1968 Buick GS 400 Convertible

In 1968, the midsize lineup for General Motors got new bodies, and 2 door models got a shorter 112-inch wheelbase. Big styling changes were happening for the Muscle car contingent, including the 1968 Buick GS 400.

Buick gave its Muscle car entry the long-hood, short-deck look that defined performance, but the aft flanks now looked quite massive. Somehow though, the new GS 400 weighed slightly more than the old, even after losing three inches of wheelbase and 4.4 inches of overall length.

On the minus side, there was little change in acceleration, since it's powertrain choices were untouched. And the trimmer size didn't seem to translate into agile road manners. Many drivers said it plowed through turns worse than the 1967 model. Also, the dashboard retained an unsporting horizontal-sweep speedometer flanked by idiot lights.

But despite these flaws, the public liked the new GS 400, and sales held steady even with more and stronger rivals from within GM and competitors. It probably helped that Buick kept price increases modest, assembly quality high, and its upscale image intact.

Offered with your choice of a Hardtop Coupe or Convertible, the 1968 Buick GS 400 benefited from a standard 400-cid, 4-barrel V8 that delivered strong performance without the high maintenance and fuss of most high-output V8's. Transmission alternatives to the standard 3-speed were a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic. Positraction, front disc brakes and power steering were all available as options. The 340 hp 400 equipped Buick GS 400 had a 0-60 time of 6.8 sec, and a 1/4 mile time of 15.2 sec @ 92 mph.

Interior-wise, bucket seats, a center console and "Stirrup" automatic transmission shifters were also optional sporty touches, however Buick kept the GS 400's dashboard design relatively conservative. The GS 400 came with chrome plated wheels and simulated fender air extractors as well.

For buyers that wanted something a little extra, Buick offered a dealer-installed package that enhanced the engine with a hotter cam, 11.0:1 compression, stronger valve springs and gave the transmission high-upshift modifications. Despite a 345-bhp rating, it added an estimated 50 bhp to the base 340-bhp mill and cut quarter-mile times by a second or more. The name of this rare dealer-installed option was a sign of great things to come from Buick. It was called the "Stage 1 Special Package." (cue dramatic music here...)

10,743 Buick GS 400 2 door hardtops were produced, but only 2454 Convertibles were produced. Many refer to it as "a Gentleman's Muscle Car". Classy and quick...yeah, it could work...