Is This 1970 Buick GS 455 Stage 1 Worth New Challenger Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak Money?

We’re here to talk about the GS 455 though, with its massive 7.5-liter V8 engine, rated at 350 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque in base spec. Those who opted for the Stage 1 package would have seen 360 horsepower (with the same torque figure) courtesy of a single 4-barrel Rochester Quadrajet carburetor.

It’s safe to say that these were seriously fast cars, with a heck of a lot of pulling power. Various tests throughout the early 1970s saw the GS 455 cover a quarter mile in the low 13-second range. There’s a kicker though. Because of that whole SAE gross versus SAE net horsepower debacle (ratings shifted from one side to the other in 1972), plus a lot of independent testing, many came to suspect that GM’s 455 ci V8 engine was somewhat conservatively rated at 360 hp.

Some still insist they made upwards of 400 horses, with others saying 380 or so horsepower would be more plausible. Basically, the 360 hp SAE net figures seem fair to me.

Anyway, just recently we stumbled upon such a gem, up for grabs to the highest bidder with just 42,000 miles on the clock – not a lot when talking about an original, numbers-matching engine from a time when NASA was still developing their Space Shuttle. That’s not all though. According to the ad, this car has been in the same family since it was first purchased by the seller’s father in March of 1970.

The exterior is finished in Titan Red (from the factory), and that’s already noteworthy. They say that this hue was only applied to four Gran Sport models for the 1970 model year, seeing as how it was usually reserved for the Riviera. Other highlights include the twin hood scoops, chrome trim, adjustable driver-side mirror, GS and Stage 1 badging, dual exhaust outlets, and a set of 15-inch Rallye wheels with Goodyear Polyglas GT tires.

Meanwhile, inside is where you’ll find the black vinyl front bucket seats and rear bench, color-coordinated door panels, woodgrain trim, rubber mats, retractable front lap belts, a rear window defroster, the Sonomatic push-button radio, plus the power windows and power door locks. Those were some seriously modern features back then.

As for that 455 ci V8, it sends all its power and torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed TH400 automatic transmission.

What’s it worth?

When new, this car retailed for $4,878, including more than $1,500 worth of options. Just now, this sold for $88,000. That’s roughly what you’d spend on a brand-new Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak.

Judging by the apparent state of the vehicle and its history, I’m inclined to say that it’s definitely worth a pretty penny. Actually, it might even qualify as somewhat of a steal at just $88k, seeing as how good-to-mint condition GS 455s tend to sell for well over $100,000.