Best of Show Automotive
7700 Tyler BoulevardMentor Museum of Speed, Mentor, OH, 44060, US
Phone : 440-350-1480
Email : joseph.carroll@bestofshowautomotive.com Documented, National Award Winning 1971 Buick GSX 455!

The writing was on the wall in 1971 and the age of the muscle-car was drawing to a close. But Buick wasn't going to go quietly into the night, and rolled out an impressive array of performance vehicles topped by the GSX. Like the 1970 cars, the GSXs were top-of-the-line performers packed with big block muscle and an aggressive exterior styling that featured front and rear spoilers and a contrasting black stripe along the body.

This 1971 GSX is one of just 124 built in 1971, one of only three painted Bittersweet Mist, and carries a ton of documentation. It is loaded with options, and was recently restored to national show-winning condition, scoring 389/400 points at the 2009 GS Nationals and 393/400 at the 2009 BPG Nationals. If there's a nicer GSX out there, we'd like to see it.

GM said all its 1971 models must run on low-lead, regular-grade fuel (91 octane), and meet stricter exhaust-emission standards. The edict reduced the compression ratio of the GS 455's V-8 to 8.5:1, from 1970's 10.0:1. Horsepower tumbled along with it, to 315, from 350. The extra-cost Stage 1 package dropped two full points of compression and suffered a decline to 345 bhp from 360. The 1971 Buick GS 455 still came with a four-barrel carb, dual exhausts, and functional hood scoops that fed the standard ram-air induction system. Heavy duty springs and shocks, Wide-Oval tires, and a front stabilizer bar were included in the base price.

With a thoroughly documented history, including a notarized letter identifying the original owner, there are no stories behind this car. There is a list of all previous owners with names and addresses where available, plus dates of ownership. It has been registered with the GS Registry, and is one of 3 Bittersweet Mist GSXs known to exist. There are copies of dealer tags, the Protect-O-Plate and all the other paperwork that came with the car.

Three- and four-speed manuals and the 3-speed TH400 automatic were back, though the 3.61:1 axle ratio was dropped and the 3.42:1 took over as the top factory gear. However, any 455 still had enough torque for an impressive seat-of-the-pants feel under hard acceleration.

This car is equipped with the standard 455 and optional 3-speed automatic feeding the original 3.42 rear end with limited slip. The engine and transmission are properly date-coded, as are all the surrounding components, making this a highly accurate, reference-quality car. As a senior gold national show winner, it's no surprise that every single component in the engine compartment is flawless and authentic. Looking over the judging sheets, the only problems any judge could find were tiny items like the incorrect bolts holding the horns to their brackets, all things easily fixed if the new owner wants to truly own a 100% flawless car.

Externally, the paint and bodywork is light-years ahead of OEM standards, which is what it takes to win shows these days. Restoration photos show the car being stripped to bare metal and repainted using basecoat/clearcoat paint which was then rubbed and buffed to perfection. The stripes and hood decals have been expertly applied and align perfectly across the doors, something the factory never quite managed to do so well. The front fenders and doors are NOS replacements, although the car comes with the original passenger door in a box. And if you've never seen the Bittersweet Mist paint in person, you're in for a treat, as it absolutely glows in the sunlight. It is so unique and arresting that the scale GSX model built by American Muscle was painted in this color, too (the model is included with this car, by the way).

Inside, the Saddle interior is all-new and perfectly complements the exterior. A lot of these cars came with the white interiors, but for a Buick, the subtle and sophisticated look of Saddle is the right choice. When you slide behind the wheel, you'll see that this car is loaded, too: A/C, AM/FM stereo, console, and a hood-mounted tach way out front. The gauges have all been rebuilt and everything works, including the A/C. It feels like sitting in a brand-new car, with new seat cushions, and, of course, the headliner and carpets are new, too. I've seen a lot of these GM A-bodies come and go, and more often than not the doors rattle and sound cheap, but not on this car. The window felts are new and the weather-stripping is fresh and supple, meaning that this car closes up like a true luxury car, albeit one with killer performance.

Slide underneath and you'll find that the car is every bit as detailed underneath as it is up top. There's overspray where there's supposed to be overspray, the materials and colors are exact, and every single component has been polished or painted to perfection. The correct decals are on the sway bars and drive shaft, there's an original PF-24 AC oil filter, and paint daubs on the differential yoke indicating alignment and balancing. It all rolls on a set of flawless 15-inch GSX wheels—the best looking Buick wheel ever, by the way—sporting reproduction G60-15 Goodyear Polyglas tires.

Buicks are fast gaining ground as important pieces of muscle car history. They've been undervalued for years and the market is just now catching on to their awesome performance and great looks, combined with that famous Buick luxury. The GSX is the top of the Buick line, and as such, the most highly-sought of all Buick muscle. This super-rare piece must be considered investment grade, not only for its rarity but also because of its quality. This car will be the star of any Buick or GS show in the country, and has demonstrated that it can win awards at the very highest levels. Come look at our growing stable of Buick muscle and see if you don't agree that now is a great time to put a big, bad Buick in your garage.

FACTS & FIGURES Year:1971 Mileage:9 VIN: Transmission Type:Automatic Type of Vehicle Title:Clear Number of Cylinders:8 Primary Color:Other Interior Color:Other About this auction & Best of Show Automotive

Convinced that collector car values are plummeting? Don't be fooled! While the value of mediocre cars has been steadily sliding with the economy over the past two years, the value of incredible cars has stayed level and, is rising. In times of economic uncertainty, capital flows to the highest quality assets which contain the least amount of risk and the classic car market is no exception. The lesson is simple: buy the very best you can find!

