Nineteen seventy-one was an uncommon yr for Basic Motors as a result of it lowered the compression on all its engines a yr forward of the federal government mandate. Over at Buick, the model additionally anticipated altering instances by decreasing the mid-size Gran Sport collection to at least one model as a substitute of two. The Choose of the Day, this 1971 Buick GS convertible listed on the market on ClassicCars.com by an Iowa supplier, demonstrates what was occurring in Flint, Michigan on the time.
In 1970, there have been two Gran Sport fashions: GS and GS 455. The GS was beforehand often known as the GS 350 and was solely obtainable as a 350-powered hardtop; the GS 455 was the previous GS 400 and was obtainable as a hardtop and convertible. Nonetheless, in 1971, Buick folded all of them below the GS banner. Now one may purchase a GS, GS 455 or GS Stage 1 as a hardtop or convertible. Actually, this was the primary time {that a} small-block GS convertible was obtainable. Contemplating high-performance was on its means out, this helped maintain GS convertible manufacturing as a result of out of 902 GS convertibles, solely 246 featured the big-block. Contemplating 1,416 GS 455 convertibles had been in-built 1970, the 350 actually helped muffle the thud a bit.
This Verdemist Inexperienced 1971 Buick GS convertible options the optionally available 455, which was located between the usual 350 and Stage 1. “The paint on this automotive has been performed very properly and the automotive is in total nice form from prime to backside,” say the vendor. “Very good inside with all new seats and carpet.” Be aware the bench seat with column shifter seat was the usual configuration, with buckets requiring a particular order for some motive. Additionally word the N25 bumper/exhaust extensions on this GS, an uncommon possibility that appears to be impressed by the Olds 4-4-2. The traditional Buick chrome wheels with Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires full the bundle.
For 1971, the brand new 8.5-compression engine was rated at 315 horsepower, down from 350 the yr earlier than. Solely 165 had been constructed with this engine, with 147 that includes the TH400 automated. Vendor claims 33,000 miles on the odometer, nevertheless it’s not being claimed they’re authentic miles.
In a world the place individuals are paying ridiculous costs for muscle automobiles, this 1971 Buick GS convertible is a lesson in restraint as a result of it would take solely $39,000 to deliver muscle automotive fashion and efficiency to to your storage.
To view this itemizing on ClassicCars.com, see Choose of the Day.
