Many here are familiar with the LEGENDARY JOE GUZEK. Approximately 20 years ago a friend introduced me to Joe Guzek very nice man R.I.P. -and at that time he showed us 2 of his cars-1 his incredible 70 GS Stage 1 4 speed Cinnamon (1of 1). At that time was not restored 2nd. Car was 1966 GS 4 Speed ,post,bench seat(308 produced) SURVIVOR from New Mexico. At that time their was no radiator- he said someone broke into his storage and stole radiator. I was in love with the car. A few weeks ago a gentleman posted on internet late one evening what looked to be the 66 GS - It was only 23 minutes after he listed car that I replied. Gentleman called me and we spoke for good 45 minutes( after only a few minutes speaking I knew it was Joe's 66 GS)We set up a meeting a few day's later to check out the car. He was only 45 minutes away in Auburn Hills,Mi. Upon arrival at VERY nice storage facility seen the car and MY Eyes LIT UP. At that moment I immediately noticed above the 66Gs on storage hoist was a 65 Buick Special post. It was a SURVIVOR also. Asked what was story on this car he said it was also Joe Guzeks. Apparently he got with Mary(Joe's wife) and bought both cars a couple years ago from his estate. I was just excited about the 65 Special as I was with the 66 GS. Asked him what he was gonna do with 65 - said it's for sale also. We spent next 5 minutes negotiating- I had to pay up for the 66 GS 4speed but he gave me GREAT deal on Special. After 5 days and a break in the weather went and picked them both up same day. 66 GS is all #s matching drivetrain- runs and drives good. The Special came with a bunch of documentation- original title transfer in 1985 in Joe's name and much more- many years of updated tags and proof of insurance. Last year with tags and insurance was 2003 - I'm guessing last year was on the road. Special has only 50K original miles and I have NEVER seen a car with less options than this car- it is base model NO OPTIONS V-6 no seat belts ,not even splash guards on inner fenders. When 1st. seen the Special I said to myself this car as dull as it was after sitting for couple decades will SHINE withe some effort. A few day's after getting them home we had unordinary high temperature change for week and 1/2 so I decided to work on The Special-1st. Wheeled out paint and then waxed it,cleaned interior(came with rubber no carpet)then tried getting it running- pulled all 6 plugs and poured 50/50 diesel and tranny fluid in cylinders, let sit a while. Probably didn't need to do this since turned over ny hand but wanted to be safe. Put new plugs,wires, points,flushed fuel system ,took a bit til finally got spark(points adjustment). She fired right up - Motor SMOOTH. Only noise I was getting was water pump bearing and weep hole was leak. Topped off radiator and even with little leaking coming from waterpump took it for couple miles drive. She stops good,goes down road straight. Put new set of Firestones on - had 1970s Goodyear Polysteels on it. Picked up new waterpump and decided to tackle that job. Managed to get 4 big bolt going into block by heating 1st. Upon attempting small bolts almost all broke off. Upon taking pump off on a few was enough to get vise grips on and get out- 4 left - had to drill them out. I have 1 more small one to drill out but we've had a cold spell and when warms up I will tackle that one. 66 came with extra NOS driver fender,4 original steel wheels and caps and few boxes of parts. Sorry for long posting but thought cool story and was honored to have met Joe and EXCITED to have his cars.
Devon when I try to load only 1 picture - POPS UP - following error occurred-the uploaded file does not have an allowed extension ??????
If you are using an iPhone to take the photos, the website doesn't know about "heic" files, yet. If you want to e-mail the photos to me at freeswitcher@outlook.com, I could convert them and post them here? Also, there is an option on your iPhone, you can go to "Settings/Camera" Tap Formats. Tap Most Compatible. This won't fix the photos you've already taken, but will allow future photos to be posted here directly.
Pictures of 65 Special- 1st few pictures are when just got it home (not wheeled and waxed) - or cleaned and old tires. Pictures looking across hood inside my garage you can see the difference shined on passenger side of hood and not on drivers side. Then few pictures all cleaned up and some of engine- in process of painting engine and detailing, finish up changing water pump
What a score! What does the 66GS have for rear gears and mileage? I also never knew that the splash guards over the upper front arms were a option..
Wow, that's a very cool and exciting find. I love a happy ending where cars fall into the hands of a proper enthusiast rather than a flipper(s). I'm looking forward to more updates. There are so many cool things about both of those cars. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks ALL- Not sure on gear ratio on 66 GS yet. No splash guard probably not an option- just never seen without from factory. Special had original date coded spark plug wires and original AC air filter,all original hose clamps. Joe had some air bags inside rear springs to bring back up a bit. They have disintegrated. I think I will replace with new springs.(she sits low in back) Here's picture of Title transfer in July 1985.
Very cool cars, congrats!!!! What are the paint colors on the 65? Reminds me of 65 GS I saw at a local show years ago, it was VS A..... I see why you liked it so much.
