1970 Buick GS Stage 1 (Orig. Show Car?)

Discussion in 'Cars and Parts For Sale Leads' started by Dano, Jun 11, 2017.

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  1. Rich Johns

    Rich Johns Platinum Level Contributor

    Brad ,Did the Black 71 GSX still have it's original paint in 1981, any pics?
     
    Rich Johns, Jun 13, 2017
    #21
  2. pbr400

    pbr400 68GS400

    Brad, at what point (or year) did you get curious about the two cars being really special? I remember reading a little about your noting the non production parts of the prototype, but would love to hear more.
    Patrick
     
    pbr400, Jun 13, 2017
    #22
  3. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    I'm glad I asked. ;-)
     
    Brett Slater, Jun 13, 2017
    #23
  4. Brad Conley

    Brad Conley RIP Staff Member

    Most of it, Rich. Remember, this was just a 10 year old used car back then. It had suffered some bumps and bruises, but nothing too bad.
     
    Brad Conley, Jun 13, 2017
    #24
  5. Jim Jones

    Jim Jones Wretched Excess

    I can unhappily confirm this story. I had left a deposit on the black car, but had to go back to Columbus to my bank for the remainder. It was refunded, but the old guy at the car lot told me, quite excitedly, that a guy just traded a nearly new Mustang for it, and he wasn't going to forfeit the "extra" profit. All he said when I asked about the deposit was "here's your cash". Small wonder used car dealers got a bad name.
     
    Jim Jones, Jun 13, 2017
    #25
    hwprouty likes this.
  6. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    You were the "other guy"??
     
    Brett Slater, Jun 13, 2017
    #26
  7. Jim Jones

    Jim Jones Wretched Excess

    I was. A victim of bad timing I guess.
     
    Jim Jones, Jun 13, 2017
    #27
  8. Brad Conley

    Brad Conley RIP Staff Member

    On the prototype, pretty much knew right off. It was known as a Factory Show Car in our circles. Richard Lasseter is the person that hung the "Prototype" name on it. It really isn't a prototype per-se, but rather a factory show car or, as Duane calls it, a design study car. The various manufactures still do these types of cars today to draw people to their space at car shows.

    We all knew something was up with the black car. Like I said, no one had ever heard of one. It took many years of digging and finally Dave Kleiner found the build sheet(s) when he restored the car. That pretty much nailed it right then. Those were proof positive of what it is. I did speak with the original owner once and he is the one that filled me in on how the car came to be; gold painted at dealer level, red pinstripes factory installed, decals factory installed, etc. He offered me, what I'm sure he thought, was a ridiculous price of $7500 for the car :). I politely declined.
     
    Brad Conley, Jun 13, 2017
    #28
  9. Brad Conley

    Brad Conley RIP Staff Member

    Ahhhh....the story comes full circle. I had NO idea Jim you were "the other guy"...
     
    Brad Conley, Jun 13, 2017
    #29
  10. Brad Conley

    Brad Conley RIP Staff Member

    If it makes you feel any better Jim, the crankcase of that Mustang was filled with STP to keep the mains from rattling too loudly. I'm sure the old guy spent some money straightening that motor out. It was on it's THIRD rebuild in 25000 miles....
     
    Brad Conley, Jun 13, 2017
    #30
  11. Jim Jones

    Jim Jones Wretched Excess

    Imagine my disappointment. I had left every penny I had on me as a deposit, a whopping $40 as I recall. I bet the car dealer never mentioned that to you and Marty, did he? Glad it wound up in a good home though.
     
    Jim Jones, Jun 13, 2017
    #31
  12. Brian Albrecht

    Brian Albrecht Classic Reflections


    That's ugly. Still hurts, huh? Been there. Completely the dealers fault in this case for even entertaining any offer.
     
    Brian Albrecht, Jun 13, 2017
    #32
  13. Brad Conley

    Brad Conley RIP Staff Member

    No, no he didn't. Just said "some other guy" was coming to look at it and we better get it out of there quick. Never mentioned any deposit. I can only imagine your disappointment. That really sucks. Period.

    I have noticed over the years that he didn't stay in business long after that. We would go visit my aunt in Ashland, KY and would drive by there often. Paybacks I guess.
     
    Brad Conley, Jun 13, 2017
    #33
  14. Jim Jones

    Jim Jones Wretched Excess

    It was a long time ago. Any injury is long forgotten.
     
    Jim Jones, Jun 13, 2017
    #34
  15. TWO72"s

    TWO72"s Silver Level contributor

    Wow , love reading the history of these cars. Jim just looking at your signature I think you did pretty damn good with your buick supply !!! lol

    Also wanted to ask , years ago I saw a beautiful 1971 Red GSX at the Nats , was that a real Red GSX and is the color also very rare ?
     
    TWO72"s, Jun 13, 2017
    #35
  16. cjp69

    cjp69 Gold Level Contributor

    That sale for $72,500 plus commission was Mecum St. Charles 2011, car sold again in October 2014 at Mecum Chicago for $82,500 plus commission.
     
    cjp69, Jun 13, 2017
    #36
  17. Brad Conley

    Brad Conley RIP Staff Member

    Yes, a real GSX. Glen Dempsey owned it for many years and upon his passing, it was sold to the late Larry Miller and his wife, Karen Miller.
     
    Brad Conley, Jun 13, 2017
    #37
  18. flynbuick

    flynbuick Guest

    That is a 350 gsx with a 455 added later in life.
     
    flynbuick, Jun 13, 2017
    #38
  19. Brad Conley

    Brad Conley RIP Staff Member

    Yes, I know. It also had several other changes from how it was built originally.
     
    Brad Conley, Jun 13, 2017
    #39
  20. Hawken

    Hawken Hawken

    Brad, what's the story about how the first Owner/Buyer of your GSX purchased it from the Dealer (Len Imke???)? Is it true that the Dealer was not supposed to sell it? If there wasn't a MSO from Buick (to allow the sale), then how'd it get sold? Is it true it wasn't supposed to be sold?
     
    Hawken, Jun 13, 2017
    #40
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