Journal Classic Cars

As you read this, the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction is in full swing with Super Saturday, but don’t let the restomods and exotics distract you—the cars pictured here are just as interesting as anything you’ll see Saturday evening. Sure, it’s easy to be enamored by a V12-powered exotic, but can’t the same be said for a stylish Mercury Cyclone, Barracuda droptop that checks all the boxes, or unusual Edsel wagon?

Answer: it can. Take this 1965 Mercury Cyclone that’s leading this charge: Nineteen sixty-five was the second year of the Cyclone model, and its final year as a compact. Is it the sweetest compact of the era? While you duke it out, I’ll point out what shines on this one: 302 crate V8, Demon 4-barrel carburetor, polished high-rise intake, Mallory ignition, March serpentine pulley system and, for your convenience, three-speed automatic. The pièce de resistance is that gorgeous fiberglass scooped hood.

1969 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible
Immediately,it’s apparent that whoever spec’d out this wild fish had good taste because the black and red combination is stunning. Though equipped with the decidedly non-performance 318, this Barracuda droptop is also equipped with the goods: four-speed manual with console, “V7R” stripes, Rally instrument cluster, front disc brakes, and more. Only 1,442 Barracuda convertibles were built, of which 56 were U.S.-spec 318 four-speeds, so it’s decidedly rarer than an equivalent Mustang.

1989 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am
You can take your Grand National, I’ll take the Pontiac pony car with the same engine. All Turbo Trans Ams were official Indy Pace Car replicas, with car number 1,221 having spent its entire life in a climate-controlled garage. Note the T-tops and leather interior, which are two features that divide these Trans Ams among the 1,555 built. The V6 was slightly different than what Buick used because Pontiac engineers modified the cylinder heads with reshaped combustion chambers and relocated exhaust ports, improved the pistons, added an air-to-air intercooler, and cross-drilled the crankshaft. The odometer reads 2,188 miles.

1987 Chevrolet R10 Custom Pickup
You could say that lowering a pickup, adding staggered 20×8 (front) and 20×10 (rear) wheels, upholstering a custom leather interior, and refreshing the windshield, bumpers, lights, brakes, belt, driveshaft and window felts can reinvigorate an old pickup. But none of that catches the eye like the Desert Fox-inspired paint treatment with custom-laid stripes and color-matched bed liner.

1958 Edsel Roundup Station Wagon
The Edsel Bermuda seems to be an auction favorite, but when was the last time you’ve seen a two-door Edsel Ranger wagon? Only 963 were built. Based on the Ranger trim level, it was Edsel’s entry-level wagon, and the only two-door wagon within the brand. I’d say 303 horsepower is quite decent for a 361ci V8, plus it has that nifty drum speedo and the pushbuttons in the steering wheel hub. Other features include power steering, power brakes and Mark VI under-dash air-conditioning system. Neat!

Super Saturday at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction lived up to its name. Just look at the top 10 sales from Saturday – you’ll see big names, which generated even bigger dollar amounts. We also made sure to include two cars that were auctioned off to raise millions for charitable causes.

The top 10 spots were almost evenly divided between European and American vehicles – and those were a nearly 50/50 mix of classic and modern models, all of which crossed the block at WestWorld of Scottsdale for a total of more than $15 million. With a price of $2.53 million, a restored, award-winning 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing topped the list, followed by a 1961 version of its roadster successor, which went for $1.87 million. McLarens and a Ferrari from the 21st century rounded out the top five positions on the list.

A pair of 2022 Ford GTs occupied the #6 and #10 positions. In between those mid-engine marvels was a trio of cars, each of which sold for $1.1 million. One of those was a 900-horsepower 2023 Porsche Brabus 900 Rocket R, aka “Blue Magic.” The other two, a Coyote-powered 1966 Lincoln Continental convertible and a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette 327/360 Z06 “Big Tank” split-window coupe, showed that American cars have a strong appeal whether they’ve been updated with new hardware or restored to their original glory.

Michigan-made cars also brought in big money for charity. A 1-of-1 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X Stars & Steel Limited Edition built to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary raised $2.6 million for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which helps “America’s heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.” A 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC with the Track Pack and VIN 001 hammered for $1.25 million, benefiting Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), an organization that strives “to cure, prevent, and treat type 1 diabetes and its complications.”

