1968 Buick GS 400

"pitstop_pitowski" (paulopitstoppitowski) 02/28/2015 at 20:13 • Filed to: Car Shows, Buick

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This is a 1968 Buick GS 400 with a vinyl hardtop that I took some iPotato shots of last year at the KCI Show and Cruise.

The Buick GS 400 had a 400 cubic inch 6.6 liter engine putting out a rated 340 horsepower. It was available with a three speed "hydramatic" automatic transmission with a Hurst dual-gate shifter (which this one has). The GS400 equipped with this automatic transmission was faster off the line than the 4-speed GS455 that was offered. A standard manual gearbox was also available.

I love the simplicity of the GS400: no stripes, no spoiler, no giant air scoop, and no frills. It's not outrageous or shouty and has some tasteful chrome. It almost looks like a pseudo family man car on steroids.

The GS was a part of the redesigned A-body platform and had a 112 in. wheelbase along with heavy-duty front and rear suspension. The GS400 had an open differential and posi-trac was also an option.

The GS 400 was available in either hardtop or convertible and the total 1968 production run was 10,743 for the hardtop and 2,454 for the convertible.

Coty > pitstop_pitowski 02/28/2015 at 20:15

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Have like the whole interior for this car in my bedroom.

SillythingsIbuybecausethey'recheap

Jedidiah > pitstop_pitowski 02/28/2015 at 20:23

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Unfortunate wheels on it.

pitstop_pitowski > Jedidiah 02/28/2015 at 20:37

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Yeah, those aftermarket wheels kinda ruin the whole vibe of the car.

lucky's pepper > pitstop_pitowski 02/28/2015 at 20:47

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The way you typed "Supposedly the GS400 equipped with this automatic transmission was faster off the line than the 4-speed GS455 that was offered" makes it sound as though you believe a 455 was optional in '68. If that's the case, it was not. GM didn't lift it's ban on engines larger than 400 c.i. in intermediate bodied cars until '70.

Not trying to be a smart-ass, just helpful if you're under the wrong impression.

pitstop_pitowski > lucky's pepper 02/28/2015 at 20:52

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No worries, I was under the impression that they meant the auto 400 vs. manual 455 from 1968 when they said it was faster off the line. Thanks for the input! I will definitely research harder next time!

lucky's pepper > pitstop_pitowski 02/28/2015 at 21:02

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All things being equal (the rear gearing would be the big factor) the slush-box equipped car will more than likely produce quicker acceleration. Even the auto trans of 1968 could shift faster then most people can shift a proper trans. And they'd be more consistent.