Geoff's 1969 GS 400 Convertible Page

Geoff's 1969 GS 400 Convertible Page

Stats, pictures, and reflections on my 1969 Buick GS 400 Convertible.

Due to a lack of space, this car is unfortunately for sale. Click here for details.

1969 Buick GS 400 Convertible

Production, Total 1969 Buick GS: 19,257
Production, 1969 GS 400 Convertible: 1,564
Price (New): $3,325
Date first sold:
Purchase Price: $2,900
Present Value: $5,000 (estimated)

VIN#: 446679H368120

VIN Breakdown:
4 - Division - Buick
46 - Series - GS 400 & Stage 1
67 - Body Style - GS 400 & Stage 1 Convertible
9 - Last Digit of Model Year - 1969
H - Manufacturing Plant - Flint
368120 - Sequential Production Number - 368120

Body Number Plate:
ST69 44667 FLI 323412 BDY
TR 168 40 B PNT
07A

Body Number Plate Breakdown:
ST69 - Model Year - 1969
4 - Division - Buick
46 - Series - GS 400 & Stage 1
67 - Body Style - GS 400 & Stage 1 Convertible
FLI - Assembly Plant - Flint
323412 - Unit Number - 323412
TR 168 - Interior Trim Combination Number -
40 - Lower Body Color -
B - Upper Body Color or Fabric Color - Burnished Brown
07A - Time Built Code - July, 1st Week

Overall Length: 200.7 inches
Wheelbase: 112.0 inches
Weight: 3,594 lbs.

Original Engine
Type: 90 degree ohv V8
Displacement: 400 cid (6.53 liters)
Bore: 4.19 inches
Stroke: 3.64 inches
Fuel System: 1 x 4bbl. Rochester
Model: 4MV
Compression Ratio: 10.25:1
Horsepower @ rpm (gross): 340 bhp @ 5000 rpm
Torque @ rpm (gross): 440 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Current Engine
1968 Buick Riviera 430 cid V8 Engine bored over .010"
Type: 90 degree ohv V8
Displacement: 430 cid (7.02 liters)
Bore: 4.19 inches (Originally 4.18 inches)
Stroke: 3.90 inches
Fuel System: 1 x 4bbl. Rochester
Model: 4MV
Compression Ratio: 10.25:1
Horsepower @ rpm (gross): 360 bhp @ 4600 rpm
Torque @ rpm (gross): 475 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Transmission: 400-A, 3 speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic, column shift
Axle Ratio: 3.07
Wheels:
Tires, Original:
Tires, Present: Goodyear 235/60R14

0-60 mph:
1/4 mile:
Top Speed (Manufacturer's Estimate):
Gas Mileage (Manufacturer's Estimate) City/Highway:
Gas Mileage (Actual) City/Highway:
Gas Mileage (Actual) Overall:

Original Body Color:
Present Body Color: Dark Blue
Interior Color: Black
Convertible Top Color: Black
Seating Capacity: 6

Known standard features:
Known options: Air Conditioning, Power Door Locks
Date First Sold:

Time Slips

Here are the results of my drag racing this car:

The first two attempts were on May 21, 2000, at the Pomona NHRA Speedway in Pomona, CA. It was the first time I ever drag raced a car. Check out my time slips below:

Location: Pomona Raceway, Pomona, CA.
Date: May 21, 2000
	Time Slip #1	Time Slip #2	Notes
Reaction Time	1.036 seconds	0.982 seconds	0.500 seconds is a perfect time
60' Time	2.864 seconds	2.492 seconds	My launch improved the second time around
330' Time	6.956 seconds	6.503 seconds	--
1/8 Mile Time	10.281 seconds @ 73.37 mph	9.808 seconds @ 73.64 mph	I improved by almost 0.5 seconds but the speed is similar
1,000' Time	13.208 seconds	12.720 seconds	--
1/4 Mile Time	15.702 seconds @ 90.23 mph	15.198 seconds @ 90.87 mph	A 0.5 second improvement but similar terminal speed
More time at the drag strip is definitely needed to improve my launch times.

Did you know?

Comments:
I purchased this car on October 22, 1999, from a private seller for the attractive price of $2,900. There was some rust spots on the exterior of the car but very little internal rust. Sporting a brand new convertible top and an interior in very good shape, this was the perfect candidate for my next restoration project. The original 400 cid engine was replaced by a 430 V8 from a 1968 Buick Riviera that was bored out .010". With headers, a shift kit, and 2.5" dual exhausts, this car is fast and loud! Here are some of the things that I have done since I bought it:

Removed the exterior rust spots, rust-proofed it and repainted it
Sanded the trunk pan, installed new trunk weatherstriping, rust-proofed it and repainted it
Numerous mechanical maintanence including all new fluids and tuning
Added new reproduction trunk mat and spare tire cover

Personal Reflection
I think the appeal of muscle cars is not their sheer speed or power but rather their style. The stripped down, fullsized big block or the giant killer compact with a huge motor under the hood defines both power and grace. Today's cars are faster and more refined, but none of them have the character of any muscle car. Despite their twin turbo-chargers, tacked on spoilers and 4" exhausts, their high pitched screams can't compare against the low rumble of a big V8. There is no substitute for cubic inches and no replacement for displacement. Twenty years from now, today's cars will be but a memory, but muscle cars will be even more special.

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