Lot	Description	Price	Status
1377	1955 MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL GULLWING COUPE	$2,530,000.00
1378	1961 MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL ROADSTER	$1,870,000.00
1366	2019 MCLAREN SENNA	$1,870,000.00
1381	2011 FERRARI 599 GTO	$1,622,500.00
1378.1	2021 MCLAREN ELVA	$1,512,500.00
1382	2022 FORD GT ’64 HERITAGE EDITION	$1,237,500.00
1426	1966 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE	$1,100,000.00
1383	2023 PORSCHE BRABUS 900 ROCKET R	$1,100,000.00
1379	1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 327/360 Z06 “BIG TANK” SPLIT-WINDOW COUPE	$1,100,000.00
1365	2022 FORD GT	$1,100,000.00
3008	ONE-OF-ONE 2026 CHEVROLET CORVETTE STARS & STEEL LIMITED EDITION ZR1X	$2,600,000.00	CHARITY
3007	2026 FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE SC TRACK PACK VIN 001	$1,250,000.00	CHARITY

Today is the final day of the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction. We’ll let you know which vehicles made Sunday’s top 10 list. In the meantime, check out the docket of vehicles and automobilia that will be crossing the auction. Head to WestWorld to see all the action? Register to bid here and buy your tickets here. If you can’t make it to the event, you can watch it live by clicking here.

In popular culture, turning age 40 is sometimes called being “over the hill.” Many people find renewed purpose and confidence in their 40s, and it can become a time of empowerment. The Acura brand is coming up on four decades in just a couple of months, and it’s a cause worth celebrating. Over the years, I have undertaken a number of restoration projects, including a 1995 Legend coupe. More recently, I acquired a 1986 Legend sedan – a one-owner car – with the intent of restoring it specifically for Acura’s 40th anniversary festivities.

Historic Significance

The date was March 27, 1986, when the Acura Division officially launched as a part of Honda. Acura was the first Japanese luxury brand in the United States (beating Toyota’s luxury brand Lexus, and Nissan’s Infiniti by a few years, even). While critics would pay a premium for a Honda product, the sales numbers spoke for themselves. Even with a shortened 1986 model year, Acura sold over 52,000 units that first year.

The Acura brand has always emphasized performance and high-tech features. The tagline “Precision Crafted Performance” was the guiding mindset behind the brand’s strategy in those early years. The humble beginnings would later give way to some of the most iconic automobiles in history, like the enthusiast-favorite Integra Type R and the mid-engined NSX.

During its launch year, Acura offered only two models:

Integra compact hatchback

The first-generation Integra, with its characteristic 1980s pop-up headlights, was powered by a 1.6-liter DOHC inline-four and could be configured in three-door or five-door hatchback variants. It was a nimble, high-revving car that offered an invigorating driving experience and class-leading economy. It had standard four-wheel power disc brakes, an uncommon feature for small cars of the time.

Legend flagship sedan

The Legend sedan, to be followed a year later by a coupe variant, was an expensive offering for its time at around $18,000. It was powered by a 2.5-liter V6 (Honda’s first V6) offering strong performance for its time, as well as a double-wishbone suspension, a power sunroof, and an audio equalizer. It was a car that took a shot at European luxury brands but did so with an unconventional front-wheel drive platform.

Display Car

Showing just under 103,000 miles on the odometer, my Ascot Gray Metallic and Black Currant Pearl two-tone Legend is largely original aside from normal maintenance items. According to the VIN tag, it was manufactured in June 1986, and according to Acura’s ownership database, it was sold to the original owner on October 27, 1986, from a now-defunct dealership called Manly Acura in Santa Cruz, California. It served as the original owner’s daily driver for the next few decades, but it was donated to charity at 37 years old. By sheer luck, I found it listed shortly thereafter by a small dealership in Sunnyvale, and the rest is history.

The Legend was fully repainted within the last two years under my ownership, and I’m happy to report that it runs and drives fantastically. In fact, I put a couple thousand miles the car last August when attending festivities at Monterey Car Week. Even the cruise control and air conditioning work as designed – a testament to the build quality that went into the car four decades ago in Japan. The car is on display at Acura of Tempe, Arizona, for the next eight weeks.

