Recent article on BarnFinds dot com: One Family Owned: 1970 Buick GS 455 Stage 1 Although the muscle car wasn’t dead by the turn of the 1970s, diminishing sales numbers and impending legislative changes meant the end was in sight for the breed. However, there were still legends rolling off production lines, including the 1970 Buick GS 455. It offered excellent performance, but our feature car ramps that up as a Stage 1 version. It has been part of the same family since the day it left the showroom floor, but it is time for this solid and unmolested survivor to find a new family to protect and preserve it. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Folsom, California. The bidding has raced past the reserve and sits at $28,600. Enthusiasts seeking a rock-solid restoration candidate that is unmolested may struggle to look beyond this Buick. It has spent its life in its current location, and the favorable climate has preserved its steel nicely. The seller admits there is pitting on the inside of the trunk pan courtesy of a leaking seal, but it hasn’t deteriorated to penetrating rust. Therefore, treating it now means the car’s underside will remain original and structurally sound. A few small spots are visible on the lower rear quarter panels, but these appear patchable. I spotted what looks like pinholes developing in the lower front fenders, although tackling those should be straightforward. The Glacier White paint has its share of imperfections. However, it may prove acceptable following a polish if the new owner pursues preservation over restoration. The grille is damaged, but the remaining trim would only require attention if the winning bidder seeks perfection in their build. The GS rolls on its original wheels, and I can’t spot any glass issues. The 1970 GS 455 possessed genuine performance credentials, but the Stage 1 version took those to a higher level. This is one of those cars, and while the “base” GS produced 350hp, the Stage 1 placed an official 360hp and 510 ft/lbs of torque under the driver’s right foot. There has often been conjecture about the power figure because Buick regularly pulled engines from the line for testing. One of the Development Engineers recalls that of the fifteen engines tested, the least powerful produced 376hp. This car’s numbers-matching 455 sends its power to the rear wheels via a three-speed TH-400 automatic transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes part of the package. The GS 455 left no doubts surrounding its performance credentials once the driver floored the gas pedal. The journey down the ¼-mile took 14.6 seconds, which could never be described as slow. The seller indicates this classic runs and drives, although it is unclear whether it is roadworthy. They include some fresh air cleaner decals and new foam for the Ram Air intake. As with the exterior, the winning bidder must choose between preserving this aspect of the car or pulling the engine to detail everything as part of a high-end build. This Buick’s seats wear aftermarket covers, but they represent the only interior change or modification. The photos are inconclusive but appear to support the seller’s claim that the dash and pad are in good order. The carpet might respond to a deep clean, but budgeting for replacing it, the cracked wheel, and the faux woodgrain would be wise. The remaining upholstered surfaces look good for their age, while the new owner receives air conditioning, bucket seats, a console, an AM radio, and a tilt wheel. So, preservation or restoration? Which would you choose if you found this 1970 Buick GS 455 Stage 1 in your workshop? Whatever your approach, you must compete with the ten people who have submitted thirty-five bids if it is to become a reality. Are you prepared to do that? I would hardly blame you if you did.
This car has already caught the attention of V8Buick here: https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/1970-stage-1-on-ebay.387662/
