Out of all of the mid-size efficiency fashions popping out of Normal Motors within the Nineteen Sixties, just one provided a small-block for many of its existence. The supply of such gave the mannequin a bigger berth available in the market when extra of us had been gravitating to perennial favorites. That automobile, the Buick GS, is our Choose of the Day. This 1971 two-door hardtop is listed on the market on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Sioux Metropolis, Iowa. (Click on the hyperlink to view the itemizing)

When the Skylark Gran Sport was created in 1965, it was solely obtainable with a 401 “Nailhead.” When that engine was discontinued and changed by the all-new 400 for 1967, the Gran Sport mannequin was renamed GS 400. That mannequin additionally acquired an attention-grabbing companion referred to as the GS 340. Although the 260-horsepower 340 was launched in 1966, it was restricted to the Particular and Skylark till 1967.

For 1968, with Buick redesigning its mid-size sequence, the small-block Gran Sport turned the GS 350 with 280 horsepower. There additionally was an attention-grabbing California GS pillared coupe that was launched nationally after a regional introduction the 12 months earlier than.

With the 1970 restyle, the Gran Sport sequence was tweaked a bit, with the GS 350 changing into the 315-horsepower GS, and the big-block mannequin turned the GS 455. Although the latter has been far more well-liked with lovers, the bottom GS’s torque ranking of 415 lb-ft needs to be acknowledged as being fairly excessive for a small-block. In reality, Chevrolet’s big-block 396 featured the identical torque ranking.

GM lowered compression in 1971 in order to permit its engines to run on unleaded gasoline. That was the identical 12 months Buick mainstreamed the Gran Sport sequence below one umbrella – now there was simply the GS providing a 350, 455, and 455 Stage 1. The 350 as put in within the GS dropped to 260 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. That wasn’t big-block-style torque anymore, however this engine was completely suited to the brand new surroundings within the efficiency market, although it discovered extra competitors in 1971-72 when Chevrolet and Oldsmobile launched their respective 350s for the SS and 4-4-2.

With sporty appears to be like and customary ram air induction, this 350-powered 1971 Buick GS two-door hardtop performs the half in addition to any Gran Sport earlier than it. This GS additionally encompasses a white vinyl prime and matching bucket seat inside. Choices per the construct sheet embrace automated with heart console, air-con, Buick’s trademark chrome wheels, energy steering with Deluxe steering wheel and tilt column, energy brakes, trunk mild, AM radio (changed by Auto Sound AM/FM/cassette), driver’s facet distant mirror, and extra.

Although the automobile is coded for Cascade Blue, it comes off extra as Stratomist Blue to those eyes. Nonetheless, a strong, rust-free efficiency Buick in “superb situation with all the suitable tools and nice colours” is an affordable proposition at $43,900.

Click on right here for this ClassicCars.com Choose of the Day.