Buick GSX
GSX / GSX Stage1 was the optional high performance package available on the GS 455 starting in 1970. It was only available with the standard big block 455 engine or the optional Stage1 engine the first year. It was not a very popular model and only 678 GSX'S were produced in 1970, of those 400 were ordered with the Stage1 option. GSX performance was equal to that of the 'Hemi' 'Cuda with a much more luxurious car. This was partly due to the light weight build of the 455 which weighed roughly 150 lbs less than the Chevrolet 454. A GSX could and did run 13's in the 1/4 mile on factory bias ply tires!
Available in only two colors, Saturn Yellow and Apollo White, all GSX's had the distinctive full body length black stripe that crossed over the rear spoiler and was outlined in red pin stripes. A large area of the hood was also black with a hood mounted tachometer (Buick engineers disliked the hood tachometer because it was a Pontiac part.) and black front spoiler. Also standard equipment were black bucket seats, floor shifter, wide oval tires, quick ratio steering and anti-sway bars. Some other options were automatic transmission or four speed manual.
After 1970, the GSX became an option that was available on any Gran Sport. Many GSX's survive to this day and can be seen at the Buick Gran Sport Nationals held annually in Bowling Green, KY in the middle of May along with many other examples of 60's, 70's and 80's Buick performance models.
The GSX and big-block V8 were dropped after 1974. In 1974, the GSX consisted of a trim package on Buick's small, X-bodied Apollo.
see also Buick Gran Sport
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