Painting The Road In Buick’s Skylark GSX
Big Bird

Stepping into an old car is like stepping into a time machine. The experience, the feel of the materials, the sound, the smell and most importantly the way it drives. Behind the wheel, you can be transported decades in an instant. While it sounds like I am talking about an amazing experience, for most of us it’s not the case.

Driving an old econobox or any ordinary car is generally a terrible experience – something to do with modern cars being more comfortable, faster and safer. But most of the time, it’s because we don’t have a choice. I remember my first car being an absolute hunk of junk.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0002

It was falling apart, no radio, no air conditioning, and all the ’80s electronics failed one after the other. My first old car experience was not a good one to say the least. However, I’ve grown up and times have changed. Now when I drive older classic cars, I get to choose what it is and what I want to experience.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0003

Seeing that my parents were practically still kids in 1970 and hadn’t even met, I would have never been able to see the Buick Skylark on the showroom floor.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0004

Of course, this Saturn Yellow bird that I had a chance to drive was not just any Buick Skylark, it was the very limited GSX version.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0006

Making this particular car even more special is the fact that it was one of 400 made in 1970 with the special Stage 1 performance package.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0030

It belongs to my friend, and fellow photographer, John Cirone. His grandfather bought it brand new back in 1970, and since then it’s been passed down the line. John has another yellow beauty in his garage, which I had the chance to drive earlier in the year as well.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0005

This single family owned beauty has some patina, but it’s still in great shape for a 45-year-old car that has never undergone any restoration work whatsoever.

Car Culture
Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0007

Speedhunters is about everything and anything that has to do with car culture, and although I know a lot of you can’t get enough of the Japanese content, it’s just a fraction of what’s out there.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0008

I’m guilty for not really knowing as much as I should about American muscle cars, even though I grew up in Southern California.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0011

Well, that has changed now. As I get to drive more of these classic muscle cars and shoot more for Hotrod magazine, I’m finding myself wanting to know everything there is to about these wonderful machines.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0009

This car even still had the original dealer badge from Keyport New Jersey. How cool is that?

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0010

So what’s so special about the Buick GSX? Well for one, it was the fastest and most powerful production car when it was first introduced.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0012

With a 455ci (7.5-liter) V8 under the hood, it really moved. What’s interesting is the factory-claimed 360hp at 4,200rpm was more of an serious understatement; it actually made closer to 425hp at 5,200rpm. The lower quoted number was so buyers could get a discount on their insurance premiums.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0013

And the torque figure? 510lb-ft at 2,800rpm, which held the American production car record, only to be beaten by the second generation Dodge Viper – 33 years later. Impressed? I hope so.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0014

So what does it all mean? How about the fattest burnout you’ve ever seen from a standstill, any time you want. No loading up the torque converter, no left-foot braking, just press the gas to the floor and instant elevens – as long as you can keep the sucker going straight down the road.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0015

Another unique feature of the GSX is the external tachometer bolted on top of hood, for easy viewing. You have to love it!

Plush
Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0016

I know what some of you are thinking – there is no way that the GSX was better than the ‘Cuda of the same era.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0017

You do have to admit that the GSX was plush though.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0025

Till this day, I have yet to feature a car that’s so comfortable and inviting.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0019

I almost wanted to take a nap in the back seat. That’s what it’s for anyways, right?

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0018

While the design is a bit dated, the materials used have largely stood up to the test of time.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0020

With just over 80,000 miles on the clock this thing has barely been broken in.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0024

The mileage was a real shock to me considering this car has seen daily use for the majority of its life.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0021

I love the simple three-spoke steering wheel design, and it felt great in my hands. As is the case with many of these older muscle cars though, the power steering was a bit overpowering.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0022

Although this particular model was equipped with a 4-speed automatic, you could also get it in a four-speed manual. I would have prefered the latter of course, but still it works perfectly as a cruiser.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0023

There’s power on tap when you need it, but a comfortable ride at all other times.

