Why no history info on the 1971 Buicks?

Discussion in 'The "Paper Trail"' started by rkammer, Apr 16, 2018.

  1. rkammer

    rkammer Gold Level Contributor

    I'm aware that there is no history info from mid 1970 thru 1971 as to ordering info and VIN verification. I've heard several reasons for this including a fire at the GM building where records were kept and a strike at the GM plant. So, what's the reason?
     
  2. dynaflow

    dynaflow shiftless...

    Fire seems to have most credibility...
    Has made getting a window sticker, something that other years/makes can readily do, a long difficult journey. Personally, without V8 community, would have been doubly difficult...
     
  3. BYoung

    BYoung Stage me

    Personally, I wouldn't have purchased my '71 Stage car if it didn't have documentation. It came with the original window sticker and protect-o-plate. I still have not located a build sheet or POBF.
     
  4. flynbuick

    flynbuick Guest

    I believe fire got the Oldsmobile records. The Buick records were tossed out when GM did away with the Flint Plant allegedly in retaliation for a labor strike. Some records were saved from the trash. Most of those saved are at the AP Sloan Museum. Wayne pulled out the latter half of the 70 production records.
     
  5. Brad Conley

    Brad Conley RIP Staff Member

    Jim is correct. No fire. They are out there and have been seen.....somewhere.
     
  6. rkammer

    rkammer Gold Level Contributor

    Can't imagine why anyone who has seen these records would hide them from the Buick or any other collector community. Money? Now would be the time to sell them as the collector market is peaking.
     
  7. dynaflow

    dynaflow shiftless...

    ...heard this story too for as long as I've been in the hobby....like you, I can't rationalize why they're hidden...they will be useless when we're all gone. Unlike rare art, their value will not increase with time. Not doubting stories or those repeating them...strange things happen...
     
  8. Brad Conley

    Brad Conley RIP Staff Member

    Maybe they are afraid of repercussions from a former employer and the loss of income from, say, a retirement fund....

    Just a guess. ;)
     
    Jamie Carnes likes this.
  9. bignastyGS

    bignastyGS Maggot pilot

    Or maybe whoever has them doesn't really know what they are or gives a ****...Sad as there are many in need of documenting cars. There is money to be made with them as well..
    I was just thinking about having my Maggot's paperwork done for my satisfaction.What is the cutoff for them between Wayne and Sloan? Anyone know?It's a 70.
     
  10. Mike Trom

    Mike Trom Platinum Level Contributor

    I would be interested in picking them up as an anonymous "swap meet" purchase if the person were willing to part with them.:rolleyes:
     
  11. bignastyGS

    bignastyGS Maggot pilot

    I would do a free service as well...
     
  12. Brad Conley

    Brad Conley RIP Staff Member

    Pat, around January 1970 or so. I'm sure any person that might happen to have such documentation would understand exactly what they have and does care very deeply.
     
  13. pbr400

    pbr400 68GS400

    If the person who has them now is the person who saved them, he’s not a young man now. Bringing them to light could open several big ass cans of worms. Trouble from GM, hassle from hundreds of us, blowback from people whose Stage 1s (and maybe GSXs) are now outed as fakes (think about the lawsuits against sellers; being asked to testify), being bothered by prospectors who want access to the VINs of all the high dollar combos, the legal and ethical issues of what info to give out, to whom? It’s like a movie where the hero is given the ability to see the future; what should he do?
    Patrick
     
  14. Mike Trom

    Mike Trom Platinum Level Contributor

    Donate it back to GM (Sloan) as an anonymous donor and then let the civil lawsuits(if any) happen as they should amongst owners/sellers.

    In reality, how many high dollar fake 1971 Buicks are really out there? Unfortunately were not talking Hemi's. Why has there not been similar issues with the second half of the 70 info if that was going to be the case? I wonder how often GM has been called in to testify on the legitimacy of a 1970 Buick, probably never.
     
    DBS and BYoung like this.
  15. Brad Conley

    Brad Conley RIP Staff Member

    Patrick, I just had to quote your thoughts again to let others know what a great thinker you are! My thoughts EXACTLY.

    Exactly my thoughts, Mike. And I bet you will find more than you think you will....
     
  16. 69 GS 400

    69 GS 400 Well-Known Member

    I think any time to go after any possible legal action would have long run out. I also think in this day that anything that promotes a vehicle manufacture's pedigree is worth far more to them in promotion and free advertising that any potential lawsuit dollars could generate. If I was a car company, just think " Half a century later and still # 1" They could release a new 850 hp car and it would filter down to the sales of lower models.
     
  17. Mike B in SC

    Mike B in SC Well-Known Member

    I wish I had never sold my numbers-matching '71 Stage 1, I knew it was the real-deal, no doubts. I worked with the guy who ordered it in 1970.
     
    BeatersRus likes this.
  18. dynaflow

    dynaflow shiftless...

    Interesting question, guessing with zero '71 data, forgers have more to work with, and least perceived chance for detection.
     
  19. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    Why would the 71 info have any more impact if released than the 70 info has currently?
     
  20. Brad Conley

    Brad Conley RIP Staff Member

    My only guess would be that, for a very long time, the info has not been available. 1970, 1972, etc have been out there and the opportunity to fake a car has been curtailed since the info is available for those.
     

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