Page 62 - Experience Magazine Fall 2022

demanded by lesser cars. While the 1970 by the potent 455ci Stage 1 engine, mated
Skylark Gran Sport Stage 1 cars are technically to an M40 Turbo-Hydramatic 400 automatic
the most potent expressions of the breed, transmission and 3.64:1 posi-traction rear
Buick’s engineering wizards kept the high- end. Options include power disc brakes,
end GM marque’s intermediates at the top of power steering, power windows, and power
any list of America’s best performance cars door locks, plus a tilt steering column and
through 1973. Next, Buick engineers pivoted original Buick Sonomatic radio. Goodyear
to turbocharged V6 models culminating in the Polyglas G60-15 GT tires surround Buick
Regal-based Grand National and GSX, which 15x7-inch Rallye wheels. This singular GS
confounded GM’s long-established “Corvette Stage 1 retains 100-percent of its original
first” corporate mantra through 1987. sheet metal, clear glass, white interior, and
one-off Fireglow Pearl paint, with just 13,501
Accordingly, Barrett-Jackson is excited to
highlight this uncommon pairing, beginning miles showing on the odometer at the time of
with this 1970 Buick GS 455 Stage 1 writing. This car is a Certified Gold Winner at
prototype. One of two cars plucked from the 2010 Buick Performance Club Nationals,
the assembly line in early 1970, this GS was and it was a featured subject in the August
specially built for display at auto shows 2005 edition of Hemmings Motor News.
across the country. Following assembly and Not to be confused with the GSX that was on
preparation, it toured the auto-show circuit tour in the '70s, but still an incredible example,
and was then destined to be destroyed. A is this 1970 Buick GSX 455 Stage 1 – on offer
dealer intervened with the understanding with No Reserve at Houston. It is one of only
that the cars were never to be sold. However, 678 examples produced for 1970. Only 187
while the dealer was out of town, both show were painted in Apollo White, including this
cars were sold, ensuring their survival today. GSX, with the others finished in Saturn Yellow.
Featuring a unique Fireglow Pearl paint finish, This GSX 455 Stage 1 comes complete with a
a color used just once for this particular Buick matching-numbers engine, Turbo-Hydramatic
Gran Sport, this factory show car is powered transmission, and 3.42:1 posi-traction rear end.

62 BARRETT-JACKSON EXPERIENCE FALL 2022