Possibly overlooked by its Chevrolet, Oldsmobile and Pontiac siblings, Buick produced some solid performance vehicles in the 1960s but those models don’t conjure up the same emotions as their family members. Chevy gave us the Chevelle and Nova during the muscle car era. Pontiac was GM’s performance brand and the Olds 442 is still spoke of in reverential tones. Buick? I tend to associate them with a more mature demographic that isn’t focused on street performance, but I need to not paint with a broad brush.
The Pick of the Day is this 1969 Buick GS400 listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Granville, West Virginia. (Click the hyperlink to view the listing)
1969 Buick GS400 
1969 Buick GS400
“This example was built in Wilmington, Delaware and sold new from Lash Buick-Cadillac based in Carlisle, PA to Leroy E. Thumma on November 15, 1968,” the listing states. “Our professional team found this GS400 parked in an Arlington, Texas collection where it has been highly cared for since January 2015. Its previous owners had the original engine completely freshened at 84,695 miles with new camshaft, cam bearings, lifters and springs, timing chain, rear main seal, all new gaskets.”
It’s powered by a 400ci Ram Air V8 engine with 10.25:1 compression that produced a factory-rated 340 bhp and 440 pound-feet of torque when new. The engine is paired with a Super Turbine 400 automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. It rides on 14-inch steel wheels with raised white letter tires.
The exterior is finished in factory-correct code 55B Turquoise Mist Poly with a black vinyl top over a code 188 black vinyl bucket seat interior. Amenities include factory air conditioning, power steering and windows, and a Delco AM/FM/8-track radio.
“The odometer shows only 87,500 miles,” the listing states. “More recent servicing records include a full air condition service with a new compressor clutch, rebuilt carburetor, fresh engine oil/filter, new exhaust manifolds and gaskets, new master brake cylinder and wheel cylinders, along with other routine maintenance items.”
This is a well-sorted GS400 and according to the seller it has low mileage. Well-documented and the pictures show a muscle car in good shape. With a 400ci V8 under the hood it is plenty quick and dispels any notions that Buicks can’t perform.
1969 Buick GS400 
1969 Buick GS400
The sale includes the car’s original owner’s manual, factory warranty booklet with Protect-O-Plate, accessory brochure, service manual, shop manual, and six 8-track tapes in the glove box.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
why do you say power windows?
He says power windows because anyone who is into cars of this period knows that’s what was said ! Should he have said” electric windows”?
David-Nice story and nice find. To nit-pick, I don’t think you mean “overlooked by its……siblings” I think you meant to say “overshadowed”. All in the spirit of good journalism.
But you couldn’t help but nitpick…
So why not just call it nitpicking
Nice car and write up David. By the way I am a UNR alum also and a former resident of Santa Rosa too!
at 37k I can get a chevy ss sports sedan with the same mileage and more power.
….and look anonymous.
These were slowest dogs on the road due to the fact they weighed too much. Friend of mine had one at same time I had my 69 Hemi Roadrunner and I didn’t even get out of first gear and he was seeing nothing but my tail lights. 🙂