1 of 118 National Award Winning GSX Stage 1 4 Speed

Most classic car enthusiasts agree that 1970 was the pinnacle of the muscle car era. Prior to that year, General Motors had a ridiculous rule that said no more than 400 cubic inches of raw American power could go under the hood of any mid-size car. And immediately after that year, OPEC, the Environmental Protection Agency and the insurance industry all did their absolute best to end the horsepower wars forever. With that in mind, many people ask us what we think the ultimate muscle car is. And even though we're hesitant to pick just one, we always remind them that, at the time, Motor Trend said the Buick GSX was the fastest car they'd ever tested. With a staggering 510 lb./ft. of torque straight from the factory, Buick's coveted GSX continued to hold the title of highest torque-producing American car until the introduction of the 2003 Dodge Viper. But the funny thing is, despite their superior performance, these gentleman's hot rods are much scarcer than their corporate siblings. As 1 of only 118 Stage 1 4-speed cars built for the 1970 model year, this stunning GSX is a multiple national award winner that's undoubtedly one of the coolest Buick's we've ever featured! If you're looking for some killer Detroit metal that has an outstanding history and an impressive level of performance, Buick built it and RK Motors Charlotte is selling it!

By now you probably know that most of our blue chip offerings come with significant historical documentation. And, in keeping with tradition, the sale of this bright yellow A-Body includes a small packet from the GSX Historic Society that lists the following optional equipment:

* A-X Option Group (Includes A-9 Option Group)
* STAGE-1: 455 cubic inch, modified High Performance V8
* ----- Distinctive GSX hood and body stripes
* ----- Front and rear spoilers
* ----- GSX ornamentation decal on rear spoiler and rear quarters
* ----- GSX grille and instrument panel emblems
* ----- Rocker panel moldings with distinctive black GSX stripes
* ----- Color-coordinated headlamp bezels
* ----- Color-coordinated racing mirrors
* ----- Hood tachometer
* B-3: 4-speed manual transmission
* B-7: Consolette
* C-1: Power disc brakes
* D-1: Sonomatic radio
* F-7: Chrome wheels with G60-15 Super Wide Oval, white billboard lettered tires
* G-1: Performance axle with posi-traction 3.42 gear ratio
* H-6 Rally Ride Control Package:
* ----- Firm ride springs
* ----- Rear stabilizer bar
* ----- Rear lower control arm assembly
* L-2: Soft Ray tinted windshield
* P-2: Carpet Savers
* U-9: Instrument gauges and Rally clock
* X-2: Rally steering wheel
* 3-N: Special paint

If you wanted a 1970 Buick muscle car you had two color choices: GM code 10-10 Apollo White or GM code Q-Q Saturn Yellow. Yellow outsold white by about three to one, with only 187 Apollo White coupes traversing the assembly line; and when you take one gander at this broad shouldered beaut, you'll understand why. Looking sinister and feeling solid, this awesome GSX carries a fresh, frame-off restoration that, thanks to the skilled craftsmen at Then & Now Auto in Marietta, Georgia, is a largely flaw-free celebration of world class showmanship. When this beast was ordered by Abbie Uriguen Buick in May of 1970, there was no way to avoid a blacked-out hood and black side stripes; but why the heck would they? The car looks incredibly aggressive yet tasteful at the same time, and it's exactly what enthusiasts expected from a brand that was synonymous with doctors and lawyers. Functionally, panel gaps are excellent throughout, everything seals up tight and there's just something about this Buick that feels more substantial than its Chevy and Pontiac cousins. The car's finish is brilliant, using modern pigment to achieve a depth and gloss that makes it impossible to ignore at a show or on the street. And overall, this GSX is about as close to perfect as a concours restored classic can get!

By 1970, Buick had pretty much perfected its top dog GS line both mechanically and aesthetically. The result was this car; a substantial looking piece which featured small aesthetic tweaks and a lot more attitude. At the front of this hardtop's body, a broad bumper centers crystal clear marker lamps between a new chin spoiler, four T3 headlights and a deep-set grille that hangs a bright “GSX” emblem inside a thick chrome border. At the top of that grille, large diameter intakes and a famous, exterior-mounted tach front a flat hood that flows to factory-tint glass, pristine stainless trim and recessed and hidden wipers. At the sides of those wipers, black rocker trim combines with fresh wheel rings to parallel color-keyed racing mirrors, traditional door handles and revered “GSX” quarter decals. And behind those decals, a second broad bumper centers like-new tail lamps and a subtle “BUICK” script below a large, “GSX” branded spoiler.

