I was riding my bike when I decided to duck into a little street and see if I could find something interesting. By a closed body shop was this Skylark ragtop. However, the car had aftermarket dual exhaust tips. My interest piqued, I looked at the front fender, but there wasn't a badge. Hmm . . . could be a GS. I glanced at the hood, and it was raised. Cool! But then the hard part - how do I see the grille for more evidence? There was a flatbed in the way, but after some maneuvering with my eyesight, I could see a GS grille. I rode away, but my curiosity got the best of me, so I went back. The shop was closed, and as the lot was partially fenced, I took a closer look. Door panels had "GS" on them, so that is making things more interesting. It's a console auto with PW. Tried to view the VIN but it was hard to see . . . my guess is 446670Hxxxxxx. I guess my big question is: Were Stage 1s built in the "H" plant?
So I stopped by today and talked with the owner of the shop. I asked if the "Skylark" was for sale and he said no. I said, "Not for the right price?" So he asked me what I wanted to pay, but I asked him what he wanted. He ended up letting me take a closer look at it. He knows what it is. Here are some pics . . . I don't know if the data plate came out ok, but the paint code was 75 and the top was B. I didn't know where to look for the engine code, but here's an engine that may give a hint if it could possibly be a Stage 1 or not - can someone tell? Of course, it could be a Stage 1 car with a transplant, so the engine doesn't necessarily suggest its pedigree, but it's a start.
I don't see the Stage 1 chrome valve covers, but the engine compartment looks quite unmolested, that's for sure...it may at least be the 1970 base 455. Devon
Hey Diego How's it going? Data Tag info is blurry PM me if you wrote it down and I will tell waht this car is Rich
Hi, Rich, my memory ain't too good anymore, so I don't remember anything else other than it checked out to be a GS455 ragtop made in Flint in red with a black interior.
I doubt its a Stage 1. More likely a base 455. Nice find though. You need to get the Wayne Roberts info for more details. Best $50 I ever spent
Ground is missing from the voltage regulator to the block. I bet the wiring is all f'd up and the guy has no idea why. Old looking red valve covers. No way a Stage-1 as they look original. Carb number is important as well as trans which would have a BB if auto.
So a Stage 1 and a regular 455 have different tranny codes? Do tell! That could help nudge things in one direction or another if the tranny is original.
The 70 Stage 1 trans tag will be silkscreened black show the "BB" code with the code and partial VIN stamped on it. This tag is riveted on passenger side. The VIN will also be stamped just above the pan rail of the trans on the drivers side. On non Stage 1 cars the code will be "BA".
