1971 Buick Mid-Size Cars Fact Sheet
1971 Buick Mid-Size Cars Facts, Figures, and Specifications
The basic 1970 styling was continued for another year, with only slight changes. The GSX was now a trim option and was also available in the GS 350.
1971 – Lower Compression Impacts Engine Performance
Across the board, the performance Buicks (350 and 455) suffered from the loss of compression. The standard engines seemed little affected by the compression drop.
1971 Buick Mid-Size Car Resources
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1971 Buick Mid-Size Car Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1971 Buick Mid-Size
| 11 Arctic White | |
| 13 Platinum Mist | |
| 16 Tealmist Gray | |
| 19 Regal Black | |
| 24 Cascade Blue | |
| 26 Stratomist Blue | |
| 29 Nocturne Blue | |
| 39 Twilight Turquoise | |
| 41 Silver Fern | |
| 42 Willowmist Green | |
| 43 Lime Mist | |
| 49 Verdemist Green | |
| 50 Bamboo Cream | |
| 53 Cortez Gold | |
| 55 Cornet Gold | |
| 61 Sandpiper Beige | |
| 62 Bittersweet Mist | |
| 65 Copper Mist | |
| 67 Burnished Cinnamon | |
| 68 Deep Chestnut | |
| 70 Pearl Beige | |
| 73 Sunset Mist | |
| 74 Vintage Red | |
| 75 Fire Red | |
| 78 Rosewood |
1971 Buick Mid-Size Car – What’s It Worth?
Related valuations for the 1971 Buick Mid-Size Car Line will appear below
1971 Buick Mid-Size Car Facts – Current Market Values
1971 Buick Mid-Size Car Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1971 Buick Mid-Size Cars
For the 1971 model year, Buick streamlined its model offerings to Skylark, Skylark Custom, and GS (gran Sport). The base Skylark was available in a two-door hardtop coupe body-style in addition to the previous two- and four-door sedans and the only available engine was the inline-6, now reduced to 145 HP lower compression and additional emission control devices,
The Skylark Custom had its 350 CID V-8’s power reduced 230 HP as well. It was available as a two-door hardtop 4-door hardtop coupe, 4-door sedan and convertible. The Gran Sport line was combined to merely the “GS” with the engine choice being the option as well as the GSX appearance package.
NOTE: The Sportwagon station wagon is considered a separate series and is covered in a separate Fact Sheet.
1971 Buick Mid-Size Cars Factoids
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In 1971, the GSX package became an appearance option that was available on any Gran Sport, including the GS 350. Production dropped to only 124.These numbers include the 350-4 bbl, the standard 455 CID V-8, and the Stage 1 V-8. There were two different packages – see below.
1971 Buick Mid-Size Car Facts – Models Offered
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Skylark Series 43300: The Skylark had its own grille and used bright metal wheelhouse and lower body moldings of a very narrow width. Standard Skylark features included front and rear ash trays, heater and defroster, Step-On parking brake, padded head restraints and other features mandated by FSPORTWAG0Nety standards. Interiors were cloth and vinyl, or all-vinyl.
Skylark Custom Series 44400: More plush than the Skylark, with the Flow-Through ventilation system, a DeLuxe steering wheel, glove box light and upgraded interiors with color-coded carpeting. On the exterior an additional rocker panel molding was used, along with a bright applique on the front fenders. “Custom” nameplates appeared below the rear fender “Skylark” in script and on the grille. The famous Skylark emblem was on the roof sail panels.
GS Series Series 43400: Buick combined the GS 350 and GS 455 series into one for 1971. The cars had blacked-out grilles with bright trim, bright wheelhouse moldings and bright rocker panel moldings with red-filled accents. Dual, functional hood scoops were ahead of the windshield. The “GS” monogram appeared on the front fenders, deck and hood. Cars equipped with the “455” or “455 Stage I” V-8 had emblems denoting these engine options. Standard equipment was the same as the Skylark Custom, however bucket or notch back front seats in all vinyl trim were optional.
1971 Buick Mid-Size Car Facts – Engines
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- 250 CID I-6 155 HP
- 350 CID V-8 230 HP
- 350 CID V-8 260 HP
- 455 CID V-8 315 HP
- 455 CID V-8 345 HP Stage 1
- 455 CID V-8 400+ HP Stage 2
In-line Six-cylinder: Overhead valves. Cast-iron block. Seven main bearings.
