The Formidable Buick GS

A high performance package available for BuickThe engine could accelerate to 60mph in just eight
models including Riviera, Skylark and Wildcat was thesecond. Only 13,000 units were produced despite the
Buick Gran Sport or Buick GS. Buick was one of theimprovements made to the Buick GS.
last manufacturers to enter the muscle cars battle. ItIn 1967, a new 400 cid engine was introduced, the
started, like other GM intermediate cars, as an optionname was also changed to GS 400.The engine had a
on an existing model. Once the car underwent finemodern design, higher revving, an improved air
tuning, it would become one of the most formidablecleaner and was generally ran better than the old
and fearsome muscle cars of all time.engine. The major design change was the hood
In 1965 came the Skylark Gran Sport, anscoops were now facing forward. Along with the
intermediate Buick GS with the GS option added. Theredesign of the engine and the exterior, the 3 speed
GS had the largest engine supported by GM, a 400automatic transmission was also included. A junior
cid Buick V8. This was known as the "nail head"Buick GS muscle car was also formed that year, the
engine due to the size of its valves and was capableGS 340 but was overshadowed by its brother, the
of producing 32b5hp. More than 15,000 SkylarksGS 400.
equipped with the GS option were sold that year.In 1968, the Buick GS was now a little over 4 inches
The year after that, the Buick Skylark GS wasshorter in length. The rear end styling was changed
redesigned and the performance was improved. Newalong with the sail creases on the sides which
rear sloping panels were installed that wereresulted in the increase in overall weight of the Buick.
distinguished by blacked out grilles. Other additionsA rare dealer installed option was introduced which
were non-functional rear-facing hood scopes andenabled 11:0:1 compression, an improved transmission
front fender vents.and stronger valve springs. The Buick GS production
The engine was now capable of producing 340bhp.ended in 1972 until it surface again in the mid 1980s.