With so many original GS350's being sold with 455's, I'm running into dealers who make me question my VIN info, please anyone chime in constructively. (Not displaying production number or plant, just first 5 characters). What would this represent? VIN = 434371 Is this a 1971 2 door hardtop coupe GS 350 or could it be a GS455 or even a GS 455 Stage 1? My data shows a 2 door hardtop coupe 1971 GS455 like this (no option for a "Stage 1" in the VIN): VIN = 446371 My data shows a 1972 GS 455 like this: VIN = 4G37U2 My data shows a 1972 GS 455 Stage 1 like this: VIN = 4G37V2 If above is correct, how would you prove an original 1971 GS455 Stage 1?
44637 was not used in 1971. All the 71 GS coupes would have been 43437. The 71 Coupe 455/Stage 1 cars had a different frame number then the 350 cars. If you have a convert they are both the same number, so good luck with that. If you have a build sheet you can prove it, otherwise you need to have correct dated components that were built in the correct time period for the car and the engine & trans would have to be stamped with the partial vin numbers to match the car. You would need to verify all the parts before people would consider it as original. 71’s are tough to document. Duane
Appreciate the higher level knowledge! Not looking a gift horse in the mouth, but gonna question that knowledge (I attached a VIN sheet I use, perhaps you can debunk it or help me clean it up). Are you confusing VIN with body tag "series" number? Or did Buick just screw the pooch in '71 as regard to easily identifying their most prestigious cars to date?
‘67-‘70 have a different VIN for big block cars. ‘71s don’t, so, as Duane says, you have to look for other clues like the frame numbers, the steering shaft, accelerator pedal kickdown and transmission code and stamp. Patrick
Gotcha, need to clean up my VIN data...thank you! I'll just presume all 1971 455's are not original unless the owner can easily present all data required in a nice, neat, little folder with pics. Since everybody and their brother claim original 455 and stage 1 status so easily and expect that extra $30K - $60K bump because of it, based on condition - I get skeptical...
The V code was used on A-body car with Stage 1. The W code used for the Riviera with a Stage 1 and would have a VIN starting with 4Y87W2. There were no 4G37W2 cars.
I didn't realize the convertible frame part #'s were the same. Seems odd they'd use the thicker frame horns on the BBB hardtop cars but not the convertible.
Build sheet, orig. window sticker, orig. dealer invoice, GM of Canada doc if orig. sold there, Frame (same 455 or S1), matching #'s engine or matching #'s trans.
Dano, For the convertibles they did not worry about making a thicker frame because the convert frame is boxed and is already much stronger. Those convert frames were the same for Skylark, GS, Cutlass, 442, Chevelle, SS, etc for any given year. My 1970 Chevelle convert frame had the same letter code and part number as my 1970 442 convert frame. Duane
It's confusing, where can I get that level of info? The doc above ( https://www.tpocr.com/buickvin6.html ) compiles VIN info, but didn't define your answer. The Fifth Digit didn't state a difference between "V" and "W", it just had both listed as "8-455 4 Bar. Carb., Stage I". 1. Where did it divide the Fifth Digit into "Series" as well as "Engine"? 2. For '72 why does it list "Third & Fourth Digits" as 37, 47, 57 & 87 all as 2 dr. hardtop's?
