Straight-laced and as conservative as you could get.
In the mid-1960s, it was an image that Buick was trying to shake. Buick machines were initially as out-of-place with muscle machines of that era as could be imagined.Buick might well have been the family car that your parents grew up with. It was also a sign of success in business. So if this brand was to compete in the land of burn-outs and stop-light challenges, some changes were definitely in order.–But enter the Gran Sport model in the mid-1960s and nothing would ever be the same. The classy GS model would be introduced in 1965 and last through the 1972 model year. Buick had created an authentic muscle car, and it continued to develop an unforgettable muscle reputation during the period.
Like many of the General Motors muscle cars, the Gran Sport began life as an option of another model, in this case, the Skylark. That first GS power plant was capable of an impressive 325 horses from its 400 cubic inches.–By 1967, that 400 engine was producing 340 horsepower and sporting hood scoops. That model also had a new grille design and body striping. The following year, the GS became a model on its own with the two Gran Sport models being known as the GS 350 and GS 400 for their engine displacements.
The so-called Stage 1 package came along with the GS 400 in the 1969 model year, a devise which provided cool outside air which was funneled directly into the carburetor. The increase in performance was sizable.
For many, the 1970 Gran Sport, with its 455 Stage 1 and GS 455 engines, which produced 360 and 350 horses, respectively, were as good as it got. But the end of that super performance was near, and this would be the final hurrah for that kind of power in the Buick camp.
But even with a 15 percent reduction in compression ratio, the 1971 445 Gran Sport power plant was still pretty potent with a 315 horse rating. Many consider it the final Buick muscle car of the era since the 455 engine for the 1972 model would drop to a paultry 225 horses.
The ’71 version of the GS 455 power plant sported a 4.3 inch bore and a 3.9 inch stroke with its now-reduced 8.5-1 compression ratio, five main bearings, and a four-barrel car. It made its maximum 315 horses at 4600rpm.
Production of the ’71 Gran Sport was almost identical with the previous year with 8,268 hardtops and 902 convertibles being constructed. But even though the power was downgraded, the racy looks of the exterior were retained.
Included were bright rocker panel and wheelhouse moldings, red-filled accents, black-out grille, and functional hood scoops just forward of the windshield. The body was clean from front-to-rear with no side-body chrome.
Buick enthusiast Ron Schlater would certainly be in agreement about the looks of the ’71 Gran Sport, being the owner of one of the finest ’71 GS 455 convertibles in North America. Evidence to that pronouncement is the fact that Ron’s GS 455 is a four-time winner of its class at the Gran Sport Nationals, along with numerous other awards.
This model has a rare combination of attributes. Besides being a desirable convertible, it’s also painted in a rare Pearl Beige color, has a black leather interior, and of course, carries that of-so-desirable GS 455 engine.
Interest continues in the model on the way it was acquired. “You wouldn’t believe it,” the Kettering, Ohio owner explained. “I located it right here in my own hometown. It was in terrible shape, had a blown engine, the mice had gotten to the interior, and it was actually being used at the time as a dumpster.”–“The previous owner had intended to restore the car, but he just never got around to doing it. That guy’s new wife had also told me that either the car went, or she was gone. That ultimatum worked out pretty good for me.”–Schlater knew exactly whet it was and knew that he had to have it. “Gave $1500 for it, but there was lots and lots of work to be done. But one of the good things about it was that it did have some good sheet metal. Also, the floorboards were ok, but I did have to rechrome the bumpers.” Ron indicated that he is the third owner and that there are almost 200,000 miles on the car.
The present owner made the purchase in 1992, but didn’t get started on the restoration till 1994, and then got it finished in 1996. But it certainly wasn’t Schlater’s first Buick, getting his first one in 1964, a ’62 Skylark, and later a ’65 wagon.
He then restored a ’71 GS 350 for his son. Another son has a ’72 GS 455 drag car capable of 11-second quarter mile performance, along with a ’72 Skylark GS clone that can run in the 12s. Goes to show you that the former Buick luxury model can be turned into front-line drag machines. And this is sure the family that can do it.
Schlater indicated that he currently uses modern 93 octane high test fuel to keep his Gran Sport perking. “Normally, I would have hardened the valve seats on the engine, but there’s a high percent of nickel in them and so it’s not necessary.” The engine is hooked to an automatic transmission and a 3.42-geared rear end.
Although the engine compartment looks completely stock, the owner will admit to making some internal engine modifications. “It carries ’70 GS 10.5-1 pistons, Buick Stage 1 valves, and two and one-half inch exhausts.”
Schlater laughed when he recalled that one of his sons once took the car to a muscle car event to supposedly display the car. Ron continued, “He then decided without my knowledge that he’d also run the car on the strip. Little did he know that they were televising the event and it got on TV where I saw my car in action.
“I wasn’t mad, as I was more interested in seeing how fast in ran on the track. It did well, turning in the 13s on stock tires,” Ron proudly announced.Good thing for the son that the GS made it through the run unscathed or dad’s attitude might have been quite different!