I look forward to continuing to showcase the Legend throughout the year – most likely entering it at shows like RADwood, the Japanese Classic Car Show, and Honda Cars & Coffee. Stay tuned!

Happy 40th birthday, Acura!

When it comes to longstanding heritage, the Ford Bronco resonates with millions of people as a vehicle that stands as a true American cultural icon. The model came out 60 years ago and helped define the sport-utility segment. Featured on AutoHunter is an early Bronco – more specifically, a 1971 Ford Bronco 4WD listed by a dealer in Gladstone, Oregon. The auction will conclude on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (MST).

The Bronco is as popular in 2026 as it was when that its iteration rolled off the line in 1966. In fact, over 146,000 units sold in 2025 – closing the gap with the ubiquitous Jeep Wrangler. What was so special about the early Bronco that helped it pave the way? For one, it excelled at go-anywhere versatility – and for those who wanted to be even more in touch with nature, an available removable top gave occupants an open-air, convertible-style experience.

While originally finished in Mallard Green (color code V), this 1971-model Bronco has been resprayed in Dark Gray Graphite. Exterior features include black-finished bumpers, fender flares, a driver’s-side mirror, and a dual exhaust system. The 17-inch aftermarket wheels are shod in grippy 33-inch Hercules Trail Digger M/T tires.

One of the earliest commercials for the Bronco said, “First four-wheel drive sports car. Blazing a new trail of excitement.” The ad went on to call the Bronco, “A rock-tough, go-anywhere sports car,” discussing the available body styles which included a roadster, a pickup, and a wagon. It was a stretch to call the Bronco a sports car, or even compare it to one, but when the Bronco came out in 1966, sports cars were on everyone’s mind since the Mustang pony car had recently debuted and its rival Camaro was on the way shortly.

The cabin in this Bronco has been modernized with a set of Recaro black cloth bucket seats, a MOMO steering wheel, a Kenwood audio system, and custom speakers. In keeping with the Bronco’s all-terrain, all-weather approach, the flooring is a textured, painted metal finish instead of carpeting, which makes for easy clean-up after the going gets rough.

Power comes from a rebuilt “G-code” 302ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor and an aftermarket intake manifold. A three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case send power to all four corners.

It seems this Bronco has the perfect blend of old and new – retaining a vintage silhouette while offering a rebuilt engine, bolstered Recaro seating, and a modern audio system. Get ready to saddle up for some fun!

The auction for this 1971 Ford Bronco 4WD ends Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (MST).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Hey, Valentine’s Day is coming up. Do you need a hug? How about a Hugger Orange Chevrolet Camaro? Our Pick of the Day is a 1969 Z/28 tribute listed finished in that eye-catching color. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Marshfield, Massachusetts.

During the heat of the muscle car wars, Chevrolet took a unique spin on its Camaro marketing. Instead of focusing on the car for being simply “straight-line-fast,” the company talked about the car’s prowess with regard to agile handling. One magazine advertisement said, “Camaro! The road-hugging, hill-flattening, fun car from Chevrolet. Lower, wider, and heavier than any sportster at its price. Comes poised for action on a computer-designed suspension system and a stance just short of five feet wide.”

With that road-hugging skillset in mind, General Motors launched a color in 1969 called Hugger Orange. The hue was identified by paint code 72, and it was an instantly recognizable, distinct shade for various GM performance cars (the Chevelle and Corvette had similar options – for example “Monaco Orange” on the Chevelle).

The listing for today’s featured car says, “A fully restored, rust-free Camaro Z/28 tribute powered by a new V8 engine style to replicate the legendary DZ 302, mated to a new TH400 automatic transmission.” Some of the car’s standout features include a new houndstooth interior, upgraded gauges, and a center console. The seller says, “The interior is comfortable, the ride is solid and rattle-free, and the car starts on the first crank.”

The orange exterior is eye-catching indeed. Some of its features include white racing stripes, a chin spoiler, fog lamps, dual side mirrors, an antenna, a spoiler, a dual exhaust system, and BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires on Rally wheels. The seller says that body panel fitment is good, and based on the photos, the quality of the build is evident.

While not specifically named Hugger Orange, some later-model muscle cars have used similar colors. (Check out this Challenger for a recently featured example). In the sea of grayscale vehicles that we see out on the roadways today, a vivid orange color is always a welcome sight.

