Looking for a number's matching GSX Stage-1, driver quality car (#3) in apollo white. Also interested in a #2 70 Stage-1 4-speed in (original) color like red/black/blue/green/Silver/Aqua. Not interested in anything non-matching.
This car was owned/restored by a board member. I struggle for words to adequately describe how nice the car is. Certainly better than #2 condition, but Stage 1 manual trans cars in any condition are hard to find. And not cheap when they are found. Stage 1 LINK I know of another that may be coming on the market soon. Not a "popular" color and has a replacement '70 block, but all other parts (trans, axle, carb, dist, etc.) are original. It is a low mile California car with all original sheet metal. 1 of 193 built with air. Strong #2 car.
Jim thanks for the link. That is an absolutely awesome Stage-1 and most definitely a #1 car. In retrospect, I should have just listed the colors I prefer, and not said "popular" which certainly isn't accurate. No disrespect to anyone with beautiful cars in any of Buick's other colors was intended. What color is the potential #2 which might become available? Thanks, Josh
Josh. The car is code 50 Bamboo Cream. Black vinyl top replaced the original dark brown when car was painted because a suitable color match could not be obtained. Code 189 Burnished Saddle bucket seats. Most of the interior is original to the car, including consolette, and original black shifter ball. Only the front buckets were recovered. Power steering, power brakes (car now has discs up front, owner still has aluminum drums), tach and gauges, air conditioner, F41 suspension (I am uncertain, but this may have been added), rally steering wheel (I think car originally had a rim blow wheel), tinted glass, upper peak moldings, and probably some options I have forgotten. Picture (stolen from elsewhere p) shows car with steel wheels with dog dish caps. 15x7" front, 15x8" rear. Original wheels were 14" painted rallys w/trim rings. Owner has them, but are as yet unrestored. As stated earlier, motor is not original, and owner has stamped "NOM" in the deck surface where VIN would have been. Transmission (M-21) is original to the car. 1112016 distributor (which I have verified to have the correct weight, cam, and shaft numbers), 7040246 Carb (again verified correct major and minor components). Car was built in December 1969, date codes of carb (as yet unrestored) and distributor are appropriate to build date, although I cant remember them off the top of my head. Car is very nice, and has all of its original sheet metal with the possible exception of one fender. The date code on the possibly replaced fender is within the range of dates on other panels. The paint is nicely done, but a few flaws can be found upon very close inspection. Body has NOT been taken off the frame. Floors and trunk are very nice as is to be expected of a dry climate car. Owner is very meticulous, and the car shows it. It presents itself very well. I had considered adding it to my stable, but am chasing another 4-speed car that I owned previously. Time will tell. The car is not officially on the market yet, but if interested, I will forward owner's contact info. Picture is of unfinished car, and items like wiper arms, washer nozzles, ac components were not yet installed.
This looks to be a fantastic 4-speed car. Although, I haven't given up hope on a #'s matching car in my price range yet. Jim, Thank you for the details on this car!
What has sold recently for Stage-1 cars that represent market value? The really nice cars I've seen sell were Mike Guarise's 4 Stage-1 cars at Mecum Chicago. From what I remember and have been able to dig up, the diplomat blue and aqua 4-Speed cars sold for $56k and $65k (not sure which was which), think the 3rd hardtop went for 38k. Can anyone verify this for me, or post what they really sold for with a link to the data. (I understand every car is different and it depends, just trend data) I don't have a lot to go on. . . I don't buy and sell Buick Stage-1s like I suspect many of you do, so I can't fall back on past experience. I've referenced the Hagerty guide and it seems to reflect pricing close to what I've seen sell. Can the experts -- You guys!!-- let me know where and what I should be referencing for actual market value right now for a Stage-1? Again, in my cave-man logic, value is based on what someone is willing to pay. . . . .what has sold? I'd really like you guys to give me some examples what you'd pay for: #3/#2 -- 70 Stage-1 #s matching Auto, A/C, documented: $__________ #3/#2 -- 70 Stage-1 #s matching 4-Speed, A/C documented: $_________ One last question -- What car show or event is the best place to attend and purchase a Stage-1? I really appreciate your thoughts on any of the above questions. Thanks, Josh
Josh. We should probably start with what you consider to be matching numbers. Just the engine? The major drive train components? The major and minor (carb, distributor, alternator, etc.) components? Paint codes? Interior codes? The Aqua car from the Guarise collection was long ago owned by Sam Davis (an active board member). It has been modified more than once since it left his stable. The paint code on this particular car is 34 - 10 which is Aqua Mist w/White painted top. The interior trim code is 178 which is a Black bench seat w/fold down armrest. The car is no longer in a configuration that matches these numbers. I can not attest to the fact that the car retains it's original drive train, but I am certain other board members can. The blue car has also been owned by active board members, and was actually restored by a very knowledgeable one some years ago. This particular car is a faithful representation of it's original color combination, and does match the paint and trim codes. Again I can not comment on originality of drive train. There was a 4-speed car (non-air) recently offered for sale by an owner in New Jersey. It too was restored to match it's original code 10 -10 white paint, and 188 Black bucket seat interior trim codes. It does have it's original engine, but I don't know if it retains it's original transmission and rear axle. The asking price is far in excess of the green car I linked above, and either of the auction cars, but one must also consider buyer's fees and premiums which are seldom shown in auction results. This car has been a no-sale at, at least, one auction. Any of the classic value guides (Hagerty, NADA, etc.) do a good job of tracking the value of classic cars, but you must consider that Buick built far fewer GS cars in 1970 than, say, Chevy built Super Sports. While some 53000 SS Chevelles rolled off the line, total GS 455 production was 10148. And only 3097 of that number had the Stage 1 option. 2865 Hardtops, and 232 convertibles. I make no claim that the low production numbers make a car more or less valuable than shown in the value guides or as the result of auction sales, but it certainly makes it harder to find good examples. Then as additional requirements are added, such as original drive train, air conditioning, desired colors, etc., the choices become even more limited. Of the 2865 Hardtop cars with the Stage 1 option, 664 were equipped with the 4 speed manual transmission. Of that 664, only 193 were equipped with air conditioning. I wish I knew the color breakdown of the 193, but I do not. You may be seeking a car of which only a hand full exist. I think if you search diligently you will find a car that suits your requirements, and hopefully your budget.
Jim, Thank you for taking the time to post a great response which certainly helps paint a better picture. I am confident I'll find a great car, and honestly have enjoyed the process. There are some incredibly knowledgeable and skilled folks like yourself I have really enjoyed learning from. One of the challenges which I may not have articulated very well, but you touched on, is that there are some fantastic examples available, but not selling. This would potentially indicate the cars are priced too high. This further complicates less high-end pricing because pricing is potentially being based off asking prices and not what a car would really sell for. If I were on the other side of this discussion as a seller, I would have a difficult time. --Although I'd be much happier because I'd have a Stage-1 to enjoy!
The real problem is that there are very few documented sales of 70 Stage 1 4 speed hardtops. I think most are undocumented private sales. Each car is different. Its hard to make a direct comparison with prices. How many of these cars are really left? Buick made 664. I bet there's only 10% left. And out of those 10%, how many are #3 or better?
Josh, I will not disagree that there are examples priced in excess of what the market will bear. Auctions are good places to find cars, but one must inspect a car very carefully. Auction houses typically sell the car as described by the seller, and make no guarantee that the seller's description is accurate. Contact gsjo. Joe is well in tune with the market, and will honestly answer your questions. He may be able to help you find a suitable car. Best of luck finding one to drive and enjoy.