Taming The Beast
Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0026

So what was it like to drive? The first thing I found out was how much effort it takes to stop. It’s not lightweight by any means, but brakes have come along way since 1970.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0027

Even though it’s equipped with sway bars, it leaned over around corners quite a bit too. But that doesn’t really matter if you’re going straight.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0028

The fuel mileage? Let’s just say it’s a good thing John does not live in Europe or Japan. Sorry Dino, and Paddy!

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0029

What amazed me was how absolutely violent it was considering its size.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0031

When it shifts from first to second gear it does so hard enough for the rear end to break loose and give you an uneasy feeling.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0032

Just thinking about it now makes my palms all sweaty. The feeling I got driving this car is unlike anything else I’ve experienced.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0033

You just feel like a certified badass, but the same time you are on edge because it’s very fast, even by today’s standards, yet is does not handle or stop very well.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Buick_GSX_0034

Modern cars can be built to perfection with all the bells and whistles to match, but this Buick was designed at a time when auto manufacturers had less regard for fuel economy and there was much less restrictions on what a car should and should not be. Yes, it would make sense to start with a smaller vehicle with the same motor for a more performance, but why? This car is already perfect, and there will never be another car like it ever again. That is why it’s so awesome that I had the chance to step into this yellow time machine – even if it was just for an afternoon.

Larry Chen
Instagram: larry_chen_foto
larry@speedhunters.com

ADVERTISEMENT

Comments



Comments are closed.

77 comments

by Oldest
by Best by Newest by Oldest
1

Yesssss ..now find a Grand National GNX to drive

2

oneslyfox haha, I'm looking!

3

Driftfotos one of my favorite cars of all time. I own two classic Buicks would love another.

4

My favorite A body GM car! Beautiful pictures as well. I'd have to disagree on you with the old vs new though, I enjoy driving my mid 80's truck more than my Uncle's brand new Camaro. I feel that older cars/trucks feel more connected to the road, no ABS, traction control, etc. The brakes definitely suck though :)

5

My favorite A body GM car! Beautiful pictures as well. I'd have to disagree on you with the old vs new though, I enjoy driving my mid 80's truck more than my Uncle's brand new Camaro. I feel that older cars/trucks feel more connected to the road, no ABS, traction control, etc. The brakes definitely suck though :)

6

Dill Pickle LOL, who needs brakes?

7

oneslyfox The GNX. The Samuel L. Jackson of automobiles.

It's big. It's black. It's a bad motherfucker.

8

Speedhunters that is a very well commentated experience, and a nice heartfelt close to the article too. Beautiful photos.

9

Love how you summed up the experience. I think the sweaty palmed fear factor of driving a classic car like this is something some manufacturers are missing the mark on with the resurgence of so many modern muscle cars in production. Obviously there are safety and driveability factors there, but I still think it should borderline scare the shit out of you. Great photos Larry!

10

matthewyaa Haha, It makes a trip to the grocery store that much more exciting for sure.

11

matthewyaa Haha, It makes a trip to the grocery store that much more exciting for sure.

12

God I want to move to America for a year and experience driving and owning an American car where they were meant to be used.

13

Ice Age oneslyfox  I'm finding it increasingly hard to grasp that the buick regal nowadays is Vauxhall insignia... god that's gone downhill.

14

Ice Age oneslyfox  I'm finding it increasingly hard to grasp that the buick regal nowadays is Vauxhall insignia... god that's gone downhill.

15

Ice Age oneslyfox  I'm finding it increasingly hard to grasp that the buick regal nowadays is Vauxhall insignia... god that's gone downhill.

16

"Well for one, it was the fastest and most powerful production car when it was first introduced."


So do you just make up facts as you go along?  Or is it more of a planned fake fact thing to make the car seem more impressive?

17

Photography is amazing. Cars + Nature is the best!!! More of this!

18

Weird, I was just looking at one of these yesterday in the same color scheme. They remind me of the first Driver game on the playstation. Hooning around in a car similar to this was so much fun.

19

Funny how times change. My dad drove a red gsx with black lando top in the late 80s. He had paid $300 for it and when the tranny went a few years later he pulled the plates and left it. The engine and body were mint but they had no value, so it don't pay to fix it. Lol, to have a time machine...

