National Award Winning GS455 Stage 1 455 507 HP TH400

Walk around any major car show and you'll likely find a split between the concours guys with factory correct overspray on the trunk hinges and the hot rod guys who spent most of their time on the drivetrain. Rarely do the two meet in the middle quite like they do on this frame off restored 1970 Buick GS 455 dressed as a Stage 1. It's a Buick Club of America Concours Gold winner that scored 390/400 on the judging sheet, so you know all the details are right. It also carries a stealthy 507hp V8 with enough torque to make your tractor feel inadequate. If saving money, winning shows, and smoking LS6 Chevelles sounds like a good time to you, this GS is ready to deliver.

Many would consider the GSX to be Buick's most famous muscle car entry. With it's striping and color options, it may have carried a big stick but it went around screaming and pointing at it instead of speaking softly like the old adage commands. The GS 455 Stage 1 was every bit as brutal, but hid its power capabilities within a more modest shell. The exterior of this A-body shows its refinement through a Burgundy Mist top coat. Not only does the color fit the car, it does a good job at highlighting the reserved Buick styling enthusiasts have come to appreciate. The greenhouse is decked out in Glacier White paint (nope, not a vinyl top) that brings contrast to the package without resorting to stripes or gimmicks. The paint work shows well from every angle you can dream up - a testament to the razor straight sheet metal that lies beneath.

Take a closer look to admire the full scope of Buick's design. From the front, dual headlights fill in the squared corners while a split black grille wears a sporty GS 455 badge. A chrome bumper follows the shape of the nose, offering a place for turn signals and a license plate. The hood features functional dual scoops that, aside from the badging, offer the only indication of the car's performance capabilities. Behind the cowl, a new windshield fronts a greenhouse filled will new unmarked glass and clean stainless trim. The profile reveals bright wheel moldings and a unique rocker trim with bright red detail. The fenders bear GS Stage 1 badges as a fair warning to anyone thinking about lining up next to this Buick. At the rear, long rectangular taillights and Buick script sit amidst a large chrome bumper that accounts for most of the back end. A final GS badge on the right side of the decklid finishes off the subtle package.

Looking over the car, you would expect to find a factory-issue 455 under the hood – that wouldn't be a bad thing either. The stock Buick 455 was a strong engine, offering a factory rated 360 horsepower and 510 lb. /ft. of torque but this GS takes things to the next level. Lift the hood and a deceptively stock-appearing bay hosts a fully rebuilt 470ci Buick motor full of high-quality parts. Built by Tri-Shield Performance, the block hosts pieces like Diamond forged pistons, Eagle H-beam rods, and a TA 290H cam. At the top, a ported stock intake works alongside ported and polished aluminum SE Stage 1 heads to help make a dyno-proven 507 horsepower and 533 lb/ft of torque. The valve covers are factory issue chrome and, under the stock air filter assembly, an 800 CFM Quadrajet remains in charge of fuel delivery. The best part of the bay is the fact that almost everything appears as it should. Even the judges at the Buick Club of America could only deduct points for the Taylor wires, fuel pump, and cogged belts. The authenticity even extends to the sound of the engine. While you might expect to hear some cam lope, it's virtually undetectable. This is definitely the sneakiest 500hp we've seen in awhile.

Put this A-body on a lift and admire the quality work underneath. The car was built with longevity in mind, so the frame was sand blasted and painted with an industrial urethane for a durable easy-to-clean shine. Behind that powerhouse 455, a TH400 automatic transmission rebuilt by TSP handles shifting duties, spinning torque back to a 12-bolt Posi rear with versatile 3.31 gears. At either side, headers connect to a 3-inch dual exhaust system complete with an X-pipe and Flowmaster 50 series mufflers. To the rear, a new Quantum fuel tank and RobbMc fuel pump keep the big Buick properly fed. The suspension has been fully rebuilt but maintains its stock configuration. You'll find A-arms up front and the factory 4-bar out back with sway bars at both ends for some added stability through the corners. The suspension is aided by power front disc brakes and rear drums which provide plenty of stopping power while a fully rebuilt power steering system ensures confidence through the corners. The chassis meets the road through new Wheel Vintiques Buick Rally wheels wrapped in Goodyear Polylgas tires.

Interiors have always been a high point for the Buick brand. Even today, their base model will grant you more style and comfort than most on the market. Inside this GS, you'll find a new white vinyl interior with tasteful styling and plenty of creature comforts. Looking in, it's hard not to admire the sloped and tapered full-length console. The shifter sits high up on the console, surrounded by wood grain applique that blends well with the car's upscale look. At either side, bucket seats wrapped in a nearly pearlescent white vinyl offer plenty of support for extended cruises. A black factory dash fills the space between the A-pillars with more attractive wood grain surfaces. The instrument bezel hosts a trio of impressively clean gauges that monitor fuel, temperature, oil pressure, speed, and revs. Below, controls for the washer, wipers, and heater remain easily within reach. To the right, the stereo looks stock at first glance but offers AM/FM signal, a CD player, and a digital screen. The edges are filled out by patterned white door panels, a taut white headliner, and clean black carpets that all present as new. The trunk is equally nice, finished with a correct mat and spare tire.

As a '70 GS built in Flint, MI this car has a distinct advantage in the form of the Sloan Museum. Their documents, along with the original owners manuals, provide significant insight into the Buick's past. The car's more recent history is covered by restoration photos, receipts, and a four-page log that tracks the overall cost of the build. Engine specs are broken down by a forum post at www.V8Buick.com, authored by the engine builder. Finally, an October 2012 copy of the Buick Bugle shows evidence of the car's Concours Gold status. Other national accolades include:

• 1st place at the 2011 Buick Performance Nationals – Bowling Green, KY
• 2nd place at the 2011 Buick Performance Nationals – Columbus, OH
• Concours Gold Senior at the 2012 Buick Club of America Nationals – Concord, NC
• Concours Silver at the 2012 Gran Sport Club of America Nationals – Bowling Green, KY

In its day, there wasn't much that could take a GS 455 Stage 1, save for a HEMI Challenger or a Ram Air IV GTO. They were fast, modest, and a perfect way to fly under the radar. With its stealthy 507hp, 470ci V8 and a Councours Gold-winning look, you won't come in second place to anyone with this A-body. Don't miss the chance to bring this one home today!