I posted a few pictures of this in the 'Bench' forum, but figured I would post the link to the dealer here: https://www.lwautomotive.com/vdp/16...GS-California-for-sale-in-Pittsburgh-PA-15237
I know I am never the popular opinion but GS California's Colorado's Carolina's are really nothing more than emblems right? Cars built in certain regions only. You couldn't option a bigger motor or other options right? You bought them right off the lot only. Am I wrong?
Bigger engine ,no but I have seen one with AC so that must have been ordered as most were plain Jane and built to a price point. Still would be cool to have a Colorado or even rarer Carolina.
There was a 69 (pretty sure. May have been a 68) GS Colorado out here for sale for awhile. It was the Firemist Orange (Is that the right name?)
Fireglow orange. Only offered in Spring of 69. That is what my ragtop was painted from the factory. Pretty rare color. Mine is one of 20 built .
Not really sure on the ordering? I own a '68 GS Cal which is really the Special Deluxe with the GS 350 4 barrel. It does have the convertible frame like other GS cars and the crossed rods on the from of the core support. Also, they have the GS hood. The interior is not the GS interior, but the Special Deluxe interior, which should look like this: Buick ONLY made the car with "California" on the body AFAIK. I believe the other variants were made by big dealers in the other areas, that ordered the California Model and swapped in the State name. The car isn't a hard top, but a thin pillar coupe. So overall, I see your point, but at this late date I think it's safe to say this car is a "real" Buick GS. It is clearly a variant, and it's fine if you want to consider less than. Not too many still rolling around and looking good.
Can you tell me if the if "the crossed rods on the from of the core support" are shorter than the 70-72? If so I think I have a set. Thanks Nelson
Great info. Didn't know about the interior. I would still consider them a factory GS car for sure. Came with a hood... Has GS markings. Buick built.
I've always considered them GS's although I guess the VIN/Series is the same as a Post Skylark vs. a GS 350 which was it's own series so (if so) could certainly argue was "merely" an option package on a Skylark & w/o some type of documentation impossible to prove as a GS?
I would consider the California GS as a model even based on all the dealer brochures and advertising such as magazines adds. Probably best not to dig too deep or read between the lines after all , the GSX was a $1200 option. Oooooooooops ! Don't want to go there. Lol
That is a clean looking car. Only thing I don't like is the seats. You sure couldn't restore the $150 California rust bucket I posted about, to the condition of this one, for $19K.
Those '68-9 rear bumpers sure do look good the rare times that you see them when they're actually straight like the op's.