At the Turkey Rod Run 2016 I gave a serious look at a a 71 Stage 1 conv 4 speed car. Last night that car was featured on South Beach Classics. It seemed like a fair price but I really didn't know what I was looking since I'm a 64 to 67 guy. My question is: If a situation like this presents itself again how can tell if it's real? There were a couple of guys there picking it apart, but not too bad, they told me there is almost no way to tell if it's real on a 71. I kinda wish I had bought it now.
The wing isnt stock, but I like it. The engine VIN and code can match it to the car for authenticity verification.
Without the matching engine TS code and trans OW or BB it could be a GS 350 GS 455 or a Stage 1 nice looking car love the color combo
John's right: without that verification, the 71's are a crapshoot. Very unfortunate. Us 70 and 72 guys lucked out, I guess.
It should not have a 12 bolt and it is missing the "By Buick" emblem below the "GS" on the trunk lid for starters. If it does not have the numbers-matching "TS" code block or the window sticker (original) or a build sheet it would be hard to prove it is a real Stage 1. But it sure looks nice in the pictures...
That would be a buy if it had some documentation. But since it doesn't list any then who knows what it is.
One item most everyone forgets to change when they switch from a 350 to a 455 is the rag-joint at the bottom of the steering column. Looking at the pictures on e-bay of the left side of the motor, the upper part of the rag-joint appears to be pressed on the column shaft and not slipped on over a splined shaft with an attaching bolt like the bottom half of a rag-joint does. Also note that the radiator has been switched out to a nice aluminum radiator. If you were making a switch from a 350 to a 455, you would have to change to a larger radiator. I agree that this is a very nice looking ride and I would love to own it. However, I am not convinced that it is the real deal that they are advertising it to be. Marv.
Between the wrong rag joint and the fact the seller says it has "Buick finned aluminum brakes", I can almost guarantee you it is not a Stage 1. 1971, disc brakes were mandatory on Stage cars. Buyer beware.
I saw car at Daytona track and saw nothing accept the stage1 emblem on it.No docs or stampings to prove anything.
Not defending the car, but ad does say it has "Power dic brakes" and the super rare (as in one of none) "optional aluminum rear drums"
I was going by the eBay ad where it mentions "3.90 with aluminum brakes". Not good enough photos of the wheels to see if it is disc's or not. Even with disc's, a lot of unanswered questions.
I don't know what it is, but Ted really irritates me. He really isn't a car guy at all and admits it on the show. All he cares about is how much has to pay for it and how much can he sell it for. There seems to be no respect for the hobby or the cars. He's kind of like a pimp and the cars are his prostitutes. As long as they make him a buck, that's all that matters.
Ah...I didn't read the eBay ad, just the one on the window. Definitely too many questions. You'd think he could spell out disk - I'm not one to be criticizing anyone's handwriting, but certainly looks like "dic" to me.
