Description

The Buick Century GS 455 was a high-performance version of the mid-size Century, produced during the muscle car era of the 1970s. It carried Buick’s biggest and most powerful engine—the legendary 455 cubic inch V8—and combined it with a more understated, luxury-oriented appearance, staying true to Buick’s tradition of blending performance with refinement.

Introduced in 1973, the Century GS 455 filled the gap left by the discontinued GS (Gran Sport) line that had previously been based on the Skylark. By this time, the muscle car era was beginning to wind down due to rising insurance costs, stricter emissions regulations, and the looming fuel crisis—but Buick still managed to make the Century GS 455 a serious performer.

The heart of the Century GS 455 was its namesake engine: the 455 cubic inch V8. Though slightly detuned compared to earlier years, it still produced around 250 net horsepower (or over 350 gross horsepower by pre-1972 standards) and a massive 360–500 lb-ft of torque, depending on configuration. This engine gave the GS impressive acceleration and effortless cruising capabilities, especially with the available performance axle ratios and heavy-duty suspension.

Stylistically, the Century GS 455 didn’t go overboard with graphics or scoops, preferring subtle Gran Sport badging, unique wheel and trim options, and sometimes a dual-snorkel air cleaner under the hood. It maintained the clean, curvaceous lines of the early-70s Century models, with long hoods, short decks, and flowing rooflines in both coupe and hardtop formats.

Inside, the GS 455 stayed true to Buick’s upscale character, offering a well-trimmed interior with available bucket seats, center console, woodgrain accents, and full instrumentation. Power steering, power brakes, and other creature comforts were either standard or optional, ensuring the car was as pleasant to drive as it was powerful.

Today, the Buick Century GS 455 is a bit of a hidden gem in muscle car circles. It’s overshadowed by flashier Chevelles and GTOs of the same era, but its torque-heavy V8 and sleeper-like styling give it a unique appeal. For enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of brute force and quiet sophistication, the GS 455 is a rewarding and distinctive choice from the twilight of the muscle car age.