The 1960s was a time when local specials proliferated in the American automotive industry. It seemed that no company was immune, and Buick chose to start playing the game in 1967 with the GS California. I have to say a huge thank you to Barn Finder local_sheriff for referring this nice looking Buick to us. It is located in Winchester, New Hampshire, and is listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding on the Buick has now reached $7,300, but the reserve hasn’t been met.

Finished in Gold Mist with a black vinyl top, the GS California is a really attractive looking car. Originally envisaged purely for the Californian market in 1967, the GS California became available nationwide the following year. Due to it being a regional special during that first year of production, nailing down precise production figures has always been difficult. Various estimates place these as ranging from a low of 544 cars, through to an upper estimate of 1,577 units. The upper figure is generally regarded as being the most likely number, in spite of the fact that the package was only introduced to the market (with very limited fan-fare) in May of 1967. This particular car is a clean example that received a repaint in 1998. The floors are generally quite solid, although there is some rust appearing around both rear body mounts, and this will require attention sooner rather than later. Similarly, there are some small spots appearing under the edge of the vinyl top and in a spot near the rear window, and it would probably pay for the next owner to get on top of these before they deteriorate too much. Otherwise, the car does look to be nice and clean.

The prospective new GS California buyer in 1967 could have the car fitted with any drive-train combination…as long as it was the 260hp version of the 340ci V8, backed by a Super Turbine 300 automatic transmission. In addition, the California came fitted with power steering and power brakes. The owner says that the car runs and drives really nicely, and the engine bay does present quite well. There are a few items missing, the most notable of these being the original air cleaner, and the Californian emissions equipment.

The interior of the Buick presents quite well, with no real issues or problems to report. The California option brought only a couple of minor interior upgrades to the car. These included front and rear carpet, and a Deluxe steering wheel. This car still retains those items, along with the original factory radio. An aftermarket radio/cassette player has been mounted under the dash, and rather disappointingly, the door trims have been cut to fit speakers. Otherwise, the rest of the interior really does present quite nicely. One great little feature of this interior is the Buick Tissue Dispenser mounted under the dash on the passenger side. It’s just a neat little feature, and like the rest of the interior, it does appear to be in good condition.

One of the great debates surrounding the GS California seems to revolve around whether the relative rarity of this model provides it with a value advantage over a GS 340. The answers seem to be varied on this, but the relative rarity of this option certainly isn’t going to hurt its value at all. This one will need some work, but what it requires would not be considered to be major, and regardless of potential values, it is still one nice looking car.