The seller of this 1971 Buick Skylark Convertible is the car’s second owner, and he has decided to part with this beauty. Listed for sale here on eBay, it comes with a clear title. Located in Itasca, Illinois, the seller has set an opening bid of $18,000.
The original owner purchased the car in 1971 and then drove it regularly before putting it into storage in 1977. It remained registered until 1999, and was occasionally taken out for a short drive to keep things fairly fresh until then. It is a solid car with no signs of any rust or corrosion issues. The Buick underwent a repaint in its original color in the 1980s, and it still looks fairly fresh. The wheels and the soft-top are the only other items on the car that aren’t original, but both look very nice.
The interior is largely original, and it looks to be in quite good condition. The original radio is missing from the dash, which leaves a rather unsightly hole. There is an aftermarket radio/cassette player installed under the dash. The other thing that is off with the interior is the door trims. The owner is unsure what the story is with these, but they do look out of place. I would probably attempt to either source replacement trims, or have these ones re-trimmed to match the rest of the original interior.
Under the hood is the 455ci engine which is backed by a TH-400 transmission. The car runs, drives and shifts well. It comes with a reasonable amount of documentation including the Protect-O-Plate and various other documents. The engine received a valve job approximately 10,000 miles back, but otherwise the seller believes that it has never been touched. The seller claims that the car has traveled a genuine 94,000 miles. If the story surrounding its usage by the original owner is correct, then this claim could be quite plausible.
The owner states that this car is not perfect, and that is never going to win any awards at a car show. What he claims is that it is an honest car that can be used and enjoyed as a driver. The seller states that this Skylark is 1 of only 165 GS 455 Convertibles built in 1971. Certainly it is hard to find another car of the same specifications for sale at present, so this might be a nice driver to add to someone’s collection.
Nice car… According to this, it’s even more rare than 1 of 165. There were only 147 1971 GS convertibles made with a 455 and a TH400. (Too bad it’s not a 4 speed. Even more rare, with only 18 built.
I wonder how many were made in this color combo with bench seat and column shift…
http://www.buickperformanceclub.com/GSprod.htm
1971 GS Production
Body Style Convertible 455 3spd on column “0” 3spd floor “0” 4speed “18” TH350 “0” TH400 “147” Eng Code “TR” Total Production “165”
Hey Steve;
I see you have some knowledge about these GS cars. I came close to buying one in 1980/81. I was dating my wife and when I saw this car I went nuts. I was driving a 1973 Riviera (boat tail) with 50k miles and offered it and cash. The owner wouldn’t even consider my offer because it was his dad’s car since new. He had just moved to So. Florida from Kentucky and was renting a duplex and had it parked next to his apartment, just sitting there with low/flat tires, and not being driven. OK, Iv’e held off telling you what the car was: 1972 GS Stage 1, triple black, 4-speed, bucket seats, console, and loaded with options, including electric windows, rear defogger, even the 8-track with the “Buick” flap hanging under the dash. I still think about this car often. I’ve always wondered how many were made, and now that you included the “buickperformanceclublink” I see that only 15 were made. And I’m sure triple black makes it even more rare. Do you have the break down for color/options? I would love to know. I would also live to know where the car is today. I was young and had no money at that time. My father was an “antique” car guy and would never even consider buying a “muscle” car. I even found a 1970 Ford “Cobra Jet” 4-speed in 1980 with only 285 actual miles. The old man wanted what he paid for it when he bought it new, $2350.00. My father would never help me purchase any of these cars. In the last 20 years he has said that I knew what I was doing back then as far as cars, and that he should’ve listened to me………
Just a musclecar fan (especially GM) with access to google! I was born in 71, and still saw a few around growing up. My high school parking lot had a 71 El Camino SS (mine), 68 Camaro, 71 ‘cuda, a few mustangs, including a 69 Mach 1 as well as an Omni GLHS and an 87 Buick GN the next town over. Monte Carlo SS were almost like belly buttons (we didn’t consider it a musclecar, with the weak 305 “H.O.” Why didn’t they at least install a 350?!?!) I had older brothers (born in 61 and 63) that had a few hot rods over the years. One was a 69 Camaro SS with a 350 and 4 speed in factory triple black with red SS “hockey stick” side stripe. I have since learned that factory black cars are somewhat rare. The story I have heard is that the workers on the assembly line had to pick out the straightest body panels in order to paint a car black, so they were mostly special ordered. I suppose the theory was “Why put your guys through the added hassle to paint a car a color that takes extra work, as opposed to a light color?”
What car was the “1970 Ford “Cobra Jet” 4-speed in 1980”? Torino, Mustang…?
