Images: JEM Motor Corporation

When Buick introduced its new 400 for the Gran Sport in 1967, it was a breath of fresh air. Previously, the “Nailhead” 401 was just not competitive against the Tri-Power GTOs and L78 Chevelle SS 396s that were selling like hotcakes. This new motor was rated at at 340 horsepower and was reason enough to tweak the name of the model to GS 400.

In 1968, the Special/Skylark/GS series received a complete restyle. While Pontiac led the way with the Endura-nosed GTO, the GS looked somewhat dowdy in comparison. This has made the 1968-69 GS series less popular than other years, but glance at this ’68 GS 400 ragtop on eBay and you may discover a whole new automotive world that you didn’t know existed.

The 1968 GS was available in a few models. First was the GS 350, which was introduced the year before as the GS 340. Available only as a hardtop, the new 350 motor put out 280 horsepower.

The standard GS hood had a fake forward-facing scoop on the cowl, and the front fenders had fake scoops with GS nomenclature above them. A racing stripe along the rocker panels was optional.

The GS 400 was available as a hardtop or convertible – no more post coupes, as in 1965-67. Styling was the same as the GS 350. Standard transmission was a three-speed floor unit from Ford, while a four-speed or three-speed automatic were optional.

When the automatic was paired with the console, it was equipped with a horseshoe shifter. The usual performance options were available on the GS 400 to make sure it had street cred, such as low gears, tachometer…even the Stage 1 option, which made its debut as a dealer-installed package.

When the model year was over, 2,454 GS 400 convertibles were built, making for a vehicle that wasn’t seen on Every Street Corner, USA. Equipped with console automatic and custom pearl white interior, the seller also claims, “Previously sold at Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction # 642,  New Edelbrock aluminum intake and carb, New 2-1/2 inch aluminized exhaust system,  performance suspension, new gas tank and sending unit, 15-inch Buick Rallye rims, original floors and trunk with the original factory undercoating, and rebuilt engine that’s believed to be original motor. Custom Premium Sound System too.”

It’s hard not to like a car like that: Convertible begging for 14-second runs down the 1320. Why not stop following the herd and buy a Buick?