Loaded Drop-Top: 1969 Buick GS 400 Stage 1 Convertible






















Trying to find an affordable, desirable American muscle car is like trying to find the proverbial needle in the haystack. With the introduction of the internet, technological improvements, and the rise of popularity for classic car auctions, muscle cars have been a huge draw for automotive enthusiasts, which in turn translates to higher selling prices. Once in a while, however, a car comes up for sale that is right in the perfect price range. This 1969 Buick GS 400 is not only a rare convertible, it also is equipped with the rare Stage 1 option and a number of desirable options. Find it here on eBay in Rochester, New York, with a Buy-It-Now price of $27,500.




















Initially introduced in 1965, the Grand Sport was Buick's answer to the Pontiac GTO. After being an exclusive model, the Grand Sport became two separate models for 1967: the GS 340 and GS 400. After the GS 340 became the GS 350 for 1968, and all GS models were redesigned, the GS 350 and GS 400 soldiered on with minor changes visually. This car is a GS 400 convertible model, and is one of only 1,776 built for 1969. Originally sold new in Florida, the seller is the second owner, and has stored the car for the past 25 years. The car was repainted once 30 years ago, but other than some dust and dirt looks okay, as does the stainless and chrome trim. The car currently rolls on 17-inch Monte Carlo SS wheels, so I would source a set of correct Buick Rally wheels with the Rallye caps. Otherwise, I would clean the rest of the car up and leave the cosmetics as-is for a while before springing for a cosmetic restoration.



























The biggest change for the GS400 in 1969 was under the hood, when the Stage 1 performance package became a factory option. Initially offered as an over-the-counter or service-bay installed package, the Stage 1 is rated at 350 horsepower (in reality, it was closer to 390) and 440 lb-ft of torque. This car is one of 250 Stage 1 convertibles built, and is one of 131 backed by the three-speed TH-400 automatic. Featuring a 10-bolt posi rear with 3.64:1 gears, the engine is said to be decked, which erased all of the codes. The engine was just rebuilt, so running-wise it should be rarin' to go.
























The most original part of this car is the interior, which is fairly decent and complete. The door panels and seats do have a few tears in them, and the interior could use a nice cleaning. Air conditioning is a rare and desirable option, as is the cruise control, which is unusual for 1969. The horseshoe floor shifter reminds me of the one in the 1968 Camaro RS/SS 396 my dad used to own. Though in need of a cosmetic restoration, this GS 400 Stage 1 convertible is a rare and desirable muscle that could be a nice bargain for the next owner. I would cosmetically restore it and take it to a few shows to stand out from the common Camaros and Chevelles. What are your thoughts on this rare, desirable, first-year GS 400 Stage 1 convertible?
Location: Rochester, NY, USA

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