Occasionally, classics appear on our desks at Barn Finds that almost defy description. Such is the case with this 1972 Buick Gran Sport 455 Stage 1. The word “stunning” springs to mind, although even that doesn’t do it justice. There seems to be nothing about this Buick that deserves criticism, and I can see precisely why it grabbed the attention of Barn Finder Curvette. The seller has listed the Gran Sport here on eBay in Bradenton, Florida. They set their price at $59,997, and it appears they are pretty firm on that figure.
There is so much to unpack with this Gran Sport that it is almost impossible to know where to start. The combination of rich Vintage Red paint and the contrasting White vinyl top creates a stunning visual impact. The seeming lack of cosmetic imperfections heightens this impression, though the Cowl Tag shows a paint code of 48, suggesting this classic started life wearing Hunter Green. The paint looks deep enough to walk into, cloaking laser-straight panels, while the vinyl looks flawless. The seller supplies an excellent image gallery, confirming that this Buick is as solid as the day it rolled off the lot. The floors are as clean as a whistle, and there are no issues with the lower extremities. The trim and glass are as impressive as the paint, and the Magnum 500 wheels perfectly suit this muscle car. A reflection of this car’s overall condition is the seller’s willingness to negotiate in-person inspections. That suggests that they are confident that this gem is all they claim it to be.
Buick introduced the Gran Sport 455 in 1970 and, as the model designation suggests, it is powered by a 455ci V8. As the Stage 1 variant, it sends 270hp and 390 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed TH-400 automatic transmission. Power-assisted steering and front disc brakes should provide an effortless driving experience. Although engine power was beginning to drop at this time due to tighter emission regulations, several contemporary road tests produced sub-15-second ¼-mile ETs, confirming that the GS 455 was a genuine muscle car at a time when the market for such vehicles was rapidly shrinking. The seller doesn’t confirm whether this classic is numbers-matching, although that is the impression provided in their listing. We are flying blind on its mechanical condition, but I see nothing to suggest the news will be anything but positive.
The first owner chose to match the Buick’s White vinyl top with an interior trimmed in the same shade. I don’t know whether it is original, but the condition is mighty impressive. There are no dirty marks or evidence of yellowing, and UV rays haven’t exacted a toll on any surfaces. It doesn’t merely look good, because it is impressively equipped. Apart from obvious features like bucket seats and a console, the buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a tilt wheel, a rear defogger, a Rally gauge cluster with a factory tachometer, an AM/FM radio, and a factory 8-track player.
This 1972 Buick Gran Sport 455 Stage 1 undeniably possesses the “wow” factor and is guaranteed to draw crowds on the street or at a Cars & Coffee. Its overall presentation would allow it to hold its own on the show circuit, a prospect that some potential buyers may find irresistible. The seller’s price isn’t peanuts, sitting at the top end of the market. However, the condition and list of factory options make the price realistic, especially considering the seller’s willingness to field in-person inspections. That suggests they have total confidence in this classic. Do you share that feeling?
Wow, nice 72′ 🏁
I’m not a huge fan of white interiors, otherwise this is a dream car for me. Stunning is an appropriate choice of words.
“Wouldn’t you really rather have a Buick?” This one, YES!! GLWTA!! :-)
If I were a rich man, diddle diddle diddle dee,,this would be on a transporter on its way to SoCal. My SIL in L.A. has expressed interest in a vintage muscle car, I said a ’72 GS 455, son, this is it! Let’s see now,( counting change), dang, only $59grand short,,,have to settle for the “Rusty Justy”, kid, I’m very, very, sorry.
1972, graduated HS, we were up to our poopiks in high performance. There was a segment of us, that didn’t want, or need the wheelstanding glitz of a 454 Chevelle or 428 CJ, or a G-T-Oh, but wanted a loud pedal none the less, this was the car. For a more sophisticated person, a “Gentlemans Hot Rod” indeed, ladies too. In fact, I’d wager more women bought these cars than men. No matter, sophisticated or not, it still did the 1/4 mile in 13.99@91 mph, and as an added bonus, got a nod from the future father in law, the 454 Chevelle, not so much. Nice car.
Contrary to popular belief, the 1970 GS Stage 1 was faster than the LS-6.
And faster than a hemi.
Absolutely stunning Buick!!! I’m wondering about the why the color change? But anyways, this shade of burgundy looks great with the white interior, and it looks pike it was done to an absolute top standard. Whoever restored this one, did a top notch job. And that 455? Unfortunately, I’m with Howard….. I’m about 59 Grand short right now….
