A 1968 Buick GS 400 convertible that has likely been sitting for decades under the clear sky still hopes to return to the road, trying to find a new owner together with a brother ready to donate all its parts for a good cause.
It’s unclear how many GS 400 convertibles are still around these days, but it’s probably impossible to find a three-speed manual example. Buick produced just 79 of them, as most GS 400 convertibles (2,024 units) rolled off the assembly lines with an automatic gearbox.
Buick manufactured 10,743 sport coupes and 2,454 convertibles for this model year.
The convertible posted on eBay by seller chrisbenson2015 comes in a rough shape, exhibiting not only heavy rust problems but also missing parts and a wrecked interior. However, the GS 400 is not yet a rust bucket, and the owner believes it can still be restored with the right engine and transmission.
The missing drivetrain is one of the problems. The GS 400 rolled off the assembly lines with a 400ci Nailhead unit under the hood, producing 340 horsepower and 44 lb-ft of torque. However, upgrading the engine to 350 horsepower was common practice among GS 400 buyers. Buick dealers offered the power increase by installing a high-capacity fuel pump, an upgraded Rochester carburetor, a distributor, and a new dual-exhaust system.
The convertible sells with another Buick that has a 430 under the hood. The owner says it’s a complete 4-door model whose parts can help with a restoration, though we’re not getting too many specifics on its condition.
The best part is hiding in the trunk. The GS 400 comes with several extra parts, so while it may seem like the project lacks many components, they might be sitting in the trunk. No further specifics were shared, as the seller says they couldn’t open the trunk (possibly as it’s locked and they don’t have the key).
Everything sounds good on paper, especially as the convertible still has a chance to survive the rust invasion. We’re not getting a close look at the floors, but they seem solid. The buyer should remove the carpet and put the car on a lift to inspect the undersides thoroughly.
The car was listed on eBay for auction, with the digital fight configured to start at $2,500. The owner has also enabled a reserve, so despite the low starting bid, the Buick GS 400 won’t sell until someone sends a much higher offer. The seller didn’t share the reserve’s value, though.
The car is currently parked in North August, South Carolina, so if you want to see it in person, this is where you must drive your trailer. The auction will end in approximately one day, so chances are the car won’t find a new home this time.