The 1970 Buick GSX 455 Stage 1 4-Speed Muscle Car holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts. This remarkable vehicle, featured in this week’s Muscle Car of the Week, is a testament to Buick’s foray into the high-performance car market during a time when muscle cars were taking the automotive industry by storm.
The Rarity and Appeal of the Buick GSX
The Buick GSX is renowned for its exceptional rarity and exclusivity, which greatly enhances its desirability and places it in high demand among avid collectors and passionate enthusiasts in the muscle car community. The limited number of GSXs ever manufactured significantly contributes to its allure and mystique, as only a total of 678 of these remarkable vehicles were ever produced.
Out of this already exclusive number, a mere 120 units were endowed with the prestigious Stage 1 engine option, further accentuating their coveted status. Adding to its allure, the GSX models equipped with the revered four-speed transmission are considered particularly remarkable and treasured by those who appreciate the unparalleled thrill of manual gear shifting.
Buick’s History in High-Performance Cars
Buick, a distinguished brand widely celebrated for its opulent and luxurious vehicles, had primarily been recognized for its emphasis on comfort and refined driving experiences rather than high-performance capabilities. However, as the 1960s and 1970s rolled around, Buick embarked on a transformational journey, determined to establish its presence in the fiercely competitive muscle car segment. Despite already offering notable performance models like the Super Riviera and the Gran Sport, Buick yearned to make an even bolder statement, thereby setting the stage for the extraordinary GSX.
With the introduction of the GSX, Buick showcased its unwavering commitment to breaking free from conventional perceptions and embracing the realm of raw power and exhilaration. This audacious move marked a pivotal moment in Buick’s history, as the brand wholeheartedly embraced the challenge of vying for supremacy in the dynamic and adrenaline-fueled world of muscle cars. By entering this highly demanding market, Buick demonstrated its determination to cater to the desires of thrill-seeking enthusiasts who craved both speed and style in equal measure.
The GSX, with its striking aesthetics and formidable performance credentials, embodied Buick’s unwavering dedication to pushing boundaries and redefining the perception of what a luxury car manufacturer was capable of achieving. It represented a resounding declaration that Buick was ready to rival the likes of Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and other dominant players in the muscle car arena. The GSX became an emblematic representation of Buick’s bold foray into the realm of high-performance vehicles, effectively dispelling any lingering doubts about the brand’s ability to captivate and enthrall enthusiasts seeking an adrenaline-fueled driving experience.
By embracing the GSX as a flagship model, Buick demonstrated its unwavering commitment to innovation, performance, and engineering excellence. The GSX was a testament to Buick’s determination to shed its reputation as solely a purveyor of luxurious automobiles and embrace the exhilarating world of muscle cars with unbridled enthusiasm. In doing so, Buick solidified its position as a formidable contender in a segment that was often dominated by its American counterparts.
Design and Visual Features of the GSX
The visual appeal of the Buick GSX is undeniable. Available in Saturn Yellow and Apollo White, the GSX boasted a blacked-out satin black hood with a red pinstripe, which added to its aggressive appearance. The car featured a body-long stripe that started at the rear wing, dipped down on the quarter panel, and then launched forward up the car, coming to a point in the front.
The rear wing, affectionately known as the “salami slicer” style wing, sat on pedestals, further enhancing the car’s unique look. Additionally, the GSX had a chin spoiler in satin black, contributing to its aggressive stance. Other notable design elements included a hood tack, chrome rally wheels, raised white letter tires, and a blacked-out bucket seat interior. Despite its sporty appearance, the GSX still retained its luxury characteristics, allowing for a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
The Stage 1 Engine Option
One of the defining features of the Buick GSX was its Stage 1 engine option. This enhanced version of the regular GS 455 engine boasted upgrades such as Stage 1 heads, a Stage 1 cam, and specific carburetor tuning. Notably, the Stage 1 heads featured larger valve sizes compared to the standard GS 455, resulting in improved performance. The Stage 1 engine delivered impressive power, producing 360 horsepower and an impressive 510 foot-pounds of torque. It became renowned for its exceptional torque output, surpassing many other midsize sedans in the General Motors lineup.
