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LOT 339

1969 Buick GS 400 Stage 1 Chassis no. 446379H160303

Estimate: US$80,000 - US$100,000
Lot 339

Authentic Stage 1 with numerous Stage 2 options. Comprehensively restored and featured in numerous publications
1969 Buick GS 400 Stage 1

1969 Buick GS 400 Stage 1
Chassis no. 446379H160303


455ci Pushrod V8 Engine
Dual Holley 660 Carburetors
595bhp at 6,200rpm
M-22 4-Speed Hurst Close-Ratio Manual Transmission
Independent Front and Conventional Axle with Coil Spring Rear Suspension
Front Disc and Rear Drum Hydraulic Power-Assisted Brakes

*Authentic Stage 1 Coupe Restored by Marque Expert
*Numerous Authentic Period Correct Stage 2 components
*Buick Nationals Concours Gold Award Winner
*The Ultimate Buick GS



To view a YouTube walkaround of this lot please click here

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The Stage 1 was the highest spec available from the Buick factory, however in the late 60s, Stage 2 performance components could be purchased from select dealers. Stage 2 components where primarily purchased by racers in the know, as the packages were not promoted by Buick and were not recommended for street use.

This world class 1969 Buick GS Stage 1 was discovered in Maryland by renown Buick restorer Nick Serwo of GS Garage in Warminster, Pennsylvania. Upon discovery, the GS was wearing legendary and nearly impossible to find Stage 2 performance parts including heads, intake, carburetor, and headers. The seller removed the Stage 2 components, but the fact that the car wore the items in period made the car even more special. Although the 22,000 miles on the odometer were believed to be original, the car had lived a rough life as most of those miles were accumulated on the race track; the car was in need of a complete restoration. The car's transmission, which is the original and matches the vin number, contains a BB code, confirming that the car is an original and authentic Stage 1. Only 832 1969 Buick GS Stage 1 hard tops were built with an automatic transmission.

While the car sat idle in storage for years, Nick was very active collecting parts and scouring the globe for authentic Stage 2 pieces. In 2008 a complete nut-and-bolt restoration was started. Knowing that the authentic Stage 1 spent its life as a race car and wore many Stage 2 components, the car was restored back to its former glory with Authentic Stage 2 components. These components include heads stamped with an X, accompanied by a letter from Buick engineer Dennis Manner who headed up the development of the Stage 1 and 2, which states that the heads are early prototype Stage 2 heads. Only 75 sets of Stage 2 prototype development heads were ever produced for purchase by the public. A set of vintage Kustom Headers from the Kustom Equipment Company of Flint, Michigan, which produced Stage 2 headers for Buick were purchased with the prototype Stage 2 heads. Inside the 455 block are Stage 2 TRW pistons with Sealed Power rings. The engine is fed by two Holley 660s on an Offenhauser aluminum manifold. A full breakdown of the engine build is on file documenting the work responsible for making nearly 600 horsepower! The original, numbers matching transmission was removed from the car and safely stored. Replacing the automatic transmission is an M22 "Rockcrusher" manual 4-speed transmission with a Hurst shifter and an optional Buick consolette. Power is routed to a Positraction 4.78:1 rear axle. Multiple coats of ChromaBase in the original Regal Black adorn the GS body, which is all original Buick manufactured. Multiple coats of ChromaClear have sealed and protected the mirror finish. Inside, the upholstery which was originally pearl, has been replaced by a Legendary Auto Interior.

After the exhaustive 8-year restoration, the GS was entered in the Buick Nationals at Bowling Green, Kentucky where it was awarded Concours Gold and admired by Dennis Manner himself. This fabulously restored, authentic GS Stage 1 is and incredible machine that would be welcome on the finest concours lawns while possessing the substance the dominate at the drag strip. With a colorful history and highly sought after Buick stage 2 performance components, this GS is not to be missed.

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Please note, the title for this vehicle will be in transit.

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