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Like Oldsmobile 's 442 , Buick 's Gran Sport or '''GS''' was a high-performance option package available on a number of Buick models, including the Riviera and Wildcat . Also like the 442, a special version of one model was given the package's name as its model name. SKYLARK GRAN SPORT In the case of Buick, the 1965 Skylark Gran Sport was the Intermediate Buick . Although a V8 was already offered in the Skylark, the Gran Sport had the largest engine permitted by GM - a 400 in³ Buick V8 . This engine was actually 401 in³ but called a "400" by Buick because that was the engine size limit set by General Motors. This engine produced 325 hp (242 kW) and 445 ft.lbf (603 Nm). Buick sold more than 15,000 Gran Sports that first year, and almost that many the next. It was renamed the GS 400 in 1967 and had a new "400" engine that was actually 400 in³. Sales fell somewhat in the face of hot Muscle Car competition, and Buick introduced the '''Stage 1''' option for 1969 . This limited (less than 1,500 cars) version produced 340 hp (253 kW) and 440 ft.lbf (597 Nm). The name Gran Sport was used again starting in the late eighties on the FWD Skylark model. GRAN SPORT 340/350 A 340 in³ version, the Gran Sport 340, was added for 1967 . It produced 260 hp (193 kW) and 365 ft.lbf (495 Nm), and less than 4,000 were sold. It was replaced the next year with the '''Gran Sport 350''', and similar '''Gran Sport California''', which used Buick 's 350 in³ Small-block engine. Sales of the little-brother Gran Sport doubled, and were up to almost 10,000 for 1970 . The Gran Sport 350 outlived its big brothers, lasting until Gran Sport production stopped in 1975 . A baby brother Gran Sport 231 was produced in 1975 . GSX The 400 was replaced for 1970 with the 455 in³ Buick V8 , used in both the GS 455 " GS stage1 " and new '''GSX / GSX Stage1'''. The base model monster V8 produced 350 hp (260 kW) and a stump pulling 510 ft.lbf (691 Nm)at a low 2800 RPM's. The optional Stage 1 engine produced an underrated 360 hp (269 kW). Output and sales were down for the next few years largely due to reduced engine compression ratios and a change from gross to net horsepower ratings, with the GSX and big-block V8 dropped after 1974 . Only 387 GSX'S were produced in 1970. Available in only two colors, Saturn Yellow and Apollo White, all GSX's had the distinctive full body length black stripe that crossed over the rear spoiler and was outlined in red pin stripes. A large area of the hood was also black with a hood mounted tachometer and black front spoiler. Also standard equipment were black bucket seats and the handling package and with wide oval tires. Some of the options, other than the two basic colors, were automatic transmission or four speed manual. After 1970, the GSX became an option that was available on any Gran Sport. Many GSX's survive to this day and can be seen at the Buick Gran Sport Nationals held annually in Bowling Green, KY in the middle of May along with many other examples of 60's, 70's and 80's Buick performance models. Two registered GSXes are in Delta, British Columbia and are restored and owned by the same owner. In 1974, there was a GSX trim package on Buick's small Apollo. Today, the 1970 Buick GSX sells in the low six figures. RIVIERA GS The Riviera GS was a high-performance version of the Buick Riviera , produced from 1965 through 1975 . In 1965, it was called Riviera GranSport and the later models were still officially called Gran Sport but showed GS badges instead of GranSport. Unlike the mid-size GS models, the Riviera and Wildcat GS package included a standard 3.42 positraction rear axle until 1973. WILDCAT GS Another GS option package was available on the Buick Wildcat for 1966 only. CENTURY GRAN SPORT In 1973-75 and in 1986, there was a Century Gran Sport. REGAL GS / REGAL GRAN SPORT From 1988 to 2006, there was a Gran Sport version of the Regal. EXTERNAL LINKS
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