1970 Buick Gran Sport 455

Although flashier muscle cars grabbed headlines and admiring glances in the burger joint parking lots, the Buick GS was the subtle slayer on the street. In 1970, with its 455 engine cranking out a whopping 510 lb-ft of torque, there was little that could hang with a GS 455 between stoplights ' even if the words Hemi or Cobra Jet were involved. This 1970 Buick GS 455, which was originally sold in North Carolina, survived the zenith of the muscle-car era with its original engine intact, who also notes that a frame-on, 900-hour restoration on it was completed in 2008 and that only about 3,000 miles have been put on the big-torque Buick in the ensuing 13 years. - The 455-cu.in. V-8 engine under the hood of this GS is original to the car and was professionally rebuilt during the restoration. It is reported to start easily, without smoke, and run well. It is matched with a Turbo HydraMatic 400 three-speed automatic that sends torque to a 10-bolt B-O-P axle with 2.93 gears.- the transmission shifts like new and that there are no leaks or weeping from the transmission or axle, but the engine will leave a spot after sitting. Reportedly, all of the sheet metal on this GS 455 is also original, including the quarters, floor pans and trunk floor. It was repainted the original Bamboo Cream, per the 50 code on the cowl-mounted trim tag, in 2008.- the finish remains in excellent condition, with no swirls marks and only one blemish: minor paint bubbling on an approximately dime-sized area on the trunk lid.- the bubbles appeared in 2009 and have not grown since then. Additionally, the glass, seals and chrome trim are all reported to be in excellent condition, and the exterior lights are said to work as new. Inside, the tan vinyl bench-seat interior, with a column shifter, appears to be in very good condition, with almost no visible wear. The restored seats, carpet and other trim components are to be in like new condition, and that all of the gauges and interior lights are functional. The car is equipped with air conditioning, but the seller reports it as non-functional. He does add that the heater works. Also, the winding mechanisms for the manual windows are said to be in excellent order and that the factory AM radio is also functional. - - the chassis and suspension were restored to stock specifications in 2008 and remain in very good condition, with no known issues or needs. The car has power steering, which is leak-free and performs well, with steering performance that is straight, with no play. The front and rear-drum brake system is also said to be in very good condition, with straight-stopping performance and a firm pedal. The care rolls on Buick's 14-inch chrome wheels, which are free from blemishes and curb rash. They're used with BFGoodrich Radial TA tires that are 13 years old and have about 3,000 miles on them. Additional paperwork for this 1970 Buick GS 455 includes receipts for much of the restoration, including the engine rebuild. Archimedes said all he needed was a lever to move the world. That's only because the Buick 455 hadn't yet been invented. With 500 lb-ft on tap, it can move just about anything.