West Coast Classics are proud to present a very rare all original matching #s 1971 Buick GS 455/345HP Stage 1 Convertible. 1 of only 81 built in 1971. This is a stunning body on restoration in its original 'Cortez Gold' over a 'Pearl White' split bench seat interior & which boasts its original White power top. This particular example was recently purchased out of a renown collection and is one of 11 Stage 1 'Zone Demonstrator' models known to exist out of 25 built.
All 25 'Zone Demo' models were reported built on the same day in the week of August 5th, 1970. These special 'Zone Demo' cars were early year releases, all built on the same day with new 'Cortex Gold' paint and 'Pearl White' split bench seats and were produced to be used by Zone Office "Brass Hat" (as they were colloquially called) GM executives and were highly prized until they were sold to local dealers to be used as dealer demos before eventually being sold to the public. All the manufacturers practiced building such expensive marketing models at the time with Plymouth actually releasing 11 'Hemi Orange' 1970 Cuda rag tops with White premium interiors loaded with options for the same purpose.
As demonstrator models, these Stage 1 convertibles were usually built with virtually every conceivable option available to show off to Buick's best prospective customers and all were visually set apart from their contemporaries with the all new for 1971 'Cortez Gold' color paint with 'Pearl White' on Black interiors and with White convertible tops. In addition to the Stage 1 engine and 400 Turbo 3 speed automatic transmission, every Gran Sport Stage 1 'Zone Demo' convertible was amongst other options equipped with a 3.42:1 Positraction differential, F41 Heavy Duty suspension, power steering, power front disc brakes, power windows & power seats & N25 rear-bumper dual exhausts outlets. Externally the cars boasted G60 15" raised white letter tires & rally wheels, front & rear bumper guards and sport mirrors. The luxurious gentleman muscle cars had interiors that could boasted trappings to rival any luxury full size vehicle with air conditioning, cruise control, power windows & locks, a power front split bench seat with fold-down arm rest, custom front shoulder belts, convenience lighting, Rally gauges and tachometer, soft-ray tinted glass, Rally steering wheel with tilt column and an AM radio with an 8 track cassette player.
This particular example is extraordinarily rare in that it still boasts its all original and matching numbers engine, transmission, rear end and carburetor and is professionally restored in its original factory color codes. Few remaining Zone Demonstrators or indeed factory GS Stage 1 cars can claim the same status. It also is very rare in that it is loaded with virtually every available factory option available for 1971 including;
Air Conditioning
Power Windows
Power Brakes
Power Steering
Power Top
Power Bench Seat (Rare)
AM Radio & 8-Track Cassette Player.
F41 Suspension
N25 (Rare) Rear Bumper with dual exhausts cut outs with chrome tips
G60x15 raised white letter tires
Chrome 15x7 Rally Wheels
Sport Mirrors
Cruise Control (Rare)
Tilt Steering (Rare)
Front & Rear Bumper Guards
Tach & Gauge Package
Rally Steering Wheel
Convenience Group Lighting
Fold down armrest bench seat
Speed alert, tinted glass
Custom front shoulder belts (Rare)
Original Buick 8 Track Demo Tape (Unopened)
Original 1971 Buick Brochure (Not a reproduction)
It boasts its original matching numbers;
Correct TS Code 455/345HP V8 Stage 1 Matching #s Block
Correct 1231738 455 Block Casting #
Correct 1971 OW Code TH 400 Stage 1 Matching #s Trans
Correct LWB code 3.42:1 Positive Traction Rear End
Correct 7041242 Stage 1 Rochester 4BBL Carburetor
Correct 1112077 1971 455 V8 Distributor
Correct H Code Flint, MI Cowl Tag
Correct Production date, color, trim & top codes on Cowl Tag
According to muscle car expert Phil Hall, the Buick GS455 was the wildest of all Buicks. Its 455 cid engine was derived from the earlier 430 cid V8 and available in the Stage 1 option included extra large nickel chrome steel valves, big port cylinder heads with special machining and valve relieving, stronger valve springs, a high lift cam, a carburetor with richer jetting, blue printed pistons (notched for valve clearance) and an advanced distributor. On top of its super performance the GS455 was a superb road handler which when ordered with all the available factory options proved it to be the ultimate gentleman's muscle car of its era, if not all time.
All 81 factory 1971 GSs were only built at the Flint, MI plant. The Stage 1 option package retained fresh air induction in 1971 through a pair of hood mounted scoops sealed to the air cleaner. Under the hood is a matching numbers 455 cubic inch of torque capable of regular gas yet still growling under dual exhausts.
The absolutely stunning Cortex Gold paintwork with accented side striping and carry-over stripe is seemingly flawless as is the beautiful Pearl White interior. The car has 5 factory spoke wheels and performance grade tires.
One of only 81 Stage 1 Convertibles built in 71; this even rarer 'Zone Demonstrator' is truly one of the most desirable American muscle cars ever built and a true Blue Chip collector quality car for any classic American car collector.
This particular car drives absolutely magnificently - must be driven to be believed and fully appreciated - drives straight as an arrow with no strange road wobbles, shakes or rattles - a truly remarkable daily driver that will give any modern day sports car a run for it's money!
A car for Buick's most affluent executive customers, this is one very rare and absolutely exceptional all original factory loaded GS Stage 1 Convertible Zone Demonstrator model , a turn-key ready to enjoy today example of this increasingly desirable and collectible car and a sure-fire investment that's sure to appreciate over the years for any classic American muscle car collector or of course naturally any serious Buick collector or enthusiast!