20

ADDvanced I'll just leave this here...from Hemmings Motor News. "However, what nestled beneath that sinister hood was an engine with the highest torque rating of any American car, until the Dodge Viper eclipsed it in 2003. In 1970, the Buick 455 produced 510-lb.ft. of torque at 2,800 rpm and 350hp at 4,600 rpm. The more powerful Stage 1 produced the same torque rating, but had 10 more horsepower in 1970. At least that's what the advertisements claimed. More realistic numbers place the GSX Stage 1's horsepower at somewhere between 390 and 395hp. One Buick expert said the number is more likely 400 or better, but no one would admit to it so as to keep Ralph Nader off their backs.


The engine is the heart and soul of any car and the GSX is no exception. The Buick 455 held the crown for the most torque of any American mass-produced muscle car at the time (only Cadillac's 501 eventually out-twisted the 455, and that was only available in a three-ton land barge), and even though this engine had fewer horsepower than its other GM siblings, the Buick delivered amazing punch.
In 1970, 60 mph came in the GSX in just 5.8 seconds, not bad for a car weighing 3,874 pounds, wearing bias-ply rubber. The GSX could cover the quarter-mile in 13.38 seconds at 105.5 mph, according to a 1970 Motor Trend report. If the car had an automatic transmission, it weighed 3,919.7 pounds and, if Stage 1-equipped, add another 2.4 pounds. At the time, the car was called 'the quickest American production car'."

21

One sold at auction for 165 usd. Ouch.

22

One sold at auction for 165 usd. Ouch.

23

oneslyfox "Lord Vader your car has arrived."

24

oneslyfox "Lord Vader your car has arrived."

25

Was "Stage1" even a thing back then? People say it like you can tick a box at your mechanics. Its a term I don't really get is all.
Nice old car I knew nothing about.

26

Was "Stage1" even a thing back then? People say it like you can tick a box at your mechanics. Its a term I don't really get is all.
Nice old car I knew nothing about.

27

rook56 Yes the Stage 1 Option was a Buick factory option starting in 1969.

28

rook56 Yes the Stage 1 Option was a Buick factory option starting in 1969.

29

I just love old American muscle cars. The only country where the answer to: "how do we make more HP" is never development/efficiency but just "make an even bigger engine to the point where even trucks go....eh, is that a car or cruiseship engine? "

30

I just love old American muscle cars. The only country where the answer to: "how do we make more HP" is never development/efficiency but just "make an even bigger engine to the point where even trucks go....eh, is that a car or cruiseship engine? "

31

The mix on speedhunters is that extra something which makes this site stand out.

32
speedhunters_dino

Thanks for thinking of us Larry! Enjoy your gas guzzlers!

33

Haha, so you could literally tick a box!! Thanks for the pic, nice to see the original paperwork still with it.

34

I always think of others

35

I always think of others

36

I love this. I can't believe how much it's worth now.

37

ScottBrady rook56 I can just picture my wife's reaction if I was buying the car way back in the '60s: "$4300?! Do you think we're MADE of money?!"

38

ScottBrady rook56 I can just picture my wife's reaction if I was buying the car way back in the '60s: "$4300?! Do you think we're MADE of money?!"

39

Finally!!! Buicks are usually over looked. The GSX was one of, if not THE, baddest rides you could get in 1970- and that is saying a lot. There are many tests in which that car off the showroom floor ran low 13's. Going fast with class. Great job and great pics. Now go find a GN or GNX and do an article.

40

Finally!!! Buicks are usually over looked. The GSX was one of, if not THE, baddest rides you could get in 1970- and that is saying a lot. There are many tests in which that car off the showroom floor ran low 13's. Going fast with class. Great job and great pics. Now go find a GN or GNX and do an article.

41

Is cool see a car that doesn't have a Honda, Nissan or Toyota engine...

42

Is cool see a car that doesn't have a Honda, Nissan or Toyota engine...

43

Awesome. Nice to see some American muscle for a change :)  Love that interior.