As for the 1969 Camaro, Chevrolet said, “This kind of thoroughbred balance makes Camaro ride solid and steady like a big car, yet handle like a spirited sports car. Next time get things get a little slow, buckle up a Camaro.”

The asking price is $69,495 or best offer.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com

High stakes, fast-paced competition, head-turning cars – those sound like the things you’d see in a new action movie, don’t they? They’re also what you’ll find at a Barrett-Jackson auction. One of the stunning vehicles that crossed the block on Super Saturday at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction was an award-winning, meticulously restored 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing coupe. After all the bids were in, the hammer dropped at $2.53 million. The best part? The proceeds will benefit charity.

Like many iconic performance cars, the Gullwing’s origins can be traced back to racing, specifically the Mercedes W194 endurance racer. The resemblance between the two cars is undeniable: Both have a long hood and a short deck, and use spaceframe construction, which resulted in the distinctive upward-opening doors. Like its racing ancestor, the Gullwing is powered by a 3.0-liter straight-six, although it uses direct fuel injection instead of the W194’s trio of Solex downdraft carburetors. According to the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Archive, the Gullwing’s M198 engine generates 215 horsepower and 202 lb-ft of torque. Routed through a four-speed manual gearbox, those figures enable it to fly to speeds as high as 161 mph.

If it wasn’t for a meeting between the Daimler-Benz board of directors and Mercedes’ U.S. importer Max Hoffman, the Gullwing might not have ever been made. Hoffman’s lobbying for a sports car to sell in the American market resulted in the debut of the 300 SL coupe at the 1954 International Motor Sports Show in New York.

Ultimately, Mercedes made 1,400 Gullwings between 1954 and 1957. Production of this particular 300 SL was completed on August 12, 1955, after which it was shipped to the U.S. and sold to its first owner in Belmont, California. Following a series of subsequent owners, it was put into storage in the late 1970s. Under Hjeltness Restoration‘s expert care, this Gullwing received a comprehensive overhaul that was finished in 2008. The California-based shop, which specializes in 300 SLs, used its expertise to restore the drivetrain, suspension, interior, paint, chrome, and hardware to factory-correct condition. The Gullwing went on to stun an all-new generation of enthusiasts, winning Best Show Car honors at the 2008 International Gull Wing Convention and the prize for Best in Show at the 2011 San Marino Motor Classic. Most recently, it was serviced by the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center USA to keep it roadworthy for years to come.

When it comes to iconic vehicles, originality and documentation can be just as significant as the condition and specifications. Despite the passage of more than 70 years, this 300 SL crossed the auction block at WestWorld of Scottsdale with its matching-numbers chassis, body, engine, differential, and steering box. In addition, it went to its new owner with extensive restoration documentation, tools, supporting records, and even factory-correct fitted luggage. The lucky bidder not only received a bona fide classic, but also the satisfaction of knowing that proceeds from the $2.53 million price go directly to the California Highway Patrol 11-99 Foundation, which provides emergency assistance to California Highway Patrol employees and scholarships for their children.

Be sure to check out the docket of vehicles and automobilia that will be crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction tomorrow. Register to bid here and buy your tickets here. If you can’t make it to the event, you can watch it live by clicking this link.

Three-hundred seventy vehicles crossed the block yesterday in what could be called Fantastic Friday because Day 7 was nothing but at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction. Much to the delight of spectators and bidders alike, some of the best auction moments of the week staked their claim, including two charity vehicles that raised awareness—and $1,425,000—for two fantastic (there’s that word again!) causes.

The mightiest charity vehicle was undeniably the above 1972 Chevrolet C50 Custom Pickup built by Constance Nunes. One-hundred percent of the hammer price is to benefit the ForeBatten Foundation, whose mission is to provide funding, support, and hope for children with Batten disease, an inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by genetic mutations. The truck initially garnered $200,000, then was immediately and donated back three more times to raise $875,000 in total.

The second charity car is a familiar sight to Barrett-Jackson attendees and online spectators: Ford GT. This 2005 model has been in the hands of its original owner, but now it’s in the hands of someone else who gave $550,000 to benefit the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation. This charity was founded by the NASCAR driver and his family to raise brain health awareness and resources to folks and families dealing with an Alzheimer’s disease or concussion awareness.