Vintage Red was a color exclusive to the Riviera in 1972.
Correct, good catch. This car was originally Hunter Green with a black vinyl top per the data plate.
The Ebay listing says it is a ‘tribute’ car but does not explain.
Well to start, the 5th digit of the VIN is a “K,” which translates to a 350 4-bbl as the original engine. So at a minimum, it’s a GS 350 turned into a GS 455 Stage 1. But the 350 4-bbl was also available on the regular Skylark coupe, so it could even be a plain Skylark.
The paint code is “48” which translates to Hunter Green (dark green). The data plate also indicates an original black vinyl roof.
I’m not a fan of “tribute” cars. They are not authentic, and they invite fraud later down the line. This seller is honest, but will the guy who buys it be when they sell it?
A UC lot in West Palm had a “original” 67 Z28 for sale at a rather high price. A friend stopped to check it out and the salesman allowed it was all factory 302 and auto transmission.
My friend told him it was a one of a kind Z28 and the salesman didn’t quite understand until my friend told him that all of them came with 4 speeds. The salesman turned and slinked away.
Yup. That would be harder to do here because even a cursory review of the VIN and data plate coupled with a minute on Google would show you that this car does not have its original engine and is not in its original color. It was probably a dark green Buick Skylark with black bench seat, full wheel covers, and whitewall tires when new, LOL!
But there are a lot of people who might not know to check that. Maybe a starry-eyed Boomer who does not know a lot about cars and is dipping into an ample 401k for their “dream car.” A lot of you would probably say who cares, but this kind of thing damages our hobby.
“A reflection of this car’s overall condition is the seller’s willingness to negotiate in-person inspections.”
Yes, it’s very nice of them to allow an inspection, before handing over 60 big ones…
Beautiful car, but no way I would lay out 60K for a tribute.
As the Seller has clearly indicated, this is a “Tribute”, not a factory original Stage 1. All 1972 Stage1 Buicks had a “V” in the VIN, regardless of the plant of manufacture. Although the ’72 455 cu in Grand Sport engines were “detuned” from the 1970 model year, they were still plenty potent. Don’t let the factory advertised 270 hp fool you. It was a deception.
real cool especially with the N25 bumper but being a tribute 455 car somewhere down the road some unsuspecting person will be fooled thinking it’s a real deal. should have left off the 455 emblems
Very nice car, but the underside pics show what is definately NOT a th400 trans.
You are correct Larry
That’s a 200-4R. So, it’s got an overdrive and they could survive in a Grand National. It’s a good trans if properly built.
The most underrated 270 hp of all times. These big old 2 ton cars would do the quarter in low-mid 14s right off the showroom floor. Just slight tuning a little more traction and they’re in the high 13s better rear gears put them deep down in the thirteenths.
Looks like it has been involved in a collision on the front left side. I am a retired body man. We notice these things see photos on eBay
Hmmm….1972 Pontiac GT 350 for $59,000 or a 72 Buick GS 455 Stage I for $59,000.
Stage 1 every day of the week although hp was down for 1972 as unleaded gas was here but the A/C makes up for it here in gatorland!
The best looking skylarks are the 70-72’s and with a 455 Stage1 they are genuine street cleaners. When set up correctly a 70 will run with Hemi’s and LS-6’s. I don’t think you can build this car for what they’re asking but at the end of the day it’s still a clone and I don’t think it will pull $60k.
Factory stock 70 GS Stage 1 auto trans with street gears out ran both the LS-6 and the A-body Hemi cars. No special set-up required.
has a 200R4 O/D trans not a 400 turbo. if it is a stock o/d with no work i don’t think it will not take the torque of that 455
Nice looking car but for 59k it better be a numbers matching car. A big engine personal luxury car from 1972 is always a many splendored thing. But this Buick hits sour notes by being a tribute car with a swapped engine and changed color. The red and white combination is stunning but a subsequent collector is going to call fake and buy it for half price.
This 1 is amazing a true GEM” just what the Dr. ordered if there’s anything i would express is why are you getting rid of such BEAUTY” MAN you must be out your mind”
Tom C: That is a tough choice: Neither are worth 59K, but which has the most value? An original ’72 GT 350, or this ’72 455 tribute?
I always side with originality.
Agreed. If it is a true GS 455, that’s the one. The Pontiac seems like it should be half the price. Rare yes, but is it expensive rare? I’m not familiar enough with the money on 70’s GS Buicks. Looks like some of the people on here are.