It’s common to see people post things in social media like, “Rare doesn’t necessarily mean desirable!” and “It’s rare because no one wanted one!” However, these proclamations fail to consider the importance of context, which can turn these tropes inside-out. Our Pick of the Day is a car that wasn’t popular when it was new, but it’s unfair to say no one wanted it. This 1972 Buick GS Stage 1 convertible is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com in Clarkston, Michigan.
In the past, we’ve written about the Buick GS and how it reached its peak in 1970. The typical Buick buyer tended to maintain his/her car relatively stock, so Buick engineers developed its engines to be exploited best with few, if any, modifications. When Buick increased the size of the 430 to 455 cubic-inches, the planets aligned and the engineers’ efforts paid off nicely in respect to more exotic machinery. No, the Stage 1 did not produce impressive horsepower—about 1 horsepower per 10 pounds—but it relied on a fat torque curve that started at a lower RPM than its competitors. That was the secret to become the performer that Motor Trend said, “A real performance Buick stock from the showroom. It’s been a long time arriving, but it looks like it’s here.” A decent 2,697 were built in 1970, including 232 convertibles, which was on par for other competitive makes and engines.
Then, for 1971, compressions were lowered across the board at General Motors in anticipation for federalized rules for the following year. Once featuring a 10.0:1 compression, the Stage 1 fell to 8.5:1. Once rated at 360 horsepower, the Stage 1 was now rated at 345. However, road tests of the time didn’t suggest the Stage 1 had the same giant-killer virtues as it had in 1970. Sales fell to 882, including 81 convertibles. Yet when someone says, “It’s so rare because no one wanted one!” it almost seems to suggest that there was no demand for this or similar cars—quite the opposite, actually, but insurance had been putting strangling surcharges on performance and sporty cars for several years already, making it difficult to afford a vehicle beyond its purchase and hence impacting sales. Additionally, the demographic that had been buying performance cars was evolving—even maturing—as was their needs; convertible demand was slowing for a similar reason.
Interestingly, GS production remained relatively steady for 1972, falling from 9,170 to 8,575. Stage 1 production fell to 809, including 81 convertibles. We can add the premise that no one wanted one because new emissions standards could make a used, high-compression version much more desirable.
So here we have this 1972 Buick GS Stage 1 convertible. Marginal changes were made for ‘72, mainly black trim around the headlights and taillights, and a grille header on top of a blackened grille. According to records from the Sloan Museum, only two Regal Black cars were built out of the 81. Seller says the 455 is properly date-coded and built to 1970 specs, giving the best of both worlds. Note the ram air boots that are different shapes—that’s a special 1972 emissions thing that contrasts with the identical pair used for 1970-71. Other features include power steering and front disc brakes, air conditioning, tilt wheel with Rallye steering wheel, cruise control, AM/FM stereo, N25 exhaust tips, 3.42 limited-slip, factory sway bar, 15-inch and more—quite the option list!
This brings us back to “rare doesn’t necessarily mean desirable!”—likewise, desirable doesn’t necessarily mean rare. This Buick would be desirable regardless of rarity, but it’s fun to tell people it’s one of 81. We will also create the premise that there are few cars that are both rare and desirable that can be bought as reasonably as this $75,900 Gran Sport.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