Displacement: 250 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.53 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.0:1.
Horsepower: 145 @ 4200 RPM.
Torque: 230 ft. lbs. @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 244°, Exhaust: 244°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.3880″, Exhaust 0.3880″. Overlap: 33°.
Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel Model 1BV (manual transmission) 7041017; (automatic transmission) 7041014.
230 HP V-8: Overhead valve. Cast iron block. Displacement: 350 cubic inches. Five main bearings.
Bore and stroke: 3.8 x 3.85 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 230 at 4400 RPM.
Torque: 350 ft. lbs @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 282°, Exhaust 304°, Valve Lift: Intake 0.3818″, Exhaust 0.3894″ Overlap 64°.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GV two barrel (manual transmission) 7041143; (automatic transmission) 7041142.
260 HP 350 CID V-8: Overhead valve. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.8 x 3.85 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 260 at 4600 RPM.
Torque: 360 ft. lbs @ 3000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 282°, Exhaust 288°, Valve Lift: Intake 0.3818″, Exhaust 0.3890″ Overlap 62°.
Carburetor: Rochester 4MV Quadra-jet four barrel.
NOTE: the GS 350 received dual exhausts,and though Gross HP rating did not increase, the SAE Net rating went from 180 to 195, and the torque went from 275 to 290. The the GS 350 315 HP 350 CID V-8 was discontinued.
Gran Sport 455 CID V-8: Overhead valves. Cast-iron block Five main bearings.
Displacement: 455 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.3 x 3.9 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 315 at 4400 RPM.
Torque: 450 ft. lbs. @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake: 282°, Exhaust: 304°, Overlap 68°, Lift: Intake 0.3818″, Exhaust 0.3984″.
Carburetor: Rochester Quadra-jet 4MV (manual transmission) 7041243, (automatic transmission) 7041540.
NOTE: Buick engineers familiar with the 1971-74 GS program list the GS 455 engine camshaft duration as Intake: 293°, Exhaust: 340°, Overlap 118°, Lift: Intake 0.390″, Exhaust 0.455″.
Gran Sport Stage 1 455 CID V-8: Overhead valves. Cast-iron block, Five main bearings.
Displacement: 455 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.3 x 3.9 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1
Horsepower: 315 at 4400 RPM.
Torque: 460 ft. lbs. @ 3000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: includes ramps Intake: 316°, Exhaust: 340°, Overlap 90°. Lift: Intake 0.4070″, Exhaust 0.4584″.
Carburetor: Rochester Quadra-jet 4MV (all) 7041242
NOTE: Some Specifications list the Stage 1 cam duration the same as the standard 455 CID. This is in error. The GS Stage 1 engine continued to use the cam as introduced in 1969.
Gran Sport Stage 2 455 CID V-8: (Dealer Installed) Overhead valves. Cast-iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 455 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.3 x 3.9 inches.
Compression ratio: 11.0:1.
Horsepower: 360 at 4600 RPM.
Torque: 510 ft. lbs. @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: includes ramps Intake: 340°, Exhaust: 360°, Overlap 120°. Lift: Intake 0.4550, Exhaust 0.4800″.
Intake manifold: Edelbrock B4B Aluminum,.
Carburetor: Holley 850 CFM.
