1971 Buick GS 350

Description

In 1971, the horsepower wars probably reached their peak and Buick was right there with the best of them. This 1971 GS350 proves that not only was the horsepower there, but the style as well, because this sinister Buick has a performance look that leaves no question about its purpose.

Painted in its correct code 26 Stratomist Blue, this is an unusual and rare Buick. The GS took the standard Skylark, which was already a handsome car, and put enough testosterone in it to grow hair on a bowling ball. The blacked-out hood with functional ram air induction, a rear wing, and the rocker panel moldings with red stripes give it plenty of street cred. The body is straight with good, clean lines and decent panel alignment, and it's kind of refreshing to see an aggressive GS Buick that isn't bright yellow. Two-stage urethane gives it that wet look shine that'll last for years and year, and you'll note that the satin black hood treatment is properly framed by a single pinstripe for effect. The GS also received a blacked-out grille and special badging to help it stand apart (as if it needed help in that regard). Most of the chrome on this car appears original, so while it's not quite as nice as the rest of the exterior, it does tell you something about how well-maintained this car really is.

Buick got the interiors right in the GS series, offering the sporty bucket seats and console look that muscle cars demand and combining it with an upscale dose of luxury that is befitting of GM's top-of-the-line muscle car. The upholstery seems to have been recently restored, with correct seat covers, new door panels, and nice black carpets that all look quite fresh. Round gauges set into square recesses in the dash look great with bright, clear markings and vivid orange needles that are easy to see through the spokes of the familiar 3-spoke wheel. As a Buick, it comes with important options like factory A/C (converted to R134a refrigerant), power steering and brakes, and a center console with a horseshoe shifter. Buick floor mats protect those new carpets and a later AM/FM/cassette stereo head unit has been secreted into the dash. The trunk shows what appears to be original spatter-finish paint, so you know it's in good shape, and a fresh mat would make it look new.

Even the small block Buicks were a menace on the streets, and with this one being upgraded to Stage 1 specs, it's a very strong runner. The engine bay is dominated by the big ram air vents, but underneath there's a Dante Red Buick 350, which has its own unique sound and a mountain of torque available. Although the restoration is now a few years old, the engine bay was well-detailed at the time and still shows quite nicely, and you can't argue with the way this car runs. Turn the key and it fires with a noteworthy Buick burble from the glasspack-style exhaust. A tough TH350 3-speed automatic always seems to find the right gear and the rear axle is a rugged 10-bolt supported by original coils and new shocks with helper springs. The underside is likely all-original, too, so you can see clearly just how good a life this car has led. The only real modification is a set of gorgeous Boss Motorsports wheels wearing 225/45/18 front and 255/45/18 rear performance radials.

If you're ready for a grown-up muscle car, this Buick is waiting. Call today!