One of 165 GS455 convertibles built in 1971. Matching numbers engine and TH400 transmission. Gorgeous original color combination. Newer power convertible top with glass rear window. Driver-grade GS for fun in the sun!

The color is called Bittersweet Mist, and perhaps that’s an apt name for the last of Buick’s big block GS muscle cars. It’s gorgeous in person, a brilliant coppery metallic hue that looks properly upscale on the trim Skylark sheetmetal. Someone spent good money on the paint and bodywork, because it’s straight and reflects beautifully, suggesting a lot of block sanding up front and a proper cut and buff after it was dry. Panel fit is decent, although the driver’s door is a little tight at the top and has rubbed some of the paint. But looking down the flanks, there are no ripples or waves or signs of botched bodywork, and that’s always a good thing. Most of the chrome and stainless trim is probably original and in good condition, including the unique 1971 GS grille up front and the heavy chrome bumpers, including the rear bumpers with those trick exhaust cut-outs. The only emblems on this car are GS badges, suggesting that Buick figured you’d already know what it was if you saw it prowling the streets.

The white interior is likely original and in good overall condition. It has been re-dyed at some point, so it’s bright and tidy, but there’s some wear here and there if you go looking. Fortunately, reproduction stuff is easy to find and reasonably priced if you just need perfection, but even as it sits it’s quite presentable. The black carpets are surely newer and work well with the black instrument panel to keep it from getting too bright inside. The three-spoke Buick sport wheel feels right in a performance car and even though the gauges only monitor the basics, the big, round dials look great. Options include A/C (needs to be serviced, likely just a recharge), power windows, automatic transmission, power steering, and power disc brakes. There’s also a newer Kenwood AM/FM/CD/USB stereo with Bluetooth in the center of the dash, so the entertainment is state-of-the-art. There is a newer white power convertible top that stows itself easily with a touch of the button and the trunk is outfitted with a correct mat and full-sized spare with matching cover.

The engine appears to be the original TR-coded 455 cubic inch V8, which shows a stamping between cylinders 2 and 4 that matches the last six digits of the VIN. IN 1971, horsepower was down thanks to dropping compression ratios, but the big Buick still grunted out 315 horsepower and a towering 450 pounds of torque—not too shabby for the era of low-octane gas and blossoming emissions regulations. That big boot of torque is what makes these Buicks so much fun to drive and it’s really good at all the things you want a muscle car to do. The engine bay is nicely detailed, starting with the giant GS air cleaner with twin nostrils inhaling directly through the hood. Underneath, the block itself is familiar Dante Red, which looks good in the all-black engine bay. There are plenty of new components, including fresh hoses, a recent radiator and master cylinder, and an auxiliary electric fan in front of the A/C condenser to help keep things cool at low speeds (this is probably not a bad parade car if you don’t mind going slow).

The engine is backed by a rugged TH400 3-speed automatic transmission that also sports a partial matching VIN stamp on the pan rail, evidence that it’s the original transmission. Out back, tall 3.08 gears make this a relaxed cruiser, and that seems like the right choice for a Buick. There’s also a recent Flowmaster exhaust system that sounds muscular and newer stainless fuel and brake lines with matching red calipers up front. In back, new shocks improve ride quality and there’s a replacement gas tank to eliminate at least one problem area on old cars. The frame is straight and does not show any evidence of previous accident damage, although it might be time to replace the body mount bushings, which are original and a bit hard. 15-inch Buick Road Wheels are among the most attractive of the era and carry fat 235/60/15 performance radials all around.

With only 165 GS455 convertibles built in 1971, this is a very rare car. It’s reasonably priced because it’s not perfect, but it has an apparently strong pedigree, a great look, and remains a ton of fun to drive. If driving is what you like to do and you don’t mind a few imperfections, this GS remains a bit of a bargain for the Buick fan who likes performance, rarity, and good looks in equal measure. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.