Need a new nine-passenger SUV? Hopefully you like these four choices because, unless you want a full-sized van, GM and Ford make the only nine-passenger options. It would take a considerable investment to make this 1968 Buick Skylark Sport Wagon compete with today’s SUVs, but the 2018 models’ $50,000 to $68,000 MSRP could fund a significant overhaul of this Great Bend, Kansas Buick. Offered here on eBay, it can be yours for a paltry $1350.
Buick billed the redesigned 1968 Skylark Wagon as looking “more like a luxury car than a station wagon” and boasted that it could swallow a nine-foot dinghy whole. Missing parts include the rear glass, radiator support, grill and most headlight parts.
The seller reports that car features “good floors and frame” with minor rust in several areas. The interior plastics may be dusty or completely shot.
The car’s top-of-the-line 400 cid V8 (same as the GS 400) made a healthy 340 HP and 440 ft-lb of torque, and it appears to need a complete overhaul. While we’re playing “What if?” consider this motor rebuilt with some mild performance improvements plus Pertronix electronic ignition and FAST fuel injection for modern reliability. Or, if you like the modern GM LS engines, consider a LS “lift-out” with transmission and computer for under $2000. The reconditioned Sport Wagon would likely hold most of its value while the 2018 SUV’s resale plummets. Take the cost of today’s nine-passenger vehicles, subtract the lift-out LS and the sub-$1500 asking price, and you’ve got at least $45,000 for other upgrades. How would you spend that budget on this alternative SUV?
If I lived closer it would be mine.
I loved the one I had for a short time.
They are hard to find.
See guys, my comments aren’t always negative.
“Pos-a-tive waves, already” “I love them pos-a-tive waves, babe.”—- Oddball, from Kelley’s Heroes.
This car was outstanding in its field..GLWA
I saw what you did… lol
I had a 66 Skylark Custom Wagon come through the yard. Complete with Skylight roof, performance package, a/c tilt. It even still had the skylark bird trim emblems still on it. Paint and interior was weatherbeaten, non running but no rot.
Sold it for to a Buick Skylark Station Wagon collector in 01 for $1350.00
There was an episode of Roadkill (?) where the guys took a beater like this on a cross country road trip to deliver it to the new owner. I was intrigued because I owned a 67, 68 and 69 Skylark HT but always wanted a vista cruiser. This Barn Find appears to have the same color combo as my grandfather’s 68 Skylark Custom sedan — sort of a verde-gold combo with a vinyl and brocade interior. Shame about the missing back window. That glass may be unobtainable.
I have an Olds Cutlass wagon flatroof non Vista & its a fun set of wheels to ride to ride around in.
Is this the same one that’s been on eBay for about a year now?
Just visualize this baby w/ freshly restored interior/exterior and a set of new white walls on Buick Rally wheels!!! :-)
Done that on many a pedestrian Buick intermediate. Several sets of rallys’ in the woodshed. But, raised white letters would be even tougher looking.
A screaming buy and a easy restore, won’t lose value for sure.
Wagons Ho……. (from the tv series)
I saw a whole bunch of work! Good luck to whomever attempts this, you’re going to need it!