Other fantastic Friday events included a Shelby American reveal with the new Shelby GT350/TA, a Trans Am racing-inspired Mustang with 830 horsepower on tap. And making its first-ever Barrett-Jackson appearance was Major League Drone Racing, which is exactly what it sounds like.

Here are the Top 10 sales from January 23, 2026, which includes three fantastic 1969 Camaro Z/28 RS cars (click on each car below to be taken to its docket entry).

Lot	Description	Price
1115	1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z/28 RS	$330,000
1105	1955 CHEVROLET CAMEO CUSTOM PICKUP	$330,000
1095	1965 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE	$330,000
1078	2016 DODGE VIPER ACR	$330,000
1131	1971 PLYMOUTH ‘CUDA CUSTOM COUPE	$297,000
1077.1	1967 FORD MUSTANG ELEANOR REPLICA	$291,500
1085.2	1972 FORD F-100 CUSTOM PICKUP	$275,000
1084	1984 CHEVROLET K10 CUSTOM PICKUP	$275,000
1074.1	1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z/28 RS	$264,000
1089	1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z/28 RS	$260,700
3005	1972 CHEVROLET C50 CUSTOM PICKUP	$875,000*
3006	2005 FORD GT	$550,000*

Saturday is bound to be bursting with excitement at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction on par with the above, so be sure to buy your tickets or watch it live. If you have a space in your garage that needs to be filled, register to bid for an amazing collector vehicle or automobilia collectible.

I’ve been incredibly busy all week, but I made time to come up with another installment of Car Connections for you. I had the Random Word Generator do what it does best, then took the three words it gave me and found a way to relate them to cars somehow. This week’s words are expose, drawing, and breakdown.

Expose: Originally, I thought of exposed carbon fiber, but after I started looking for a car with the lightweight material, I began to drift toward Spyker. Remember that brand? It was founded as a carriage manufacturer by two Dutch brothers in 1880. Eighteen years later, the Spyker brothers produced their first automobile. Following decades of racing and setting endurance and speed records (as well as a merger with Dutch Aircraft Factory N.V.), Spyker shut down in 1925.

Three quarters of a century later, the Dutch automaker was resurrected as the creator of dramatic, flamboyant, mid-engine exotics with Audi power. One of its signature design elements is the exposed mechanical hardware for the available six-speed manual gearbox, as seen here in the supercharged Spyker C8 Preliator.

Drawing: Draw. Draw a bath. Bathtub. Nash! Specifically, the 1949-1951 era, which included models such as this 1949 Ambassador, aka “Tubby.” You can buy it on ClassicCars.com and make a splash at your local car show.

Breakdown: Believe it not, the first brand that came to mind was Toyota. But Toyotas are known for their reliability, right? Yes, but my first car, a 1992 Toyota Cressida that received a newer 3.0-liter I6 transplant installed by a series of shade-tree mechanics, broke down on me twice in a heavy rainstorm. Not long after that, it was replaced by a 1998 Acura Integra LS Sedan, which had its original engine and proved to be much more dependable.

How would you associate these words with cars? Tell us in the Comments section below. And be sure to share your ideas for random words to use in a future installment of Car Connections. Looking for your next Spyker, Nash, or Toyota? Check out ClassicCars.com and AutoHunter.com.

Chevrolet’s marketing slogan in 2018 was “Find New Roads.” The idea behind it was to shift perceptions away from nostalgia and toward forward-thinking. The motto was launched when many of the models in the Chevy lineup were about to receive a fresh look, and one of those was the seventh-generation Corvette. Featured on AutoHunter is a 2018 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Coupe – a model widely featured in the advertising under Chevy’s new branding. It is listed by a private seller in Elk Grove, California, and the auction will end on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 12:15 p.m. (MST).

As much as Chevy wanted to emphasize its future direction, we can’t help but feel nostalgic about Corvettes. After all, since 1953, the car has served as a showcase/halo car of American performance – oftentimes competing head-to-head with cars priced way above it. One of the Corvettes that raised the bar in the modern era was the Grand Sport – a track-focused version of the C7 Corvette that was acclaimed for superior handling and swift acceleration.

This Arctic White Grand Sport has only racked up 18,584 miles since it was new. The AutoCheck report gives it a clean bill of health, showing ownership in Tennessee, California, Arizona, and Oregon. The report also shows that recommended maintenance was performed at 17,197 miles, so it’s a turnkey “modern classic” that is ready to hit the road.

