12. 1970 Buick GSX Stage 1
When you think of Buick, you’re probably thinking of a road hogging monster of a vehicle meant for slow rides to church on Sunday morning, but with a late entry into the American muscle market, Buick created a monster. The GSX Stage 1 was one of the fastest muscle cars of the era.
With a 455-cu.in. V-8, it could output around 395 horses. Some say even more. The Stage 1 option had even larger intake and exhaust valves and increased compression from 10.0:1 to 10.5:1. This resulted in 510 lb./ft. of torque at 2800 RPM. With a lighter engine (150 lbs.) and revised jetting for the carburetor, this machine was meant to take off. The ’70 GSX Stage one boasts an impressive 13.38 quarter mile and can reach 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. This is not your grandpa’s Buick! This engine was the most powerful in the U.S. for 22 years straight, only to bow down when the Dodge Viper was released in 1992.
Available in only two colors, Apollo White or Saturn Yellow, it came with two broad strips across the hood. The GSX also came equipped with a tachometer and a rear spoiler. That right there tells you just how fast it is.
Engine: 455 Stage 1 V-8 – Top speed: 145 mph
Quarter mile time: 13.9 seconds – 0-60 mph time: 5.5 seconds