David Dunbar Buick incorporated his eponymous Buick Motor Company on May 19, 1903—so we figured today would be a good day to talk about this super cool 1967 Buick Sport Wagon 400 we spotted at a recent Cars & Coffee event.
We noticed the wagon’s Gran Sport GS badges as it rumbled into the parking lot, so we immediately knew we had to get the full scoop. The owner’s name is Mike Belmont and when we asked what attracted to him to this wagon in particular, he simply replies:
“I wanted something different.”
And for the Buick faithful, that’s a sentiment we’ve heard before.
Given that it only came into his stable a few years ago, the wagon’s history isn’t 100% certain. But Mike can say that the original 400ci Buick V8 is gone, replaced by a Buick 350 that still retains the nifty Buick “Star Wars” air cleaner under the hood.
While Buick’s own records about GS production are a tad murky, we do know that the Gran Sport trim on the comparable A-Body Skylark coupe denoted the 400ci Buick V8 when it debuted in 1965—originally the Nailhead before ultimately switching to the “Big Block” 400 when it was added to the Sport Wagon lineup for 1967.
Further complicating things, in 1967 the Gran Sport trim broke off into its own model line, with the Buick Skylark Gran Sport transforming into the Buick Gran Sport 400. Thanks to all that shuffling between names and engines, it may be possible that this one did come as a GS-badged Sport Wagon 400.
We hope so anyway, as we really, really like the idea of factory sleeper performance wagons.
Into vintage Buicks? You may dig this too: Terry Stinehelfer’s 1962 Buick Skylark “GSX”
We then asked Mike about the roof. It’s a common misconception that the Oldsmobile’s Vista Cruiser was the only wagon to get the iconic panoramic roof. Truth is, Buick got one too—only it was called the Skyview or Skyroof in Buick parlance.
“GM let Oldsmobile and Buick have ’em, due to their rank in the company,” Mike explains, alluding to the brands’ prestige.
On the inside and outside, the Sport Wagon appears stock. The special console-mounted Gran Sport tachometer is present, as are all the appropriate badges, which further confirms that this is either an uber-rare GS Sport Wagon or a thoroughly detailed tribute car.
Either way, this thing is all sorts of awesome.
Of course, we asked Mike if he’s been enjoying his Sport Wagon, and he confirms that the car gets ample drive time. He’s taken it on the Hot Rod Power Tour and it’s a common sight at nearby shows and events.
…and with seating for nine, he can bring the party with him.
NICE
A few things:
1. I would’ve had that factory Big Block 400 Power Plant overhauled $ re-built or if to far gone get in touch with GM and order exact same Big Block 400 Power Plant.
Again order factory Roof Rack & Rear Window Deflector to help keep the electric tailgate glass clean from dirt, dust & debris
3. Take more pictures of exterior, interior & underneath as well. Other than that nice ride, hats off & two thumbs up.
Is this wagon for sale would like to buy one for a retirement gift to my self.
Here’s an alternative. 1969 Chevelle Concours Estate woody wagon. 67k original miles. In a collection for many years.. Built in Fremont ,California..