During the muscle car era, it was not unusual for companies to offer exhaust extensions or fancy exhaust tips as an option. However, only one manufacturer offered a special exhaust tip option that came with a unique bumper. One of these cars, a 1971 Buick GS two-door hardtop, is our Pick of the Day. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
Like Chevrolet, Buick changed its approach to its mid-size high-performance cars for 1971. In Buick’s case, the GS 350 and GS 455 were combined into a single Gran Sport series, available with 350, 455, and Stage 1 455. This was the year that compression was lowered for all of GM’s brands, so the standard 350 dropped from 315 to 260 horsepower, while the 455 dropped 35 to 315 horses. The top-dog Stage 1 went from 360 to 345 horses. The 350 came standard with a column-shifted three-speed, while either 455 required a four-speed or automatic to be specified. Unlike 1970, the 350 was not available with a floor shifter for the three-speed.
The GS (and Skylarks in general) were given a mild facelift, with the grille now featuring two nostrils underneath the front bar of the bumper; out back, the license plate moved up on the bumper to eliminate the trim that connected the taillights for 1970. For GSs, the grille’s pattern (which differed from the Skylark’s) was repeated in the grilles for the ram air system.
Interestingly, a front bench seat was standard. Compare this with other performance models within GM, such as the Pontiac GTO, and Oldsmobile 4-4-2, as they both came standard with bucket seats. Aside of bucket seats, buyers could opt for a vinyl notchback seat, which included an armrest.
New was the “Through Bumper Exhaust Extensions,” sales code E6 and UPC code N25. Unlike the Oldsmobile 4-4-2’s notched bumper with “trumpet” extensions, this option featured a rectangular hole punched through the bumper. Only 2,033 folks ordered a GS with this bumper.
This 1971 Buick GS is of 5,986 two-door hardtops powered by the 350 four-barrel. It’s also one of 552 painted Fire Red. This GS features Pearl White bucket seats with an added console. “All original with factory repaint,” says the seller. “The body is straight and free of dents or scratches.” The interior is in “outstanding shape,” presented as a clean and well-maintained cabin. Several options include console, tachometer (appears to be added), air conditioning, push-button Sonomatic AM radio, white vinyl top, driver-side mirror, and Buick’s famous chrome mags.
“Mechanically, everything is dialed in—all gauges, lights, and turn signals function properly,” adds the seller. Sounds like a “hop in and drive” car! And when you separate yourself from $42,995 to drive off in this Buick, be sure to shake that thang because the tail is what makes this one stand out.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