Transmission and Rear End Specifications
To complement the potent Stage 1 engine, the Buick GSX featured a Muncie M22 rock crusher four-speed transmission. This robust transmission provided precise shifting and added to the car’s engaging driving experience.
Power was transferred to the rear wheels through a 10-bolt rear end with a 3.64-to-1 rear gear ratio. Interestingly, despite the GSX’s high torque output, it utilized a Buick-pattern 10-bolt rear end rather than a 12-bolt, which was more common among other muscle cars of the era. The GSX’s performance was further enhanced by its tire selection, ensuring ample traction and exhilarating acceleration.
Performance and Racing Legacy
The Buick GSX proved itself as a formidable performer on the drag strip and the streets. In 1970, Motor Trend magazine clocked a GSX Stage 1 car running the quarter-mile in an impressive 13.38 seconds at 105.5 miles per hour.
These figures earned the GSX the title of the quickest car of 1970, surpassing even the renowned Hemi Cuda with its 426 cubic-inch engine. The GSX’s exceptional performance sparked debates and discussions among car enthusiasts, with some arguing that it might even be faster than the legendary Hemi Cuda.
Comparing the GSX to Competing Muscle Cars
During the golden era of muscle cars, various manufacturers competed fiercely to produce the most impressive performance vehicles. Chevrolet had its Chevelle Super Sport, Pontiac offered the GTO, Oldsmobile had the 442, and Chrysler and Ford also had their offerings.
However, Buick stood out from the crowd with the GSX’s unique and aggressive styling. While other muscle cars flaunted bold and flashy designs, the GSX maintained a level of understated elegance. Its distinctive appearance, coupled with its exceptional performance, made it a worthy competitor in the muscle car landscape.
The Unique Buick 455 Engine
The Buick 455 engine used in the GSX was notable for its size and lightweight design. Despite being one of the largest engines produced by General Motors, it weighed nearly 150 pounds less than its Chevrolet counterpart, the 454. Buick achieved this through a thin-wall casting design, which was ahead of its time for such a large V8 engine.
However, it’s worth mentioning that some of these engines had two-bolt main bearing caps, and aggressive driving or racing could lead to cracking in the lifter valleys and block. Nevertheless, the innovative design of the Buick 455 engine contributed to improved weight distribution and performance, making the GSX a thrilling car to drive.
Rarity and Collectability
The 1970 Buick GSX 455 Stage 1 4-Speed Muscle Car is a rare gem among muscle car enthusiasts. With only 678 GSXs produced, including a mere 120 units equipped with the Stage 1 engine and the 4-speed manual transmission, this particular variant holds a special place in automotive history. Its exclusivity and distinct features make it highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. The rarity factor, coupled with its powerful performance and unique design, contributes to the GSX’s collectability and enduring appeal.
Appreciating the GSX Today
If you have the opportunity to encounter a 1970 Buick GSX 455 Stage 1 4-Speed Muscle Car, take a moment to appreciate its rarity and remarkable design. These cars stand out with their eye-catching Saturn yellow or Apollo white exteriors, distinctive striping, and bold winged spoilers.
The aggressive styling elements, combined with the luxury and comfort of a Buick, make the GSX a true embodiment of the golden age of American muscle cars. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or simply appreciate automotive craftsmanship, the GSX is a car that commands attention and admiration.
Conclusion
The 1970 Buick GSX 455 Stage 1 4-Speed Muscle Car represents a unique chapter in the history of American muscle cars. Buick’s endeavor to create a high-performance vehicle that captured the attention of buyers led to the birth of the GSX. Its striking appearance, potent Stage 1 engine, and exceptional performance capabilities make it a standout among its competitors. Despite its low production numbers, the GSX continues to be cherished by collectors and car enthusiasts worldwide. Its rarity, coupled with its timeless design, ensures its place in automotive history as a true icon of power and style.
