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1971 Buick GS Stage 1
The 1971 Buick GS Stage 1 was a factory performance pathway within Buick's A-body GS line, not a separate builder or dealer conversion. The strongest target-specific records identify the GS body styles as the two-door hardtop 43437 and convertible 43467, with the GS 455 and Stage 1 available on that GS base. For 1971, the Stage 1 engine evidence centers on Buick's 455-cubic-inch V-8: Team Buick's production-code table lists code TS as a 1971 455 four-barrel GS Stage 1 engine with 8.5:1 compression, 345 brake horsepower, and 460 lb-ft of torque, while carburetor references list Rochester 4MV 7041242 for 1971 455 Stage I use.
Transmission and axle records agree that Stage 1 buyers used either the Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 automatic or a four-speed manual. Hemmings reports that the Stage 1 TH400 used BB identification and six clutch plates, and that Stage 1 cars mandated Positive Traction with a 3.42:1 axle ratio. Over-Drive's fact sheet also records a Stage 1 standard rear gear of 3.42:1, while separately listing a performance-axle option at 3.64:1; that difference is preserved as a documented conflict rather than normalized into a single fact.
Production is best treated by body style. Over-Drive records 801 GS Stage 1 sport coupes, split into 114 four-speed and 687 Turbo-Hydramatic 400 cars, and 81 Stage 1 convertibles within the combined GS convertible line. Team Buick's model totals provide the broader GS series totals of 8,268 sport coupes and 902 convertibles. Paint, trim, and option coverage is source-backed where the records are target-safe: GS-available colors include Buick's all-model colors plus GS-exclusive Stratomist, Lime Mist, Cortez Gold, and Bittersweet Mist; GS hardtop and convertible trim charts identify vinyl interior color/code combinations. Exact one-car authenticity still requires the individual body plate, engine stamp, protect-o-plate/build paperwork, and component dates.