The 1968 Buick GS underwent a drastic structural change for 1968, losing 3 inches of wheelbase and 4.4 inches of overall length. Overall weight increase due in part to massive rear end styling and sail creases along the sides. The junior GS's power plant received an increase to 350 cubic inches but the 400 cubic inch unit stayed the same. A new model was introduced, the California GS. Sold exclusively in California, this model was basically a GS350 but with special "California" badges and trim, a standard two speed automatic transmission, a vinyl top, chrome exterior trim and wheels, and the Deluxe steering wheel. A very rare dealer installed option was also introduced in 1968 and it treated the 400 cid engine with a hotter cam, 11.0:1 compression, stronger valve springs and a reworked transmission. Officially pegged at a mere 345bhp, or just a 5 bhp increase over the base 400 cid engine, experts believe that it was more like 390bhp and it dropped 1/4 mile times by 1 second or more. It was called the "Stage 1 Special Package"( very rare for 1968) and was an indicator of great things to come.
Production for 1968:
GS350 2 Door thin pillar Coupe: 4,831
GS350 2 Door Hardtop: 8,317
GS400 2 Door Hardtop: 10,743
GS400 Convertible: 2,454
Engines:
GS350: 350 V8 280 bhp @ 4,600rpm, 375 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm.
GS400: 400 V8 340 bhp @ 5,000rpm, 440 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm.
Performance:
400/340: 0-60 in 5.8 sec, 1/4 mile in 14.2 sec @ 97 mph.
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Robert
1969 Buick GS400 Stage 1 Convertible