Although this coupe's famous, exterior-mounted tach isn't spun by an original engine, the car does sport a fully restored, date-correct SS Code Stage 1 455 V8 that's decked in a thick coat of subdued red paint. Buick's mighty 455 was one of the first powerplants to utilize thin wall casting and, as a result, is lighter and faster than most comparable big blocks. At the top of the "SS" branded mill, a familiar Quadrajet carburetor mixes oxygen from functional ram air hood scoops with dino juice that's supplied by spotless stainless fuel lines. At the sides of that carburetor, free flowing heads hang mirrored valve covers over deep breathing exhaust manifolds. In front of those manifolds, a traditional points distributor shoots fire through new 7mm Premium Silicone wires. And in front of that distributor, a gloss black radiator, which is authentic all the way down to its AC cap, circulates coolant through pliable hoses and authentic tower clamps. Naturally, this GSX maintains a correctly detailed engine bay that's complete with a Delco Moraine brake booster, a Delco Energizer battery and a fresh array of decals. Visually, the car's satin black fenders perfectly complement its bright red engine, bright green throttle spring and factory-correct inspection marks. And mechanically, this awesome Buick is in outstanding condition, performing just as well now as when it rolled out of Uriguen Buick's Idaho showroom.

As you might imagine, that hot 455 needed a better drivetrain to effectively establish street credibility. So, Buick complemented the GSX's styling tweaks with a few mechanical adjustments and a number of strengthened components. At the bottom of this over-restored A-Body, clean, gloss black floors tell the story of excellent maintenance and carefully chosen road time. At the center of those floors, a correct Muncie M20 4-speed hangs in front of a familiar 10-bolt rear end that's equipped with tall, stoplight slaying gears. Below that drivetrain, an original Rally Ride Control suspension, which includes stiffer springs, a rear stabilizer bar and a rear lower control arm assembly, combines with factory power steering and factory power front disc and rear drum brakes to provide quick stops and great handling. At the corners of that chassis, torque flows to the pavement through chrome Magnum 500s, which spin fresh G60-15 Goodyear Polyglas GTs around traditional red, white and blue center caps. And, based on a quick visual inspection, all the car's correctly marked hardware and clean, factory-correct components appear to be in excellent, show worthy condition.

Climb inside this timeless muscle car and you'll find a professionally restored GM code 188 interior that's both welcoming and appealing. Covered in pliable Madrid Grain surfaces (Buick speak for high quality vinyl), the car's firm front bucket and rear bench seats are comfortable, solid and provide spacious accommodations for at least four. In front of those seats, a warp-free dash hangs bright wood applique between correct Rally gauges and a correct Sonomatic radio. Below that dash, a stylish consolette props a familiar Hurst shifter on like-new carpet, tri-shield floor mats and bright stainless sills. At the sides of that consolette, smooth black door panels mix clean “GS” emblems and shiny chrome handles with great looking trim and crack-free armrests. At the top of those panels, a tight black headliner looks as good as the day it left the assembly line. In front of the driver, an attractive steering wheel carefully positions three satin-finished spokes around a small, “BUICK” branded horn button. And behind the passengers, a fully finished trunk features a fresh decklid decal, a full-size spare tire and a new houndstooth mat.

Once Then & Now finished slicking this GSX up, it hit the show circuit and scored many national awards. The car's long list of prestigious accolades includes:

* Gold Award at the 2011 Buick Club of America Nationals
* A-Body of the Year Award at the 2011 Buick Club of America Nationals (This Stage 1 was the club's highest scoring car to date)
* Concours Gold Award at the 2011 GS Nationals

The sale of this brazen old Buick includes the GSX Historic Society documents outlined above, a copy of an original Buick GSX invoice, a pile of restoration photos, a few restoration receipts from Then & Now Auto, and a large, professionally finished show board.

Are you a fan of ultimate Detroit muscle that's as pure as it is cool? It just doesn't get any better than this stunning Stage 1! We all know pristine, investment grade Buicks are hard to find; and this incredible 4-speed car is one of the rarest of the bunch. Don't miss your chance to own an awesome classic that you can watch appreciate year after year.