Vehicle Description
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 amp; 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 amp; power seats amp; N25 rear-bumper dual exhausts
outlets. Externally the cars boasted G60 15" raised white letter
tires amp; rally wheels, front amp; 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 amp; 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 ConditioningPower WindowsPower BrakesPower
SteeringPower TopPower Bench Seat (Rare) AM Radio amp; 8-Track
Cassette Player.F41 SuspensionN25 (Rare) Rear Bumper with dual
exhausts cut outs with chrome tipsG60x15 raised white letter
tiresChrome 15x7 Rally Wheels Sport MirrorsCruise Control
(Rare)Tilt Steering (Rare)Front amp; Rear Bumper GuardsTach amp;
Gauge PackageRally Steering WheelConvenience Group LightingFold
down armrest bench seatSpeed alert, tinted glassCustom 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 BlockCorrect 1231738 455 Block Casting #Correct
1971 OW Code TH 400 Stage 1 Matching #s TransCorrect LWB code
3.42:1 Positive Traction Rear EndCorrect 7041242 Stage 1 Rochester
4BBL CarburetorCorrect 1112077 1971 455 V8 DistributorCorrect H
Code Flint, MI Cowl TagCorrect Production date, color, trim amp;
top codes on Cowl TagAccording 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!
