While Buick did not exactly dominate the market in the late 1960s and early 1970s, it did bless the automotive world with some well-known classic cars. During the golden era of muscle greatness, with the presence of icons such as the Chevrolet Chevelle SS and the Dodge Charger, many praise-worthy cars didn't receive the attention they truly deserved.

In an age where racing enthusiasts and speed-thirsty drivers craved the most amount of power manufacturers could provide, the world witnessed the birth of numerous gas guzzlers that reached classic status long after their reign. Among them were symbols of muscle that left an unforgettable legacy. However, there were also impressive instances of powerful American V8s that did not impact the culture but were just as magnificent as their competitors.

A perfect example of muscle cars that were relatively overlooked because of their iconic rivals is the Buick Gran Sport. A mighty and muscular performance-oriented machine with an interesting history that is rarely appreciated.

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The Story Behind The Buick Gran Sport

1969 Buick GS 400 Coupe
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As of today, Buick only provides SUVs and crossovers in its lineup. However, the brand used to be on the exact opposite side of the spectrum a few decades ago. Buick was one of the pioneers of the mentality that later evolved into the muscle car movement, as the 1936 Century utilized the division's most powerful engine on a mid-size platform. Though they did not quite make it, the Century was almost able to reach a top speed of 100 mph (hence the model name).

After World War II, the automotive industry saw a gradual yet outstanding growth in performance numbers, and Buick did not want to fall behind. So, in 1965, a year after the introduction of the legendary Pontiac GTO, Buick revealed the Gran Sport (GS for short) in an attempt to claim domination among the Detroit muscle territory. The GS was a mid-year performance model offered on the 1965 Buick Skylark platform.

With a 400 cu-in V8 engine under the hood, the 1966 Gran Sport made 325 hp, while it also offered an optional Rochester Quadrajet carburetor which pushed the horsepower up to 340 and made 445 lb-ft of torque. As a couple of years went by, a number of engineers at Buick, aiming to improve on the already beefy motor, came up with the "stage 1" package in 1968.

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The 1969 Buick GS 400 Proved To Have Excellent Performance

1969 Buick GS 400 Coupe
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The optional stage 1 package, also available for 1969 models, provided enthusiasts with new cylinder heads, a high-lift camshaft, an improved exhaust system, and the four-barrel Quadrajet carburetor mentioned earlier. The modifications did not end there as there were also stiffer springs, a higher-capacity fuel pump, and tubular pushrods.

The surprising part of it all is that the official power output of the stage 1 GS 400 was 350 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. This, however, is more than likely a downplay done by Buick to avoid a significant increase in insurance prices. Some measure the actual horsepower to be an astonishing 390.

1969 Buick GS 400 stage 1 engine
via Barrett Jackson

One of the most exciting features of the Buick GS 400 is the air induction system which came in the form of functional hood scoops. Using two foam muffs and twin-snorkel air filters in its "Cold Air" induction system, the stage 1 Gran Sport gained eight percent of peak horsepower and six percent of peak torque. The improvement received from the air induction system affected power and torque on a wide range of rpm.

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What Makes The 1969 Gran Sport Special?

1969 Buick Gran Sport
via streetsideclassics

As you might know, in 1970, Buick introduced the renowned GSX, which was a major improvement on their Gran Sport model. With a 455 cu-in roaring V8 under the hood, the 1970 Buick GSX produced 510 lb-ft of torque, which at the time was the most amount of torque in an American production car. Buick perfected what they created and engraved their name on the history of mighty muscle cars.

The GSX, however, was a limited run, with only 678 produced. As rare and legendary as this makes the GSX, it also makes it very inaccessible and expensive. And it would not make a lot of sense to take a Buick GSX and drive it to its full potential.

On the other hand, the GS 400 is available on the market for prices as low as $14,000. While that might not be in the best condition, you could add a couple of thousands of dollars to your budget, and you will have yourself a true American classic that is often overshadowed and underappreciated. Yet, it will guarantee a remarkable experience reminiscent of a glorious era.