Steve……..the Cobra Jet was the Torino body. It was the first time I realized that this car was made. I knew of the Torino, but did not know about the two year production Cobra Jet (that did not say Torino anywhere). It was yellow with a flat black hood and hood locking pins. He opted for factory dog dish center hub caps on it because he didn’t want anyone stealing the rallye wheels. He also had electronic ignition installed because he got tire of putting sets of points in the distributor. I remember this car like yesterday, 285 miles and ten years old…….incredible! I attached on of the few cars I own. Picture is the day I pulled it out of the previous owner’s garage. 41k mile ’69 “R” code 428cid ram air 4-speed Indian Fire/white Mach I.
Wow… that black 70 Torino would have been sweet…My uncle bought a 70 Cobra with a 428 like that new in ’70. It was red like the car in the ad. I forget that I need to ask him if it was a “Super Cobra Jet”, “Drag Pack”, etc. Nice Mustang, too, BTW. I had a buddy in high school in the 80’s with a 69 Mach 1. Not sure what the original engine was, but it had a 390 in it most of the time that I remember. He drove it like he stole it!
This is identical to my brother’s, bench seat and all, except that his had Factory A/C and was a 1970. He’s tall, so he removed the bench seat and welded extenders on the rails, so that he could put the seat back farther. It was one of 3 GS’s we had. The others were 1970 GS455 Stage 1 coupe w/Factory A/C, and a 1969 GS400 Stage 1 convertible, Factory A/C, bucket seats. This was at the time when I had the 1971 HemiCuda convertible. I could write a book about our adventures in those two cars.
The first 4-speed I drove was either a 70 or 71 GS 455 convertible. Worked at a gas station that worked on cars brought up from the south. The owner told me to bring it in at night but never asked if I could drive a stick. It was green with green int with a white top in really nice condition. It was 81 or 82.
I think I stalled it 3 times getting it into the garage, about 1000 feet ! Lol
Holy moly, this would scare the neighbors. I love it, subdued color and all!
If the cam has been changed to a higher performance cam then it has been🐒🐒🐒with in a good way🤓
Love the color, if it was a hardtop I would bid….sweet and rare color…..
@Dan. My brother and I owned a 1971 Hemi ‘Cuda from 1973 – 1975 or 6. We paid $1700.00 for it. It was mine first and I drove it daily to College and made one trip to Reno where it spun a bearing due to low oil level. I couldn’t believe It needed a qt. of oil every fill up! I’m sure it had something to do with driving it 100+ mph for hour after hour with 4.10 gears. When I got back to Phoenix after 3 weeks rebuilding it behind a gas station, I put it up for sale. One of the lookers came over with a trade. It was a 1970 GS 455 conv. like the one displayed here, same color, bench seat, but this was a 1970 with A/C.
I didn’t do the trade and the GS was sold to someone else and I kept driving the Hemi. I don’t remember what was the final push to get another car but I started looking for a Chevelle or a 442 or even a GS but it had to be a convertible. I didn’t like putting the top down, but I didn’t like the look of the hardtops. Wouldn’t you know the exact same GS from before showed up in the Want ads. I bought it and drove it for many years until I got the itch for a 1973 Trans Am.
Meanwhile my brother was driving the ’71 Hemi ‘Cuda convertible. About this time he had the “Cuda up for sale because he wanted a Corvette (he always wanted a Corvette) but there were no takers at the price of $3500. (insert you all kicking yourselves here). Anyway, one day the local Dodge dealer had an advert. for a 1969 Hemi Daytona for sale – $1300.00. He and I drove down to take a look. It was only the second one I had ever seen. He said we really should buy it, knowing It’s value would definitely go up in the future.
My reply was classic. I said “What do we need with another Hemi? We can’t get rid of the one we have”!
Some time later while he was still advertising it for sale, He was out cruising Central Ave. I overheard someone say “Ya’ know, I would buy it except it’s a convertible”. I think that guy just topped my stupid line! Who knew the car would bring $3mil. 30 years later?
@HARDBALL – so true… Don’t forget the 1969 GS-400 Stage 1 convertible, w/fact. A/C and the ’70 GS-455 Stage 1 A/C coupe! Great comment.
I think if one breaks down the rare vin number and production number in the vin it’s one of one 😜
Sorry when we get deep in the weeds on rarity I start to chuckle .. one of 5 made on a Friday by chuck in the plant or one of two with blue floor mats …
I like it and love the engine even with the auto (sad choice) including the color thats less appealing for me
I assume this was made in response to my comment regarding how many 71 GS 455 convertibles were built in this color combo with bench seat and column shift. (I take this as sort of an odd seat/ shifter combo for a convertible, which is typically configured in the “sportier” bucket seat/ floor shift/ console configuration. I would venture to say that that is a pretty standard inquiry, chuckle if you like. There was no mention of floor mat color or what day of the week or who built it.
$18,000 seems cheap for a ’71 GS 455. The seller states it’s not perfect, but a rust-free example is a plus. With ’71 W-30 442 convertibles teasing 6 figures at auction this car is comparable imo.
Wasn’t it this vintage GS 455 that smoked a Hemi back in the day?
