At 510 lb-ft, this GS 455's big-block held the American muscle-car torque record for over three decades — until a 2003 Dodge Viper took the crown.
Lead trim: Skylark GS 455 cu in Buick V8 (350 bhp, 510 lb-ft at 2800 rpm, 1970) · up to 360 hp
Buick Skylark GS 4551970–1972
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Nobody in Burbles has spotted a Buick Skylark GS 455 yet. See one on the street, point the app at it, and the first card is yours — with your @handle permanently credited on this page.
FactAt 510 lb-ft, this GS 455's big-block held the American muscle-car torque record for over three decades — until a 2003 Dodge Viper took the crown.
The 400 was replaced for 1970 by the Buick 455 cu in (7.5 L) V8 in the GS 455 (10,148 GS 455 2-doors built in 1970): the base model was rated at 350 bhp and 510 lb-ft at 2800 rpm, and the optional Stage 1 with a single four-barrel Rochester Quadrajet was rated at 360 bhp SAE gross at 4600 rpm and 510 lb-ft at 2800 rpm; Motor Trend managed a 13.38 second quarter mile at 105.5 mph from their 3,810 lb GS Stage 1 coupe. The Stage 1 package used cylinder heads machined for larger valves (2.13 in intake and 1.755 in exhaust) and smaller compression chambers, a more aggressive camshaft, a specially tuned Quadrajet, more aggressive ignition timing, a higher numerical final drive, and either the Turbo Hydra-matic 400 or a Muncie M-21 four-speed. A dealer-installed "Stage 2" package was first offered in 1969 and only one factory Stage 2 test unit was ever assembled. Output and sales fell after 1970 with lower compression ratios and the move from gross to net horsepower, and the Stage 1 controversy against the Hemi cars persists.
Collectors Spotted in the Buick Skylark Lineage
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Trims & Figures
2 published trims in the catalogue. A blank is a figure not recorded, not zero.
| Trim | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–60 | Drive | Gearbox | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skylark GS 455 Stage 1 (360 bhp gross at 4600 rpm, 510 lb-ft, 1970) | 1970–1970 | 7.5 L V8 | 360 hp | 510 lb-ft | — | — | — | — |
| Skylark GS 455 cu in Buick V8 (350 bhp, 510 lb-ft at 2800 rpm, 1970) | 1970–1970 | 7.5 L V8 | 350 hp | 510 lb-ft | — | — | — | — |
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Photographs
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At 510 lb-ft, this GS 455's big-block held the American muscle-car torque record for over three decades — until a 2003 Dodge Viper took the crown.
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The 1953 Skylark cost over a thousand dollars more than the Roadmaster convertible it was built from, for a car sharing most of the same tub.
Rivals
Same body, same money, other badges — tap any card to flip.
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