2015 Muscle Car Match-Ups: And the Winner Is…

The 1970 Buick GSX.

A product of one of the greatest muscle car years in American automotive history, the 1970 GSX offers everything a muscle car should—plus a little luxury, too. Sandwiched between General Motors’ 1960s ban on engines larger than 400 cubic inches and the stricter government and emissions regulations that came along in the 70s, they featured 455 cubic inches of brute force.

This new big block was conservatively rated at 350 horsepower—as far as the insurance companies knew. Many people estimated the actual power output to be around 415 horsepower with a frame-twisting 510 ft.-lbs. of peak torque. All this from a mill that weighed approximated 150 pounds less than GM’s other big blocks! Big displacement, a hotter cam, and big valves helped make the 455 a heavyweight torque monster in a lightweight package. It propelled the GSX from 0-60 miles-per-hour in just 5.8 seconds and produced a top quarter-mile time of 13.38 seconds, according to Motor Trend.

The GSX’s 455 was backed by a Positraction differential, beefier springs, heavy-duty front and rear shocks, heavy-duty rear sway bar, front disc brakes, and meaty tires. Available in Saturn Yellow or Apollo White—both with black racing stripes—the GSX came with functional air scoops, a performance hood tach, and front and rear spoilers. Inside, were bucket seats, a “consolette,” and a padded Rallye steering wheel.

At the time, the 1970 Buick GSX was called “the quickest American production car.”

But hey, we don’t have to sell you. Here’s what you had to say:

“…unless you’ve had your head in the sand for the
last 40 years, I’m gonna say GSX.” –John H.

“GSX would easily tear that Chevrolet a new rear end…so GSX gets my vote.” –Gary M.

“Buick!!!!! Because I haven’t seen one yet. Every car show I go to I always wonder how many Chevelles are going to be there.” –Mark A.

“GSX. Way more torque. Always beat the Chevelle off the line,
and stayed in front the rest of the race.” –Brady S.

Road to the Championship

Round 1: defeated 2002 Pontiac Trans Am WS6
Round 2: defeated 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge
Round 3: defeated 1969 Dodge Charger R/T
Round 4: defeated 1965 Shelby Cobra 427
Championship: defeated 1970 454 Chevelle SS

For a more comprehensive look at the 1970 GSX, read this post by Hemmings. For performance and replacement parts, check out Summit Racing. For Buick memorabilia, try Summit Gifts, Clothing & Memorabilia.