Introduction to Buick’s Winning Streak
In the late 1960s, Buick’s Gran Sport (GS) Convertible emerged as a standout in the muscle car era, marking the pinnacle of Buick’s success at the close of the decade. With nearly 652,000 cars sold, Buick, a division of General Motors (GM), experienced a significant leap in the sales charts during the sixties.
The iconic Gran Sport brand became synonymous with Buick’s high performance. It made its debut in 1965 on the Skylark, and over the years, it evolved from being an optional package to a standalone model by 1967. The Gran Sport, often simply known as the GS, played a notable role in the muscle car wars.
The Unique 1968 GS 400 Convertible
A pivotal moment in Gran Sport history was the introduction of the 1968 GS 400 Convertible, based on the Skylark platform. This model, though poorly sold, has become a rare gem, with only 4,230 units produced during its two-year run.
Fast forward to the present day, and one such rarity is showcased by a proud owner from Illinois. In a video shot in August 2023, this 1968 GS 400 Convertible stands out as one of the few, if not the only one, left in the state. Maintained with care, this classic Buick remains a testament to the enduring appeal of vintage cars.
The owner, who acquired the car in 2003, shares insights into the vehicle’s condition. With a mileage of 97,477 miles over 55 years, the GS 400 Convertible has seen some refreshment work while retaining its original 400 cubic-inch V8 engine.
Featuring a horse-shoe-shifted Super-Turbine automatic transmission, the GS 400 Convertible boasted a unique Burnished Saddle livery option available only in 1968. With transmission options including manuals and different rear axle ratios, Buick provided enthusiasts with choices to suit their preferences.
1968 marked a modest year for Buick convertibles, and the GS 400 variant, with its limited production, became the rarest among them. The dwindling numbers make this Gran Sport a standout not only among Buick convertibles but across all body styles offered by GM divisions on various platforms.
# FAQs
**Q1: How many 1968 GS 400 Convertibles were produced?**
A: Only 4,230 units were assembled during the two-year production run, making them relatively rare.
**Q2: Why is the featured GS 400 Convertible considered unique?**
A: It stands out as one of the very few, if not the only one, left in Illinois, according to the Buick Club of America.
**Q3: What makes the Burnished Saddle livery option special?**
A: This rare option, exclusive to 1968 Gran Sports, adds a unique and distinctive touch to the vehicle’s appearance.
**Q4: How has the car been maintained over the years?**
A: The owner emphasizes the importance of tender loving care (TLC) in keeping the car in its current condition.
**Q5: What transmission options were available for the GS 400 Convertible?**
A: The GS 400 Convertible offered both manual and automatic transmissions, each with distinct rear axle ratios, providing enthusiasts with choices.
