1972 Buick GS Clone

Description

Cars such as this 1972 Buick GS455 tribute offer a ton of performance for a fraction of the cost of a big block Chevelle, never mind a real Buick GS. This car started out as a standard Skylark, but during the build, it was upgraded to GS455 specs, including a rumbling 455. Since it wasn't a super-rare original piece, a few other liberties were taken with the build, and the result is a gorgeous Buick with enough torque to change the Earth's rotation.

Black is the color, and it looks fantastic on the Buick's curves, perfectly fitting with the division's luxury/performance mission. Bodywork was professionally done, and everything fits together very nicely, including the ram-air hood, which was part of the GS package. Proper GS 455 badges were procured for the transformation, including the one on the blacked-out GS grille up front, and there's a wing out back, just as there should be. There are a few signs of use, of course, and it's not perfect, but the car looks predatory just the way it is. Chrome is excellent throughout, and the unique red-trimmed rocker panel trim adds just the right amount of color to the Buick's black flanks.

The black vinyl interior has been restored, including fresh seat covers on both the front and back bench seats, new carpets, and reproduction door panels. Gauges are in good condition, and a big white-faced Sunpro tach has been affixed to the right side. To help monitor the engine's vitals, three additional gauges have been added under the dash, and I think if this were my car, I'd try to find a hood-mounted tach at a swap meet and bolt it on. The three-spoke Grant GT steering wheel is in fine condition and adds an appropriately racy atmosphere to the driver's compartment, as does the B&M shifter between the seats. There's also an AM/FM/CD stereo head unit with speakers throughout the interior and a subwoofer in the trunk.

This car is more than just a badge job, and while the body was being restored top and bottom, a rebuilt 455 cubic inch big block was dropped into the engine bay. Up top there's a correct dual snorkel air cleaner that inhales using the nostrils on the hood, and reproduction decals were used to make it look authentic. Long-tube headers bolster the already fat torque curve and the Flowmaster exhaust system sounds amazing. There's also an aluminum radiator with electric fan that keeps it nice and cool under almost any circumstances. The TH350 3-speed automatic transmission was fully rebuilt, and spins a stout 12-bolt rear end. The stance is exactly right, hunkered down but not too low, and the front suspension has been recently rebuilt. Wheels are ever-handsome Buick road wheels wearing 225/70/15 front and 275/60/15 rear white-letter radials.

If you've been searching for a clean A-body with a big block, perhaps you've just been looking under the wrong banner. Take a long look at this GS tribute and see if maybe you'd prefer a little extra luxury with your muscle, then give us a call.