A rare 1970 Buick GSX edges out a 1971 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet in a thrilling quarter-mile drag race at Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Race.
The golden era of muscle cars came alive once again at the Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Race (PSMCDR) series, where two iconic machines from the early 1970s faced off in a quarter-mile duel. Representing Buick’s engineering prowess was a rare 1970 GSX, while Ford’s contender was a unicorn-like 1971 Mustang Cobra Jet coupe. The result? A dramatic clash of torque, horsepower, and classic American muscle.
Buick GSX: Powerhouse in Disguise
In one lane stood the 1970 Buick GSX, a true sleeper with its unassuming white paint job. Beneath the hood, however, lay the legendary Stage 1 engine upgrade—a 455-cubic-inch (7.4-liter) V8 boasting 360 horsepower and a staggering 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a three-speed automatic gearbox, this GSX is one of fewer than 150 Stage 1-equipped models ever made.
Mustang Cobra Jet: A Rare Breed
Facing the GSX was a 1971 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet coupe, packing a 429-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) Ram Air V8. This powerplant delivered 370 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. As one of only 14 automatic-equipped coupes featuring this engine, the silver Mustang brought both rarity and raw power to the competition.
The Races
On paper, the two cars were evenly matched, with the Mustang holding a slight edge in horsepower while the Buick excelled in torque. The Mustang’s lighter weight—nearly 200 pounds less—promised an advantage, but PSMCDR rules allowing drivetrain tweaks made the match unpredictable.
In the first race, the Buick GSX showcased its superior torque, launching cleanly off the line and maintaining a commanding lead. It crossed the finish line in 13.4 seconds, a half-second faster than the Mustang’s 13.9-second run.
The second race saw both cars improve their times, with the Mustang managing a better start. Despite this, the GSX pulled ahead yet again, finishing in 13 seconds flat. The Mustang followed closely at 13.25 seconds, posting the best trap speed of the day at 104.6 mph (168.3 kph).
With two out of three wins, the Buick GSX advanced to the next round, proving that torque and consistent performance can often trump raw horsepower. This thrilling matchup highlighted the enduring appeal of classic muscle cars and their unique personalities.
For fans of vintage American performance, this race was a reminder of why the golden era of muscle cars remains unforgettable. Whether you cheer for the GSX’s raw power or the Cobra Jet’s rarity, the PSMCDR series delivers a nostalgic and adrenaline-filled experience.
