GEOFF'S 1971 BUICK GS PAGE





Now is the time that I can tell you about my pride and joy, my 1971 Buick GS Convertible. On this page, you will find all the available statistics of this fine automobile, as well as my personal pictures. Also included are my insights and reflections on the muscle car era. Enjoy.









1971 Buick GS Convertible


Production, Total 1971 Buick GS: 9,170
Production, 1971 350-4 Convertible: 656
Price (New): $3,476
Date first sold: 11/23/70
Purchase Price: $3,800
Present Value: $5,000 (est.)

VIN#: 434671H104626

VIN Breakdown:
4 - Division - Buick
34 - Series - Sportwagon V8 and GS350, GS455, STG 1 and GSX
67 - Body Style - GS455 & Stage 1 Convertible
1 - Last Digit of Model Year - 1971
H - Manufacturing Plant - Flint
104626 - Sequential Production Number - 104626

Body Number Plate:
ST71 43467 FLI 016637 BDY
TR 155 62 A PNT
09A

Body Number Plate Breakdown:
ST71 - Model Year - 1971
434 - Division Series - Buick Sportwagon V8 and GS350, GS455, STG 1 and GSX
67 - Body Style - GS455 & Stage 1 Convertible
FLI - Assembly Plant - Flint
016637 - Unit Number -
TR 155 - Interior Trim Combination Number - Pearl White interior
62 - Lower Body Color - Bittersweet Mist
A - Upper Body Color or Fabric Color - Regal Black
09A - Time Built Code - September, 1st Week





Overall Length: 203.2 inches
Wheelbase: 112.0 inches
Weight: 3,497 lbs.



Engine Type: 90 degree ohv V8
Displacement: 350 cid (5.7 liters)
Bore: 3.80 inches
Stroke: 3.85 inches
Fuel System: 1 x 4bbl. Rochester
Model: 4MV
Compression Ratio: 8.5:1
Horsepower @ rpm (gross): 260 bhp @ 4600 rpm
Torque @ rpm (gross): 360 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Horsepower @ rpm (estimated net): 195bhp @ 4600rpm
Torque @ rpm (estimated net): 290lb-ft @ 3200rpm



Transmission: 350-A, 3 speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic, column shift
Axle Ratio: 3.08
Wheels: 6-JK
Tires, Original: G78-14
Tires, Present: National 215/75R14S WW

0-60 mph:
1/4 mile:
Top Speed (Manufacturer's Estimate): 110mph
Gas Mileage (Manufacturer's Estimate) City/Highway:
Gas Mileage (Actual) City/Highway: 9.6/17.9 mpg
Gas Mileage (Actual) Overall: 12.9 mpg

Original Body Color: Bittersweet Mist
Present Body Color: Black
Interior Color: White
Convertible Top Color: White
Seating Capacity: 6

Known standard features:
Known options: Air Conditioning,
Date First Sold: November 23, 1970

Did you know?

• 1971 was the first year you could buy a GS convertible with the 350 V8. That combination would only be available from 1971-1972.
  
• In 1971-1972, front bucket seats were unavailable on GS convertibles, unlike in previous years.
  
  
  
  
  
  Comments:
  
  I picked up this car on January 2, 1996, from a private seller for the attractive price of $3800. Although the car was in relatively good shape including no dents to the body work, some of the bolts were missing or incorrect, some of the switches didn't work (including an aftermarket power top switch that required immediate attention), and the dual snorkel air cleaner was missing. Since the day I bought it, I have replaced old or incorrect parts, overhauled, tuned, and painted the engine, installed the correct air cleaner (which I finally located after over a year of searching), dropped in a new trunk pan to replace the badly rusted original one, and am gradually bringing it back to its original glory. Although the original color of the car was Bittersweet Mist (a sort of orange), I prefer the current black paint and think that it contrasts well with the white interior and top. The restoration is not yet complete, but it is a great way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon.
  The previous owner had used this car as a weekend driver, and I gladly continue the tradition. It is perfect for pulling out on those sunny weekend days and just cruising to the beach or to the mall.
  The true attraction of this car comes from its rarity, especially when you consider that it is one of only 656 GS Convertibles with the 350 cid engine built for 1971 (and only 1 of 599 with the 350 and automatic transmission). Not that that makes it a 1970 GSX Stage 1 or anything, but at least I won't be lost in the crowd. Besides, driving with the top down, your troubles seem to just melt away. It is a perfect car to take cruising, or to dust that annoying Toyota on the freeway ... what more can you ask for in a vehicle?
  
  
  
  
  
  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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  Version 1.2 - April 7, 2001