Before Buick got its act together with the new-breed Regal, a few stunning concepts and the handsome Enclave SUV, it was known as a brand for old people. They had cushy rides, easy steering and bright vacuum fluorescent displays good for veteran eyes -- think 1992 LeSabre. But before that, the company did build some performance rides, the best of which was probably the original Gran Sport from the 1960s and ‘70s. Car collector Matt Wagoner was obviously a fan because at the upcoming Mecum auction in Indianapolis May 15-19, we’re going to see four near-perfect examples crossing the block. If you’re a fan of the old-school versions, you might want to get in on this.

1970 Buick GS Stage 1

This prototype was one of only two factory exhibit cars produced by Buick in 1970. This one sports the best powertrain of the time, a 455-cubic-inch V8 with 360 hp and a whopping 510 lb-ft of torque at just 2,800 rpm. At the time, it was the highest torque rating of any production car, save the Cadillac 472- and 500-cubic-inch engines. The Stage 1 package incorporated better airflow, larger valves, stronger springs, revised porting, a new cam and a retuned Rochester four-barrel carb. According to Mecum, it was rated 360 hp, but those in the know pegged it closer to 400 hp.

This one is in Fireglow pearlescent (nonfactory) paint with a white interior and automatic transmission. Other options include power steering brakes and windows, tilt steering column and bucket seats. It traveled the show circuit with one of Buick’s GSX prototypes, the company’s answer to the Pontiac GTO Judge.

1971 Buick GS Stage 1 Convertible

This Stage 1 convertible is a one-of-72 with an automatic transmission and the same 455-cubic-inch V8 as the one above. This one came with almost every factory option, including factory air conditioning, power steering, brakes, windows and locks, AM radio with eight-track player, N25 through-bumper exhaust, G60x15 raised white letter tires, chrome 15x7 Rally wheels, F41 Rally Ride suspension, front and rear bumper guards, sport mirrors, a power bench seat and more.

This one had a Turbo 400 Hydra-Matic three-speed transmission and was a “Zone Demonstrator” model used by executives until being repurposed as dealer demos. Only 11 of these Zone Demos are said to exist.

1972 Buick GS Stage 1 This ’72 GS has a 270-hp 455 V8 and comes in triple black. It’s rated less than the others because of new emissions standards of the time and the SAE rating went from gross to net. It features a numbers-matching drivetrain and 85,000 original miles. It’s also highly optioned and is one of 728 produced. It comes with Buick Rally wheels, Goodyear G70 Ployglas tires and the original wheels and hubcaps. Black on black on black, this color palette we’d choose. 1973 Buick GS Stage 1 This 455-cubic-inch V8 GS gets a four-speed transmission, making it just one of 92 produced this way. It comes with factory air conditioning, correct tires and it's documented by the VIN designation as a Stage 1 and by Sloan Museum certification from Buick archives. This one, unfortunately, has a more ‘70s look to it. It’s sharper, with more styling lines. That, in addition to the “medium blue” color, would make it last on our list to buy out of the four. Like the rest, it’s highly optioned with air conditioning, power disc brakes, power windows and locks. It got a frame-up restoration, meaning it’s probably in the best condition of them all. Go to Mecum for more information and to sign up to bid.

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