NOTE: Dealer Installed Only
1971 Buick Mid-Size Car Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: two-door: 112 inches; four-door: 116 inches
- Overall length: two-door: 203.2 inches; four-door: 207.2 inches
- Front Track: Skylark: 59.0 inches; GS: 59.4 inches
- Rear Track: All: 59.0 inches
- Overall Height: Skylark 2-door: 53.3 inches ; Skylark 4-door: 54.2 inches; GS 455: 53.5 inches; Convertible: 53.8 inches
- Tire size: Skylark: G78 x 14; Skylark Custom: H78 x 14: GS: G70 x 14; GS Stage 1: G60 x 15, Optional All: H78 x 14
1971 Buick Mid-Size Car Facts – Powertrains
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6 and 350 CID V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.50:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.63:1
- 455 CID V-8, Optional GS 350: 1st – 2.42:1, 2nd – 1.61:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.33:1
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 350 and 455 CID V-8: 1st – 2.20:1, 2nd – 1.64:1, 3rd – 1.28:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.27:1
- Turbo-Hydramatic 350 Automatic Transmission Ratios
- I-6 and 350 CID V-8: 1st – 2.52:1, 2nd – 1.52:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 1.93:1
- Turbo-Hydramatic 400 Automatic Transmission Ratios
- 455 CID V-8: 1st – 2.48:1, 2nd – 1.61:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.08:1
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6 & 350 CID 230 HP V-8: 3-Speed SMT – 3.08:1
- I-6 & 350 CID 230 HP V-8: 3-Speed AMT – 2.56:1; Performance 3.08:1
- 350 CID 260 HP V-8: 3-Speed SMT & 3-Speed AMT – 3.08:1; Economy 2.73:1 or 2.56:1:1
- GS 350 CID 260 HP V-8: 3-Speed SMT & 3-Speed AMT – – 3.08:1; Performance 3.42:1
- GS 455 CID V-8 315 HP: 3-Speed SMT & 4-Speed SMT – 3.42:1, 400 Turbo Hydra-Matic – 3.08:1, Performance All 3.42:1
- GS 455 CID V-8 315 HP (Stage 1): All transmissions – 3.42:1, Optional 3.64:1 (Dealer installed) 4.10:1 & 4.56:1, 4.88:1
1971 Buick Mid-Size Car Facts – Powertrain Options
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- V-8 350 cubic inch 230 horsepower engine is the base V-8
- V-8 350 cubic inch 260 horsepower engine, Optional Skylark, Std GS 350
- V-8 455 cubic inch 315 horsepower engine; Standard GS 455
- V-8 455 cubic inch 345 horsepower Stage 1 engine; Optional GS 455
- V-8 455 cubic inch 400 horsepower Stage 2 engine (Dealer installed any GS)
- Four-speed transmission – Optional Skylark, GS 350 and GS 455
- Three-speed manual transmission with column shift was standard on Skylark and Skylark Custom
- Three-speed manual transmission with floor-mounted shifter was standard on GS 455
- Turbo-Hydramatic 350 was available with Skylark series and the GS
- Turbo-Hydramatic 400 automatic transmission Optional GS 455
- Posi-traction rear axle; Optional all
1971 Buick Mid-Size Car Facts – Stage 1 & Stage 2 Options
NOTE:
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- The Stage 1 Option consisted of a higher lift, longer duration camshaft, as well as “select fit” engine components, low restriction dual exhausts, performance axle with 3.64:1 gears, heavy duty radiator, and specific “Stage 1” ornamentation. See Engine Section for more information.
- The Stage 2 Option was dealer installed, only and consisted of special cylinder heads, super high-lift, long duration camshaft, Edelbrock aluminum manifold and Holley carburetor – not recommends for street usage. See Engine Section for more information.
- The Stage 1 Option consisted of a higher lift, longer duration camshaft, as well as “select fit” engine components, low restriction dual exhausts, performance axle with 3.64:1 gears, heavy duty radiator, and specific “Stage 1” ornamentation. See Engine Section for more information.
1971 Buick Mid-Size Car Facts – GSX Option
There were two special GSX packages for any GS, regardless of engine:
Package 1: GSX without Spoilers. Includes body side stripes, hood paint, emblems, painted headlamp bezels, black stripe rocker moldings and six exterior colors with compatible interior combinations.
Package 2: GSX with Spoilers. Includes emblems, hood paint, painted headlamp bezels, body space side stripes, black stripe rocker molding, with six exterior colors with compatible color interior combinations.
Optional equipment: instrument gauges, sport mirrors, hood tachometer, front spoiler and body color rear spoiler (each available with either package or individually).
1971 Buick Mid-Size Car Facts – Significant Options
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- Air conditioning.
- Auto Level Control.
- Battery, Heavy Duty
- Bumper guards.
- Carpet Savers
- Child safety seat.
- Console (GS, and Skylark Custom with bucket seats).
- Console, full length with Automatic Transmission shifter (requires bucket seats on GS; GS 455).
