In about a month, the Indiana State Fairgrounds is going to be overrun with some sweet cars looking for new homes. This will start the Mecum Auctions 29th Original Spring Classic, and we’ve got our eye on a few Buicks headed that way. These three Buick GS Stage 1 Convertibles from the Mike Guarise collection make us want to clear out some room in the Timeless Muscle garage, in the meantime, check these machines out.
The Mike Guarise collection is a complication of classic muscle cars in the best condition. They are all expertly mechanically prepared and ready to hit the road. Cars in this collection have won trophies in concours level shows, and are real gems.
The Stage 1 package includes the posi-traction performance axle, HD cooling, Rally Ride control package, and HD suspension components. There are very few examples of these still in existence, so seeing three for sale at once is a pretty big deal.
Here are the Buicks, in no particular order…
1.) 1970 Buick GS Stage 1 Convertible (Lot R201)
This Red 455 equipped 1970 Buick GS Stage 1 vert is one of only 67. A Stage 1 vert with a Muncie 4-speed transmission like this one is thought to be one of only 19 around today. This particular car is highly optioned, comes with power steering, front disc brakes, Goodyear Polygas GT G60-15 white letter tires, and chrome wheels.
Mecum Highlights:
- One of 67 4-speed Stage 1 Convertibles produced in 1970
- Stage 1 option package
- Documented with the original window sticker and GS Historical Society Report
- Re-finished in original Fire Red paint
- Restoration was completed by GS expert Dave Kleiner of GS Restorations
- Awarded Best Muscle Car at the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours, 2014
- Consolette and short console
- Power disc brakes
- Power steering
- AM/FM radio
- G60 Super Wide Oval White billboard tires
- 15×7 chrome-plated wheels
- Rally Ride Control package
- HD suspension components
- Tinted windshield
- Remote control outside mirror
- Convenience light group
- Tach and gauges instrument group
- Rally steering wheel
- Custom trim bucket seats
3.) 1971 Buick GS Stage 1 Convertible (Lot R202)
Next up is another 1 of 67 4-speed Muncie transmission equipped cars. This 1970 GS still has the original 455 engine, and unlike the red one, it’s very lightly optioned. The original owner of this Buick was likely looking for something a little more lightweight than the ones with the added luxury options.
Mecum Highlights:
- Regarded as the Holy Grail of GS Muscle Cars
- 1 of 67 4-speed Stage 1 Convertibles made in 1970
- Stage 1 option
- The lowest optioned car of this type made
- Steel wheels and Dog Dish hub caps
- Set of 15×7” chrome Rally wheels included
- Documented with the original window sticker and the GS Historical Society Report
- Complete Concours rotisserie restoration
- Concours Gold and Best Buick at MCACN, 2011
- Posi-traction performance axle
- Power steering
- AM/FM radio with rear speaker
- Rally Ride package
- Vinyl notchback bench seat
- Original engine had never been removed prior to restoration
- Typical one-digit factory anomaly on the engine’s partial VIN stamp which ends in a 1 instead of a 7
- SS engine code that designates the Stage 1 option is present on the block
3.) 1971 Buick GS Stage 1 Convertible (Lot R203)
Lastly, a gold 455 1971 Buick Skylark GS Stage 1 is 1 of 81 convertibles of its kind, and 1 of only 72 equipped with a 400 Turbo Hydra-Matic 3-speed transmission. This vehicle is highly optioned and made by Buick as a very showy model. It’s known as a “Zone Demo” convertible, one of just 11 known to be left in existence.
Mecum Highlights:
- 1 of 72 Stage 1 convertibles with automatic transmission
- 1 of 11 1971 Stage 1 Zone Demo cars known to exist out of approximately 25 produced
- All were built the same day in August 1970
- Produced to be used by zone office executives until they were sold to local dealers to be used as demos, and eventually sold to the public
- Built with virtually every option available and all were new-for-1971 Cortez Gold with Pearl White split bench interiors Complete body-off restoration
- 3.42:1 Posi-traction rear
- Factory a/c
- Power steering, brakes, windows and locks
- AM radio with 8-track player
- N25 through-bumper exhaust
- G60x15 raised white letter tires
- Chrome 15×7” Rally wheels
- F41 Rally Ride suspension
- Custom front shoulder seat belts
- Speed alert, tinted glass
- Front and rear bumper guards
- Sport mirrors, power bench seat
- Cruise control, tilt steering column
- Convenience group lighting
- Tach and gauge package
- Rally steering wheel
- Fold down armrest bench seat
Elizabeth is hardcore horsepower enthusiast with unmatched intensity for making things faster and louder. She wakes up for power and performance and only sleeps to charge up for the next project that’s heading to the track. From autocross to drag racing, Elizabeth is there with you, so stay tuned for her unique perspective on horsepower news, builds, tech info, and installs — with her, it’ll never be boring!