Yup – Dan Jensen’s blue Stage 1 car if I recall – the Stage 1 cars (and most 455 cars for that matter) are torque monsters!
Yes Sir, that’s a fact. I’m not sure about the 71’s, but in 1970 the Buick 455 put out 510 lb ft of torque, and I want to say that it was at around 2800 rpm! That is stump pullin’, gear screamin’, take a good look at the tail lights torque. Great cars.
Dave Castline, it was actually Richard Lasseter’s (might be off on spelling his last name) blue ’70 GS Stage 1 that put it to Roy Badie’s Hemi back in the day. Richard was the founder and president of the GS Club of America if I remember correctly.
I still have the Muscle Car Review magazine somewhere with the two of them on the cover standing back-to-back with their cars in the background at the starting line of the dragstrip.
I had a ‘warmed over’ ’70 GS 455 at the time that ran really well and had a pretty good rep in my hometown.
@ccrvtt Yes, there was one article showing that, but I have lived with them both. The GS with 510 ft/lbs of torque is a monster off the line but there is no denying a Hemi for top end pull. The Hemi needs gears to get the air flowing through those massive ports, but the Buick is ported for the street and is always right there when you nail it.
After owing just about every muscle car out there (they were cheap back then), my favorite is my 1965 396 Corvette COUPE ( I don’t like to put the top down).
HARDBALLS: are Corvettes muscle cars?
@HARDBALL – Let me take this… @2un-cool – If you have to ask, you could never understand. The NHRA didn’t make them race against each other (instead of letting them run heads up) for nothing.
How soulless would you have to be not to love The Beach Boys’ “Dead Man’s Curve”, and “Shut Down”?
Pull on your light green cardigan sweater with the little leather elbow patches, light your pipe, and go back to your Trabant/Volga Owner’s Association Support Group.
I wonder if this car would be actually worth more with a color and interior change to something more desirable. I know that it is only original once, but if not many people like it then maybe a color change would help the value.
Great beginning price,but will not be surprised to see it quickly soar towards 40K.
Only was around 1 of same year and equipped, gold color with buckets, and would take one over any muscle mid size, but the 71 442 that GM offered that year.
Was an 400 auto reworked with non stock stall, rejetted, aftermarket cam and lifters, and Buicks largestr valves and headported.
Turbo 400 could handle torque and man could that thing launch hard.
Dislike myths and the myths built up regarding Hemi Mopars have a lot of BS in them.
What was fastest 1/4 street showroom stock MOPAR in 68-69 but the 340 cudas, and the 440 vs Hemi on street was , in rookie hands, a toss up.
On the track where pro modifications were allowed, 63 on MOPAR wedge and Hemi mid size needed modified wheel bases, rear end and wheel wells moved forward, and were Kings.
The Buick was a luxo on steroids, with way better appointments and drivability over most brands of this period, even moreso than a similar 442.
While never as much corporate interest in hi-pro add ons or research that Chevy recieved, Buick,Poncho and Olds 455 only lacked ability to reach high RPM.
As to autos, it was they that beginning in mid 60 by MOPAR became way to higher top speed and lower ET’s by quite a margin over 4 speeds.
This rig should not be trailer queen but cleaned up as is and cruise or show enjoyed as Buicks last true individual identity auto.
Later Grand Nationals shared looks with other GM bodies.
By going into high teens low 20K it looks like home shop guy could turn a decent profit, as now a days there is a lot of interest Better built but lesser seen, and less known makes, than run of mill cheap as hell built MOPARs, and common as hell, Chevelle, Stangs and Camaros.
Had a 72 Olds convertible with the 455 and a 2 barrel. It barely got from one gas station to the next. Can you imagine what this 455 with this carburetor set-up gets in MPG?
“This listing was ended by the seller because the item is no longer available.”
Too bad, it would have been interesting to see where this one would have ended up.
I used to see these Coca-Cola brown Skylarks around every corner. The comments about it being a bench with column shift is not taking into account that Buick dealers were still catering to the “stodgy old man” crowd in which this combo would be expected. Less likely to get trashed in stoplight drag races too. I’m disappointed by the door cards and what looks like an imperfect vinyl match on the seat bottoms. On my high school 67 Gran Sport my mom sewed blue jean denim into cozies to go over the two buckets which had seams coming undone.
Sold.
Not clearly marked as sold, the seller pulled the listing. Could be for many reasons.
The varied & supposed mis-matched interior seen here was very typical of that era’s lighter-colored vinyl interiors fading to differing hues. The chemical makeup of the dyes was, @ best, borderline. When age combined w/sun exposure this was what occurred, depending upon supplier’s.
I learned to drive on this car….in Bronx new York in 1974. Would love to own it what is reserve or asking price? That year is my high school senior year. Please answer, im serious. 1971 Buick grand sport Stage 1 …chocolate convertable(ivory)….loved the owner and car…smile