This '70 Buick GSX Stage 1 Sold for $162,000, Is a Numbers-Matching Gem With a Coddled V8

That’s how Buick became GM’s go-to brand for making both powerful and comfortable models, where opulence met top performance.

To be fair, there is a three-letter word/acronym that sounds much better than Gran Sport to muscle car enthusiasts worldwide, and that’s GSX. It was introduced for the 1970 model year and was based on the GS455 specification – but with visual and performance upgrades.

It’s safe to say that a mint condition GSX will cost you an arm and a leg in today’s market, but if for some reason you need proof of that, feast your eyes on this stunning 1970 GSX Stage 1 model, dripping Apollo White.

The car sold at auction recently for a staggering $162,000, which is pretty much what you’d pay for a brand-new 2024 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS straight from the dealership. I know what you’re thinking, a muscle car this expensive? Surely it’s got a lot going for it – and it does!

This was purchased new by a Buick employee and is one of just 400 cars optioned with the Stage 1 performance package for the 1970 model year. It’s also one of just 282 units equipped with a 455 ci V8 engine and the three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic gearbox. More on that drivetrain later.

Visually, this is rocking all the good bits, from the front spoiler to the rear wing, full-length side stripes, hood-mounted tachometer, dual air intakes, chrome bumpers and trim, dual exhaust outlets, plus a set of chrome 15” five-spoke wheels with G60-15 Goodyear Polyglas GT white-letter tires. It’s also got power-assisted steering and power-assisted front disc brakes.

Meanwhile, interior highlights include the black vinyl front bucket seats and rear bench, matching door panels, a color-coordinated headliner, woodgrain trim, a Sonomatic AM radio, center console, lap belts, GSX interior badges, a three-spoke steering wheel, and a tilting column. Yes, it’s been fully refurbished (both inside and out), as I’m sure you can clearly tell.

As for that Stage 1 455 ci V8, funny story. According to the ad, both the engine and transmission were removed from the car and placed into long-term storage in the 1970s. They were only reinstalled during the refurbishment process.

In terms of performance, you’re looking at 360 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque flooding the rear wheels via the previously mentioned three-speed automatic. Back in the day, the Stage 1 GSX with its 455 ci V8 would have put down the highest torque output of any production American muscle car. It held this record for over three decades before finally succumbing to a V10-powered Viper. What a beast.