44

Awesome. Nice to see some American muscle for a change :)  Love that interior.

45

matthewyaa Yeah, you can just picture yourself standing at a crosswalk when a yellow blur flashes past you half-sideways, accompanied by a Doppler-shift combination of an hysterical laugh and a terrified scream.

46

matthewyaa Yeah, you can just picture yourself standing at a crosswalk when a yellow blur flashes past you half-sideways, accompanied by a Doppler-shift combination of an hysterical laugh and a terrified scream.

47

Dear Lord this car is absolutely perfect. I can't believe it still has the original Ram Air sealing foams. Amazing.

48

Bet you didn't notice that nice lip on those rims.  Tasty dish right there.

49

Bet you didn't notice that nice lip on those rims.  Tasty dish right there.

50

Two Buicks in a week! Hell must have frozen over.

51

Two Buicks in a week! Hell must have frozen over.

54

I want to shoot and drive a GNX so bad....

55

I want to shoot and drive a GNX so bad....

56
Chris 'Haffy' Hafner

Ok if we're speaking of muscle cars with no brakes and too much power, come to Australia and drive either a Holden Torana A9X or a Ford Falcon GT-HO.

57

Larry Chen  What? No, it's just open cell foam.

58

MOAR NICE CARS WITH FANCY STUFFS !!!!! LIKE FLOWERS AND LIGHTBULBS !!!!! xD

59

Awsome car from a awsome era!

60

Awsome car from a awsome era!

61

"....shoot more for Hotrod magazine" Aha! I was wondering where recent muscle car Larry had come from. Not that I thought you were adverse to them before.
As many have mentioned a GNX would be an awesome next subject. I see a few a year here (usually with window stickers affixed) out and about, so in theory there are some (many?) in Cali. However convincing them to let you drive it...

62

" Another unique feature of the GSX is the external tachometer bolted on top of hood, for easy viewing. You have to love it!"


I do love it! Although it wasnt exactly unique, starting in 67 GTO's had the option for a hood mounted tach. way cool.

63

Fantastic car and photography, thanks Larry.  The fact that it's unrestored makes it even better. I built a 1:24 model of an identical yellow/black GSX as a kid and have always had a soft spot for them.  

Driving an old car like this is a great way to make even the worst day better.   It might not have any safety, brakes, or handling in any modern sense, but the drive is still special.  I daily a '66 Ford Fairlane, a lowly 4 door with a 200ci six and 3 speed auto. It's slow and simple as can be, but I'll be damned if it doesn't make me feel good looking down the long hood.

64

GSX slushboxes were TH400s, a 3 speed deal. Not to say it couldnt have a later overdrive swapped in, but only GM 4 speeds offered in 1970 had clutch pedals, afaik.

65

Chris 'Haffy' Hafner touring cars with no brakes?? For there time they would have been fine, you realize xys only weigh around 1300kg and lx hatchs are 1200ish. An aussie muscle car with no brakes is the charger that's why they were never any good at enduros.

[Rant over]

66

Chris 'Haffy' Hafner touring cars with no brakes?? For there time they would have been fine, you realize xys only weigh around 1300kg and lx hatchs are 1200ish. An aussie muscle car with no brakes is the charger that's why they were never any good at enduros.

[Rant over]

67

Chris 'Haffy' Hafner touring cars with no brakes?? For there time they would have been fine, you realize xys only weigh around 1300kg and lx hatchs are 1200ish. An aussie muscle car with no brakes is the charger that's why they were never any good at enduros.

[Rant over]

68

Wonderful article and pix.  I drive a 1968 Wildcat with the 430... a much larger slug compared to the GSX... but it sure turns heads down here in Australia.  Regards....Dave S in Melbourne

69

The interior looks so mint!

70

Let me know. There might be some guys on my board that could accommodate you! Most modded GNs would be way faster though.

71
Chris 'Haffy' Hafner

That's why the GT smashed it's brakes apart in the wet in '72.............

72

Now that's a proper AMERICAN MUSCLE !
Awesome Photography too !
It's a pity that BUICK doesn't make any cars like these now.

