69 GS California in California ... good bones!

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/d/riverside-69-buick-gs-california/7332638788.html

 

A question and an observation: Is it faded Fireglow? I don’t recall ever seeing a GS California without a vinyl top.
Patrick

 

Probably ditched the top at one point which is a good thing. I once seen a 69 California that other than the roof was in beautiful original condition.
The roof was completely rotted out. Had a family member that worked in a body shop look at it and told me to pass on it. Would have had to do a whole new roof on it.

 

I feel like we saw this car before (a year ago or so) and we had the same exact discussion! Either I am having Deja Vu or we are old. Maybe both?

 

The windows suggest a 68.

 

That's why it's a 69 GS California!

 

Oh really, that's another variant?
Are there more differences?

 

Taxi cab interior

 

The GS emblem on the sail panel, the chrome trim around the side windows, no engine call out emblem on the hood are a couple other GS California specifics.

 

All 68/69 GS Californias/Carolinas/Colorados were built on the post coupe body style and have the vent windows even though the vent windows were dropped in 69. Vent windows were still around until 72? on post coupes I believe.

 

Vinyl roof was required

 

Ok weird. Why the differences? Due to legislation, or did Buick expect to sell more?

 

All brands, Buick, Chevy, Olds, Pontiac had post coupes, they were more of the budget model (like the Buick Special) I believe each brand sometimes offered a "performance" model that used that body style.Olds Rallye 350 for example.

The GS California started out as a something a few California dealers put together to sell more cars in 1967. It soon caught on and dealers in Colorado and Carolina started making badges to put on cars. In 1968 Buick starting offering it as a factory option which stopped in 1970.

It was more a cosmetic upgrade than anything else but the GS Cali/Colorado/Carolina came with the high performance 350 at least.

 

Hey now! I take that personally...

The GS Cal cars have the Special deluxe interior, which is special AND deluxe.


1968 Buick Special Deluxe/ GS california interior.

 

Probably Antique Gold?

 

That Order sheet is cool! Is the 1968 version of that floating around also? I couldn't find it via google...

 

I have most years order forms saved. Unfortunately this one is a little faded.

 

Actually the lightness of it would be fine if it wasn't so danged low resolution. Thanks for sharing this!