- Convenience Light Group
- Cooling, Heavy Duty
- Cruise Control (auto trans only)
- Electric clock
- Electric door locks.
- Electric trunk release.
- Front spoiler (GS and GSX).
- GSX equipment for GS including: body side stripes, black hood panels, GSX grille emblem, body color headlamp bezels, black rocker moldings, and rear spoiler.
- Heater, Engine Block
- Hood-mounted tachometer (GS and GSX).
- Instrument group (gauges & tachometer)
- Padded Seat Cushions (standard all bucket seats)
- Performance Axle, Positraction 3.64:1
- Positraction
- Power brakes.
- Power disc brakes.
- Power door locks.
- Power seat, four-way (bench seat)
- Power seat, four-way (driver bucket seat).
- Power steering.
- Power windows.
- Protective body side moldings (except GS-GS 455 GSX).
- Radio, AM
- Radio, AM/FM stereo
- Radio, AM/FM stereo with tape player
- Rear view mirror map light.
- Rear window defogger.
- Remote control outside rear view mirror.
- Rim-mounted horn control (N/A with Rallye Steering Wheel).
- Soft-ray tinted glass.
- Soft-ray tinted windshield
- Space-saver spare tire
- Speed alert control.
- Sport mirrors (GS and GSX).
- Steering wheel, Rallye
- Steering wheel, tilt
- Strato-bucket seats.
- Suspension, Rallye (performance)
- Tires, Super-wide, (incl Super Sport wheels) G60x15
- Tires, White wall oversize, H78x14
- Tires, White wall, G78x14.
- Tires, Wide Oval Red Line, G70x14
- Tires, Wide Oval White Letter, G70x14
- Tow Master trailering package.
- Vinyl top covering.
- Wheel Covers, Deluxe
- Wheels, Chrome 5-spoke
- Wheels, Super Sport
- Wipers. intermittent
1971 Buick Mid-Size Car Downloads and Images
1971 Buick Mid-Size Car Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the 1971 Buick Mid-Size Line will appear below:
1971 Buick Full Line Small Size Deluxe Brochure
1971 Buick Mid Size Car Print Advertisements
1971 Buick Skylark, Skylark Custom GS 350 & Buick GS 455 AAMA Specifications Sheets
1971 Buick Mid-Size Car Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the 1971 Buick Mid-Size Line will appear below
1971 Buick GS Stage 1 Sport Coupe
The 1971 Buick GS Stage 1 Sport Coupe was a rare piece with 801 produced – 114 4-speed manual transmission equipped, and 687 T-400 auto transmission models.
1971 Buick GS and GS 455 Convertible
The 1971 Buick GS and GS 455 Convertible lines were combined for production purposes. In total, 902 GS convertibles were produced, of which 656 were GS 350, 165 were GS 455, and 81 were Stage 1.
1971 Buick GS 350 and GS 455 Sport Coupe
The 1971 Buick GS 350 and GS 455 Sport Coupe were combined for production purposes. 5,986 were GS 350, and 1481 were GS 455.
1971 Buick Skylark Custom Convertible
The 1971 Buick Skylark Custom Convertible was the only alternative to the GS version. As a result, 3,993 were built.
1971 Buick Skylark Custom Sport Coupe
The 1971 Buick Skylark Custom Sport Coupe sold well, with 29,536 leaving the factory.
1971 Buick Skylark Custom 4-door Hardtop
The 1971 Buick Skylark Custom 4-door Hardtop was very popular, with 20,418 delivered.
1971 Buick Skylark Sport Coupe
The 1971 Buick Skylark Sport Coupe was easily the most popular mid-size Buick with 61,201 delivered.
1971 Buick Skylark 4-door Sedan
The 1971 Buick Skylark 4-door Sedan was partner to the more upscale Skylark Custom version. This model was responsible for 34,037 units, while the more upscale Skylark Custom version delivered 8,299 units.
1971 Buick Skylark 2-door Sedan
The 1971 Buick Skylark 2-door Sedan was only available as this base level. It was popular enough to sell 14,500 units.
1971 Buick Sportwagon
For the first time since 1964, the 1971 Buick Sportwagon was not built on the longer wheelbase nor did it have the :vista” raised rear roof line. 12,525 were sold.