There are few things more reassuring than certified documentation confirming that a classic is all that the seller claims. Mustang owners can call on the services of Kevin Marti, while Pontiac owners can rely on PHS. For those with a leaning towards Buick, there is no better authority than Sloan. The seller holds paperwork confirming that this 1972 Buick GS 455 is the real deal, making it rare and desirable. It features a few upgrades to improve its performance and reliability, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting a classic that appears to need nothing but a new home.
This GS makes a bold but classy statement in its combination of Stratomist Blue with a White vinyl top. The seller indicates that it has received a repaint in its original shade, but not when this occurred. It has a few minor marks and defects but remains comfortably acceptable for those seeking a tidy driver-grade classic. I can’t see any glaring signs of rust, and with the seller claiming it spent most of its days in California, any issues should be relatively insignificant. The top is in good order, and I can’t spot any problems with the trim or glass. The Magnum 500 wheels are a later addition, and whether they stay or go will depend on the buyer’s desire for originality.
The first owner equipped this Buick’s interior with Black vinyl trim, bucket seats, a console, air conditioning, a four-way power driver’s seat, and a tilt wheel. The seller indicates that the A/C was removed, but the compressor, bolts, and brackets are included. The car features a Rally gauge cluster with a tachometer that is supplemented by aftermarket gauges mounted below the dash. The power seat mechanism was rebuilt and now operates as it should. The presentation is extremely good, with no wear or other problems. It isn’t factory fresh, but if potential buyers consider this Buick as a high-end driver, there is nothing requiring attention.
Since this Buick is a GS 455, we don’t need to be Einstein to discover that its engine bay houses a 455ci V8. The first owner also selected a three-speed TH400 automatic transmission, and power-assisted steering, and front disc brakes. This classic is no longer numbers-matching, with the engine, transmission, and rear end all being swapped at some point. The rebuilt engine sports an improved Edelbrock intake and headers, which should provide the driver with access to more than the 225hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque available off the showroom floor. The brakes recently received a flush and a new booster, the fuel is delivered by a new Stage 1 pump, and the standard springs were swapped for lowered ones. However, the seller includes the originals in the deal. The car runs and drives well, making it a turnkey proposition for the buyer.
The seller listed this 1972 Buick GS 455 here on Craigslist in Export, Pennsylvania. They set their price at $42,995, begging the question of whether the figure is justified. The answer depends on whether potential buyers view a numbers-matching status as critical. The price is slightly below the market average for a mechanically original example, but this is a case where a modified car is worth what someone is willing to pay. It has been on the market for almost four weeks, but do you think it will find a buyer without the seller needing to compromise on their price?
Stratomist blue and white always makes for an attractive exterior. Love the N25 rear bumper. Priced probably a bit high in the current market given this is not a more sought after 70 model year and the AC is not connected. Personally, not a fan of the add-on spoiler and it needs a few items to round out small details but what’s really curious to me is the rocker trim behind the rear wheels. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that on a GS. The trim is usually between the wheel wells only. Still though, looks like a pretty solid GS.
Beauty Buick. 2.93 rear gear ⚙️ chosen. Obviously values a hwy cruise. Love it.
Hey Stan, nah, give me a ’72 Corolla anyday( cough), and congrats on the “member” thingy. In case some don’t get my satire, I’m kidding, and I always felt the Buick GS was the nicest of the bunch. Guess I’m getting old, praising a Buick, huh.
Thanks Howard.
Thats what a true free market is.. taking your money and supporting something you enjoy and has value. Some really good articles and writers, and commenters here on Barnfinds. 🤝
I’ll never understand people who remove the AC unit and throw it in the trunk! I’m not even a mechanic, but I’d at least put it all back and get it functioning properly. Just lazy in my opinion.
Or maybe they live where it’s not necessary?
thumb up
Functional OE A/C isn’t rocket science, we’re not sure why so many don’t have it. That, and the missing original drive train, and that questionable spoiler would kill it for us at that price point.
I have the 455 ND TRANNY in my restomod 1954 With and added HolleyEF2 injection system. Runs like a dream . Yhe only problem is its lowered too much an rides like a rock, .Gotta replace the springs all the way around to make it run like a Buick.
Good color combo on a great car. Unfortunate about that spoiler.
At least it has the console and buckets so many of them had bench seat with column shift. I feel the same way about the 442’
But most of them had buckets and console.
My cousin had one of these (boyfriend’s) she wanted me to take her Christmas shopping in it but if I tried to open it up she screamed so loud I had to drive it very conservatively.
spoiler kills the look. i agree about the a/c and being lazy by not reinstalling it and getting it working but they ask all the money for the car. other than that, and some minor interior issues it ia nice car and a gs455.
IMO. the rear spoiler & vinyl roof do not compliment each other. I would remove 1 or the other.