https://www.mecum.com/lots/FL0122-503380/1996-buick-blackhawk-factory-custom/?utm_campaign=FL22&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=199617647&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--DUibFSBH31nfv_0B9YTAtDYU37RY8lHoOs0NCdWUX8HBtoHoGH2dMpHoKWZgiDz0tItkxsjvjKZ7rQjanCNSoCGT6sg&utm_content=199617647&utm_source=hs_email Engine 455 CI Trans Automatic Color Burgundy Interior Tan HIGHLIGHTS One-off build completed to celebrate Buick's Centennial Designed by Steven Pasteiner, former consulting engineer for AAT and former Buick designer 129 inch wheelbase chassis Corvette-sourced independent front and rear suspension 1970 Buick 455 CI V-8 engine with electronic fuel injection Rated at 463 HP and 510 lb-ft of torque 4L80E 4-speed automatic transmission MSD ignition Power steering Power brakes 1939 Buick grille Sheet metal from 1941 and 1948 Roadmasters Hidden headlamps Carbon fiber hardtop 1996 Buick Riviera interior Cruise control Vintage Air Power windows, top, flipper and deck with controls hidden in center console Showcased at Buick events and was featured in the film "Bad Boys 2" This vehicle is not certified to comply with any federal state or local laws, rules or regulations and may not be driven on public roads Sold on bill of sale To celebrate Buick’s 100th Anniversary in 2003, Buick Special Vehicles Manager Michael E. Doble conjured up the idea of a special centennial car. It was designed to resemble the famous Y-Job but incorporate a healthy dose of other Buick design elements, such as a grille from a ’39 Buick, sheet metal from both a 1941 and ’48 Roadmaster, and hidden headlights hinting at the Y-Job. Working with former Buick designer Steven Pasteiner at Advanced Automotive Technologies in Rochester Hills, Michigan, Doble’s team developed the Blackhawk concept car. Beginning with a 1996 Buick Riviera with the 3.8L/240 HP supercharged V-6 engine, Pasteiner eliminated most everything from the sleek, modern, front-wheel drive coupe, saving the VIN to build around. In the Riviera’s place was a completely new front-engine, rear-drive platform with a 129-inch wheelbase. A Corvette-sourced front and rear independent suspension system was slung from the chassis, and a 1970 Buick 455 CI V-8 engine fed by an electronic fuel-injection system was bolted to the frame. That engine produced 463 HP and 510 lb-ft of torque, which a 4L80E automatic transmission channeled to the rear wheels. While very little remains of the donor Riviera, sharp Buick enthusiasts will likely note the Blackhawk’s interior, which is vastly different from the Riviera. Interestingly, the Blackhawk only attended Buick events, avoiding the show circuit, and found its way onto the silver screen as Will Smith’s ride in “Bad Boys II,” where it made a huge splash with audiences who loved its custom, concept-car styling. After completing its film work and event schedule, it found a home at the GM Heritage Center, but it was later sold at auction in 2009 for $475,000 ($522,500 with commission). A complete, running, one-of-a-kind celebration concept car, the Blackhawk features stunning Deep Metallic Purple paint, an Almond-colored interior with wood appointments and leather upholstery, 5-spoke wheels and a retractable carbon fiber top. Buick claimed it could run from 0-60 MPH in under 5 seconds, but with a car of such style, proving itself isn’t likely necessary.
I believe this car was at the GSCA Nats a few years ago. By the way, what's with the huge toe out (or is it camber?) on those huge front wheels in the Mecum Kissimmee pics?
Yes the camber looks out a touch........I believe...it could just be a rumor.....but I heard the motor in this car is 1 of the very rare 4 bolt main blocks as well
Wow……they are selling it? I still have the thick press pack with slides & all the cars information Buick sent me back in the day when I was trying to determine if it had the same 4-bolt main “X” or pro stock block that initially the previous owner incorrectly identified as the Stage III block. In fairness to him though,my block obviously wasn’t a Stage 1 or Stage II especially with tunnel port heads,4-bolt main and Gilmore oiling system etc so it’s easy to see why the motor was called “the next Stage, or Stage III”. I had heard that rumor back in the 90’s which prompted my call & while the Buick personal I spoke with was very interested in my 4-bolts story they said the Blackhawks motor was not the experimental 4-bolt main block although I believe in advertising they referred to it somewhere as a “Stage III”. Just looking at the auction horsepower figures of the Blackhawk, I think we can assume it isn’t the same motor that was propelling a GS to approx. 9 second 1/4 miles back in the 1970’s. Especially with the quoted HP auction ratings. On the call the gentleman said “at least let me send you the full press kit on it.”. I still have it carefully wrapped in my old t-shirt drawer. Will take it out and refresh my old brain on the other details of the car though. I’m the one guilty of the Stage III rumor based on preliminary details of the car calling it that in print, so I was VERY excited to hear there might be another X block in existence still around but it was another dead end of figuring out what the heck I had until Joe G.(R.I.P. my Buick brother) asked Mr.Manner if he could help me and what a help he was! Original R&D numbers from his personal notes! So glad Mr. Manner now owns that very special part of Buick history when these gentlemen were doing everything thing they could to elevate us out of the underdog status despite the track numbers on the factory produced Stage parts. Always the underdogs,but I like underdogs! ESPECIALLY when faster! Beautiful car though. Wish I had had a more successful life so I could own and treasure it. Should be an interesting auction,thank you for sharing. Kindest Regards, John Fritz (“STAGE III”)
Love how the guy escorting the fellow making the video at the end telling him it was powered by a 425 NAILHEAD At least you can see where I saw “Stage III” if you read all the description. That said, it sure sounds good once running.
“The Blackhawk's performance goal is 0-60 miles per hour in under 5 seconds. Its powertrain is a 1970-vintage 455-cubic-inch Buick GSStage III V-8 engine”
