sat for 35 years before this sale; every surface and mechanical part will need attention or replacement.
Original bits like the functional twin-snorkel air cleaner and hood will save the new owner time and money, assuming they can be saved. The seller mentions “big aluminum drum brakes” rather than discs, but this GS is well-equipped with air conditioning, power brakes, and power steering. I’d like to own one of these some day, preferably a four-speed (fewer than 150 made), and only fear of rust will keep this one from fetching top dollar. What’s your high bid?
I had a 71 Skylark Conv. Red with black top and interior. Small block 350. Not a tire scorcher, but had plenty of power and was a nice looking cruiser. I’ve always thought these were the best looking A-bodies. Mean from any angle. Go fast with class…
“Go fast with class.”
That should have been Buick’s tagline!
Well said.
When I was 17 years old a neighbor of mine bought one that looked just like this one. It was my first experience with a truly fast car. He let me drive it a couple times and it was truly scary! It was one of those experiences you never forget. I’d love to take this project, but I have several in the works, and I’m not getting any younger. Sure hope someone brings this back to its former glory.
Early this year I bought ALL original 72 Buick Skylark sport hardtop coupe 55K original miles 1 owner since new garaged always. Its emerald green color with black vinyl interior 350 4V , factory ac , factory AmFm radio , positraction , rally wheels , manual windows . Beautiful classic Buick for me I dont care much for speed am Not driving it often anyway so the 350 more than adequate . I paid 16K for it Not for sale just sharing my passion for hobby! Here is original seller details and pics of car before I bought it https://www.connorsmotorcar.com/vehicles/445/1972-buick-
Wow! That is one beautiful car! I love how the vinyl top traces the arch of the windows. Very subtle and very classy. This looks like one of those cars that you will not lose money on. Nice find!
The emerald is not my fav on this style of vehicle, but its not disagreeable and looks you have snagged yourself a really nice driver for a bargain.
Dont like the rivets in the vin tag
Absolutely Buicks best supercar from back then. With all that torque there was really no need for a 4 speed, automatics worked well here.
Seems strange, and maybe its just me, but these were lost on my generation until the turbo Regals became popular. Don’t recall any kids wanting an old Buick in the early to mid eighties. Great post!
Numbers matching 1970 will bring a lot of attention and bids. First year 455, tuned down for ’71. Maybe the most desirable GS… I’ll defer to a GM guy. Great find to be sure !
If it was a Stage 1 then it might bring in big money. I don’t know if it’s going to in this format, especially with all the rust, but we’ll see if bidding takes off.
Yep, pretty much the pinnacle year, but I’m a little bias. Picked up the Stage1, 4 speed version of this car a few months ago and am just starting to break in the rebuilt motor. Not sure what to call it; my friend started rebuilding the engine in 1980, and one thing lead to another and by 1982 it had a new paint job, new interior, etc. Project stalled and sat in a warehouse for the next 36 years. Maybe it’s a “restovivor”. Still has the 70’s Kelley Super Charger tires; will have some smoking good fun before I replace them and have to start behaving responsibly!
Seller actually has two of these cars for sale on Ebay.
Wonderful machine. I personally prefer the 66 Skylark and of course the 64 Riviera since I own one and love it. I’ve been a Buick fan since I bought my first car back in 1964 at age 16 1/2 . It was a 55 Super, but it made me a Buick lover up to the mid 70’s when (in my opinion) G.M. quit making real cars.
When I first saw this, I thought it had a dark green roof and dark green below the waist – wouldn’t be a bad look for this car.
I’ve built too many cars based on Rust Belt bodies. I quit that a long time ago. Southern, Southwestern and Western cars are still plentiful enough to not bother with these unless you plan on a complete rebody. It’s too much of a money pit when you start with a car from this area.
glad it survives…….
These cars are well built and SERIOUSLY fast. A good running stock Stage 1 is a reasonable match for any solid lifter Chevy or Hemi, it’ll all come down to driver skill. The non stage 455 is almost as fast and uses it’s torque to an advantage.
Objectively, these were understated cars meant for adults – handsome, attractive styling free of gimmicks, no stripes or spoilers (unless you opted for the GSX) equally at home on the dragstrip or prairie, and could be optioned to exceed at either. I’m not a big fan of starting with a rusty vehicle, but everything you need is available or reproduced. Worth saving, will be enjoyed by someone.
Looks like the vin tag has been swapped, be careful here.