The Buick Skylark was called upon as the platform to be utilized in creating the Gran Sport. Engineers worked diligently to shoehorn in the biggest block ever seen in a Buick, the mighty 455 cubic inch V-8, while the design team had provided a body that showed uncluttered styling which was noted to be clean, trim and beautiful. Looking fit from any angle, the prodigious power is equally dependable, responsive and reliable. Motor Trend magazine called the Buick GS “one of the toughest cars in the fast-dying musclecar market.”

This is a spacious performance convertible that provides comfort and convenience. The standard powerplant was the well-utilized 350-cid V-8, while two different 455-cid units were available; the 315-hp GS, as in this vehicle, and the 345-hp Stage 1 that was visually noted with special badging. The transmission for this car is the standard three-speed automatic with column-shift.

The GS special features include dual exhausts, functional hood air inlets, Delcotron generator, semi-closed cooling system, 14-inch wheels, full-flow oil filter, composite cast iron drum brakes; heavy-duty springs, shock absorbers and stabilizer bar. This car exhibits the rare N25 exhaust cutaway rear bumper where the rectangular tips are ported though the low, outer bumper area and provides a great visual detail. The owner reports that approximately 30 similar cars left the factory with this optional order code.

Frame-off restored in 2015, this exceptional code 53 Cortez Gold GS 455 Convertible has a white power-operated soft-top and a White Pearl bench seat interior that is accented with black carpets and dash. This is a nicely appointed car with factory air conditioning, AM radio, twin sport-style mirrors with driver’s side remote, power steering, power brakes, GS 455 badging, factory “five-spoke chrome-plated wheels” (per brochure) and BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires.

In 1971 Buick produced over 551,000 automobiles; this Buick GS 455 Convertible is one of only 902 built for the 1971 model year. This number includes both the standard 350-cid GS cars and the GS 455’s; when this is considered the rarity becomes all the more apparent.