Most Wanted Classic Cars: Buick GS (Part 2)

Posted by Steve White on Nov 30, 2009

The Buick GS underwent major changes in 1970, with a new body design as well as a more powerful engine. GM decided to lift its ban on intermediate cars having engines larger than 400 cid, and Buick took advantage of the situation to improve the performance of the GS with a 455 cid engine. This new engine was the largest engine in its class, and it was rated at 350 hp, which was comparable to the power delivered by 472 or 500 cid engines of Cadillac.

With bigger valves and hotter cams, the GS Stage 1’s power output was raised to more than 400 hp, making it one of the fastest muscle cars ever made. Motor Trend rated the GSX Stage 1 as the fastest Buick muscle car after it finished a ¼ mile at an impressive time of 13.3 seconds during a test.

In the year 1971, sales of the Buick GSX dropped, and performance also declined as a result of the introduction of new emission standards as well as higher insurance premiums for young drivers, who were the main buyers of muscle cars. Following further decline in performance and sales, the Buick GS model line was discontinued. It was available only as an option package for the Century and Apollo lines in 1973 and 1974 respectively.

Most Wanted Classic Cars: Buick GS (Part 1)

Posted by Steve White on Nov 27, 2009

When most of the major automobile manufacturers in the US started producing muscle cars in the 1960s, Buick decided that it needed to develop a muscle car of its own. As such, it introduced the Gran Sport (GS) as an option for the Skylark model in 1965, and this marked the beginning of one of the most impressive American muscle cars ever made.

The Buick Skylark was already a relatively powerful vehicle with its 300 cid V8 engine. The GS option brought its performance to a whole new level with a 400 cid V8, which was the biggest engine allowed by GM. This engine was also called the “nailhead” engine, and it was rated at 325 hp. Since the Skylark was not a popular model with young drivers, who were the main buyers in the muscle car market, Buick detached the GS option from the Skylark and made it a model of its own in 1967. The Buick GS 400 featured a new “400” engine, and a smaller 340 cid V8 was also available. The GS 340 was also called the GS California, and it was capable of producing 260 hp.

Sales for the Buick GS dropped because of the intense muscle car competition among the major auto manufacturers. Buick responded by introducing the GS Stage 1 option in 1969. This powerful car was rated at 340 hp, and it came with a hotter cam as well as improved compression ratio, valve springs, and transmission.

The Chance to Ride in a Dream Classic Car

Posted by Steve White on Nov 25, 2009

When you see gorgeous classic cars displayed in a museum, you may have the desire to take a ride in one of them. There is a museum that allows you to do just that. The Automobile Driving Museum offers visitors the rare opportunity to ride in some of its priceless vintage and classic cars. This is certainly a chance of a lifetime that should not be missed.

The Automobile Driving Museum has a collection of more than 70 vintage and classic cars, ranging from a replica of an 1886 Benz Motorwagon to a 1989 Porsche Carrera. There are varieties of cars manufactured by Studebaker, Packard, Ford, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, Cadillac, and others. Those who visit the museum on Sundays will get the chance to ride in one of the few selected automobiles. The rides are available to all visitors who are over 10 years old.

The Automobile Driving Museum is located on Lairport Street in El Segundo, California, and it is open from 10 am to 4 pm everyday, except Monday. The museum is also a popular venue for business meetings and social events, and it provides private tours for school groups, car clubs, and other private or public interest groups. Admission to the museum is free, but visitors are encouraged to offer donations to support the operating and maintenance costs of the museum.

Daytona Classic Car Auction

Posted by Steve White on Nov 23, 2009

The Daytona Classic Car Auction is one of the major events in the Daytona Turkey Run. This auction is sponsored by Vicari Motorsports and Dan Kruse Classics, and it will be held from the 27th to 29th of November at the Camper World Pad #4 in the Daytona International Speedway.

More than 300 automobiles will be on display at the auction, and these include vintage cars, muscle cars, luxury cars, racing cars, and trucks. A historically significant 1938 Rolls Royce Phantom III Sports Limousine is one of the classic cars that will be offered on the block. This car was specially built for Sir Winston Churchill’s first cousin, Viscountess Wimborne of England, and it features a classy black leather interior with liquor cabinets, picnic tables, and silk shades. American classic cars from manufacturers such as Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Plymouth, and Pontiac make up most of the cars that will be available at the auction.

The Daytona Classic Car Auction will start at 1 pm on Friday, 10 am on Saturday, and 11 am on Sunday. Those who are planning to bid during the auction are required to pay a bidder’s fee of $50, while cash buyers need to pay a $500 deposit in cash when registering. Admission fee for adults is $15 per day, and children below the age of 11 can enter free of charge.

The Grandest Classic Car Event in the Southeast

Posted by Steve White on Nov 20, 2009

This coming Thanksgiving, thousands of classic car enthusiasts from across the US will be making their way to Daytona Beach to witness and participate in the biggest classic car gathering in the southeast. The Daytona Turkey Run is a classic car show and swap meet that takes place around Thanksgiving Day every year, and it is held at the famous Daytona International Speedway. This year, the 4-day event will begin on the 26th of November.

Visitors to the 2009 Daytona Turkey Run can expect to see more than 5,000 splendid classic cars on display. All types of show-quality automobiles will be represented at the car show, including muscle cars, street rods, vintage cars, sports cars, race cars, customs, and trucks. There will also be a car corral where over 1,500 cars will be put up for sale, as well as an auction by Vicari Motor Sports that feature some of the finest vintage and classic automobiles. More than 4,000 stalls will be set up at the swap meet, offering a huge selection of auto parts and accessories.

The Daytona Turkey Run promises a most exciting Thanksgiving weekend for all classic car owners and enthusiasts. Show hours are 8 am to 4 pm from Thursday to Saturday and 8 am to 2 pm on Sunday. Full-day tickets for adults are priced at $15 from Thursday to Saturday and $10 on Sunday. Children under the age of 11 can enter free if they are accompanied by adults.