What were the key elements that made the Grand Sport such a powerhouse? The main ingredient was found under the hood: an LT1 6.2-liter V8 that Chevrolet rated at 460 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Added to that were a widened body, unique springs, Magnetic Ride Control, stabilizer bars, and an active exhaust system. Everything worked well together, and Car and Driver praised the car, saying, “It’s performance you can enjoy, thanks to the clear feedback from the steering and chassis as you near the grip limits.”

Speaking of grip, this ‘Vette received new Michelin Pilot Sports just 8,000 miles ago. Perhaps it’s appropriate that the interior is upholstered in Adrenaline Red, because the car is sure to get some juices flowing.

As for that memorable “Find New Roads” campaign from Chevy, here’s a great commercial that gives a glimpse of the Corvette Grand Sport in action. Which roads in your area are calling your name?

The auction for this 2018 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Coupe ends Friday, January 30, 2026, at 12:15 p.m. (MST).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

It’s common to see people post things in social media like, “Rare doesn’t necessarily mean desirable!” and “It’s rare because no one wanted one!” However, these proclamations fail to consider the importance of context, which can turn these tropes inside-out. Our Pick of the Day is a car that wasn’t popular when it was new, but it’s unfair to say no one wanted it. This 1972 Buick GS Stage 1 convertible is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com in Clarkston, Michigan.

In the past, we’ve written about the Buick GS and how it reached its peak in 1970. The typical Buick buyer tended to maintain his/her car relatively stock, so Buick engineers developed its engines to be exploited best with few, if any, modifications. When Buick increased the size of the 430 to 455 cubic-inches, the planets aligned and the engineers’ efforts paid off nicely in respect to more exotic machinery. No, the Stage 1 did not produce impressive horsepower—about 1 horsepower per 10 pounds—but it relied on a fat torque curve that started at a lower RPM than its competitors. That was the secret to become the performer that Motor Trend said, “A real performance Buick stock from the showroom. It’s been a long time arriving, but it looks like it’s here.” A decent 2,697 were built in 1970, including 232 convertibles, which was on par for other competitive makes and engines.

Then, for 1971, compressions were lowered across the board at General Motors in anticipation for federalized rules for the following year. Once featuring a 10.0:1 compression, the Stage 1 fell to 8.5:1. Once rated at 360 horsepower, the Stage 1 was now rated at 345. However, road tests of the time didn’t suggest the Stage 1 had the same giant-killer virtues as it had in 1970. Sales fell to 882, including 81 convertibles. Yet when someone says, “It’s so rare because no one wanted one!” it almost seems to suggest that there was no demand for this or similar cars—quite the opposite, actually, but insurance had been putting strangling surcharges on performance and sporty cars for several years already, making it difficult to afford a vehicle beyond its purchase and hence impacting sales. Additionally, the demographic that had been buying performance cars was evolving—even maturing—as was their needs; convertible demand was slowing for a similar reason.

Interestingly, GS production remained relatively steady for 1972, falling from 9,170 to 8,575. Stage 1 production fell to 809, including 81 convertibles. We can add the premise that no one wanted one because new emissions standards could make a used, high-compression version much more desirable.

So here we have this 1972 Buick GS Stage 1 convertible. Marginal changes were made for ‘72, mainly black trim around the headlights and taillights, and a grille header on top of a blackened grille. According to records from the Sloan Museum, only two Regal Black cars were built out of the 81. Seller says the 455 is properly date-coded and built to 1970 specs, giving the best of both worlds. Note the ram air boots that are different shapes—that’s a special 1972 emissions thing that contrasts with the identical pair used for 1970-71. Other features include power steering and front disc brakes, air conditioning, tilt wheel with Rallye steering wheel, cruise control, AM/FM stereo, N25 exhaust tips, 3.42 limited-slip, factory sway bar, 15-inch and more—quite the option list!

This brings us back to “rare doesn’t necessarily mean desirable!”—likewise, desirable doesn’t necessarily mean rare. This Buick would be desirable regardless of rarity, but it’s fun to tell people it’s one of 81. We will also create the premise that there are few cars that are both rare and desirable that can be bought as reasonably as this $75,900 Gran Sport.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com