A highly documented 1970 Buick Gran Sport 455 Stage 1, one of just 16 produced with a three-speed manual transmission, is being offered for sale at $129,000, representing one of the rarest configurations from the height of the muscle car era.
Introduced during the peak of Detroit’s horsepower battles, the 1970 GS 455 replaced the earlier GS 400 and quickly established itself as a serious contender. Power came from Buick’s 455 cubic inch V8, officially rated at 350 horsepower and an imposing 510 pound-feet of torque. Though its published horsepower figure appeared conservative compared to some rivals, the engine’s immense low-end torque delivered formidable real-world performance. Period testing placed 0-to-60 mph times at approximately 5.5 seconds, an impressive benchmark for the time.
The optional Stage 1 package elevated performance further through higher compression, revised airflow, performance tuning and upgraded internal components. Enhancements included a more aggressive camshaft, unique cylinder heads with larger valves, a specially tuned Rochester Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor, more assertive ignition timing, a larger oil pickup tube and a numerically higher final drive ratio. Factory examples were capable of mid-13-second quarter-mile times.
Of the 2,465 GS Stage 1 coupes built in 1970, only 16 were equipped with the three-speed manual transmission. Buick registries estimate fewer than nine remain in existence. This example is verified as an authentic Stage 1 through the GS Historical Society and is documented with a copy of its original title and bill of sale, as well as Sloan paperwork.
The car underwent a frame-off restoration adhering to factory Stage 1 specifications. It retains its original 455 engine, bearing the correct code and VIN, along with its limited-slip 10-bolt differential. The engine was rebuilt at 26,874 documented miles and has accumulated approximately 4,200 break-in miles since.
Finished in Burnished Saddle Iridescent over a Dark Saddle bucket seat interior, the Buick features power steering, power disc brakes, factory tachometer and gauges, tilt steering column, center console and an AM/FM eight-track player. It rides on 15-inch sport wheels wrapped in Goodyear Polyglas GT raised white-letter tires.
The vehicle is offered on consignment and is described as a consistent award winner at Buick and car show events.