Please note that all sales are binding and final. Our cars are sold "as-is" with no warranty expressed or implied. Please carefully read the terms & conditions of the sale before bidding. Winning this auction does not entitle you to come inspect the car and decide if you want to buy it, but obligates you to complete the purchase! A $1000.00 deposit via PayPal is due within 24 hours of the auction close ... NO EXCEPTIONS.

We do not release our reserve prices, as this would be unfair to the other bidders, so please don't ask!

Note that our cars are on display in our showroom in Mentor, Ohio, in national print advertisements, listed for sale on our website, and listed for sale in multiple, nationally known, online dealer showrooms at all times. Since our cars are for sale in a number of other mediums, we reserve the right to cancel the auction at any time.

Best of Show Automotive sells approximately 40 cars each and every month to collectors worldwide. Each and every one of these cars is listed on Ebay, but only one sale, on average per month, actually occurs on Ebay. Accordingly, if you see a car you like, don't wait! Call us! When you see it disappear, it means that it sold to someone who saw it somewhere else. Lastly, note that we do not change our pricing on any car based on Ebay auction activity. Ebay is a wholesale marketing platform, which we use primarily for marketing purposes.

If you have ZERO feedback on Ebay, please call or email us to request our authority to bid on our vehicles. And, for you con-men and women out there, while you may think it's cute to create a user account and click the Buy It Now on a high dollar car you can't afford, note that we will track you down and we will recoup our costs for fraudulent bidding activity.

This car can be inspected at our 60,000 square foot office complex and showroom facility, operated as the Mentor Museum of Speed, located at 7700 Tyler Boulevard, in Mentor, Ohio, six days per week. Museum hours are 10 am to 5 pm daily, Monday through Friday, and 10 am to 4 pm Saturdays. You may stop in at any time during museum hours to view our collection. If you would like to make a sales appointment (and avoid paying the ten buck admission fee), we would be happy to schedule a personal appointment with you. To do so, contact Joseph Carroll below. For those of you who need to fly in, we can provide transportation to and from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. We can also provide accommodations within walking distance of our facility.

We can transport your new vehicle to you in one of our enclosed car haulers. Cost depends on mileage and location. Our Transportation Manager, Ron Meek, stands ready to help you with your transport needs. For a quote, call Ron at: (440)350-1480. Ron's direct email address is: class="wmatterbold">For those international buyers, note that we've shipped cars to collectors and classic car fans world-wide for years. You can feel confident in our representations, and post-sale service. Our Transportation Manager, Ron Meek, stands ready to help your transport & shipping needs.

A common question we receive is: "do you accept trades"? We do accept trades, but will only consider #1 or #2 condition vehicles. If you would like us to review a trade, please send detailed pictures of the entire car, including the underside. Also send a detailed description which includes all specifications, facts, figures, history and documentation present with the car. Lastly, give us a clear idea of what you are seeking in trade value. Email information on your trade directly to Joseph Carroll. Joe's email address is: class="wmatterbold">Best of Show Automotive, LLC has a valid Ohio Used Car Dealer's License. Our showroom, located at 7700 Tyler Boulevard, in Mentor, Ohio, is open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturdays, with viewing by appointment only Monday through Friday. We 100-140 incredible cars on display, and there's always something new. Feel free to stop in and meet our staff, and, more importantly, see the Greatest Showroom on Earth! Each and every one of our 25 member staff is an absolute car nut and we do this because we love cars!

In addition to our main showroom in Mentor, Ohio, we own two secondary facilities, including a restoration mechanical/assembly facility and a restoration body/paint shop. We perform complete restorations for classic car fans around the globe. Best of Show car have won numerous national weekends and our cars won their classes at both the 2009 Mopar Nationals and 2009 Pontiac Nationals. We own all of our facilities and have a significant investment in our business. We stand behind our work and value long-term relationships with our customers! For information on your restoration project, our Restoration Manager, Tim Wilhelm, can be reached at: (440)354-3279. Tim's direct email address is: class="wmatterbold">Do you want your car customized? New wheels? Air conditioning? We have a full service shop staffed with veterans who have been there and done that …we can give you what you want! For a quote on customizing or add-on products, contact our Inventory Manager, Doug Croxford, at: (440)350-1480. Doug's direct email address is: class="wmatterbold">Check out our feedback from other customers who have purchased cars from us in the past. Here's what some of customers have to say: We pride ourselves on describing our cars accurately, and, our cars really do look better in person than in the pictures! Bid with confidence!

For general information, call us at: (440)350-1480. You can send an email directly to our President, Joseph Carroll, at: Joseph M. Carroll
President/Sales/Purchasing

5782 Heisley Road
Mentor, OH, 44060

Best of Show Automotive, LLC
Phone : (440)350-1480 Fax : (440)350-1638 Mobile : (440)313-8091 /> www.bestofshowautomotive.com Greg Chismar
Transportation Manager

7700 Tyler Boulevard
Mentor, OH, 44060

Best of Show Automotive, LLC
Phone : 440-350-1480 Fax : 440-350-1336 Mobile : 440-840-4081 /> www.bestofshowautomotive.com Tim Wilhelm
Restoration Manager

5782 Heisley Rd.
Mentor, OH, 44060

Best of Show Automotive, LLC
Phone : 440-354-3279 tim.wilhelm@bestofshowautomotive.com
www.bestofshowautomotive.com G. K. Kerr
Vice President of Sales

7700 Tyler Boulevard
Mentor, OH, 44060

Best of Show Automotive, LLC
Phone : 440-350-1480 Fax : 440-350-1336 Mobile : 440-413-5149 george.kerr@bestofshowautomotive.com
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