73

ADDvanced Are you serious? a quick google search would prove he didn't pull that outta thin air. Besides, the main reason Muscle Cars are still such a big deal even now is because from 1955-1973 America cars were the last word in hardcore raw hp and acceleration times. Even Ferrari's and such were left in the dust next to the average well optioned $2500-$4000 "American performance" car. Although, the European stuff did have a bit of an edge in top speed/long legs category.

I love the current interest in "classic" late 60s-70s Japanese tin. Many of them are cool/interesting little cars, but frankly they weren't even a blip on the overall performance radar at the time, and currently are only contenders because of the willingness of JDM fans to "resto-mod" them.

74

ADDvanced Are you serious? a quick google search would prove he didn't pull that outta thin air. Besides, the main reason Muscle Cars are still such a big deal even now is because from 1955-1973 America cars were the last word in hardcore raw hp and acceleration times. Even Ferrari's and such were left in the dust next to the average well optioned $2500-$4000 "American performance" car. Although, the European stuff did have a bit of an edge in top speed/long legs category.

I love the current interest in "classic" late 60s-70s Japanese tin. Many of them are cool/interesting little cars, but frankly they weren't even a blip on the overall performance radar at the time, and currently are only contenders because of the willingness of JDM fans to "resto-mod" them.

75

matthewyaa That "scary feeling" is also why so many of them ended up wrapped around trees! lol But i agree. Now we have to modify the current crop of performance cars ourselves to insanely high levels of power to get a comparable feeling.

76

ScottBrady oneslyfox I know GM used that line for the 1994-96 Impala SS. To bad they were a bit late on that one. Definitely far more appropriate on the Grand National or GN GNX.

77

the car was very good 
really really like to see the car that shiny new car fits like made ​​for walking trailsthe car was very good http://utamadomino.com/app/img/peraturan.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://utamadomino.com/app/img/peraturan.html and very fast http://utamadomino.com/app/img/jadwal.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://utamadomino.com/app/img/jadwal.html mix of colors http://utamadomino.com/app/img/promo.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://utamadomino.com/app/img/promo.html from which to http://utamadomino.com/app/img/panduan.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://utamadomino.com/app/img/panduan.html make want pobud http://utamadomino.com/ see hatnya http://dokterpoker.org/app/img/peraturan.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://dokterpoker.org/app/img/peraturan.html kecepatanya http://dokterpoker.org/app/img/jadwal.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://dokterpoker.org/app/img/jadwal.html was very nice ,http://dokterpoker.org/app/img/promo.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://dokterpoker.org/app/img/promo.html  suitable for a "http://dokterpoker.org/app/img/panduan.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://dokterpoker.org/app/img/panduan.html sharp bend http://dokterpoker.org or not sharp I guess motorists http://633cash.com/Games like this is http://633cash.com/Pengaturan" very skilled in the speed I hope I can membilinya someday will whether http://633cash.com/Daftar http://633cash.com/Promo there are http://633cash.com/Berita new cars http://633cash.com/Livescore are better I http://raksasapoker.com/app/img/peraturan.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://raksasapoker.com/app/img/peraturan.html 'll wait for it , with a stylish car classic http://raksasapoker.com/app/img/jadwal.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://raksasapoker.com/app/img/jadwal.html style I http://raksasapoker.com/app/img/promo.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://raksasapoker.com/app/img/promo.html also like http://raksasapoker.com/app/img/panduan.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://raksasapoker.com/app/img/panduan.html to see would be http://raksasapoker.com/ whether there is a http://yakuza4d.com/peraturan" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://yakuza4d.com/peraturan car that is http://yakuza4d.com as fast and forius http://yakuza4d.com/home like in the "http://yakuza4d.com/daftar movie , the car very http://yakuza4d.com/cara_main good car http://yakuza4d.com/hasil designed a way apparently hopefully http://yakuza4d.com/buku_mimpi there will be new cars more good and the price is quite pantastis then chances are I can membilinya the same as you have at this time

OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS