I’ve only owned one Buick, and it was a head-scratcher for a 17-year-old. I had a 1971 Buick Electra 225, one of the nicest cars I’ve owned, and it was only $750 in 1980 when I got it. A car like this 1962 Buick Skylark Convertible with a small V8 and 4-speed manual is the Buick I should have had, and should have now. This one is listed here on eBay in Mansfield, Massachusetts, and there is a $2,000 opening bid price that hasn’t been clicked yet. Even when it is, the reserve won’t be met.
Unfortunately, the seller has an AI-generated description, which basically gives zero information. They do give a tiny description, mainly describing the paint condition, and they say that the top leaks, but it is “90% watertight.” That’s it: there is no engine photo (argh), and no drivetrain description at all, no underside photos for a Northeast car that’s showing body rust, and none of the usual things the majority of buyers want to see for an online listing, for something they’re unlikely to see in person before it shows up on a car trailer and could bring a lot of disappointment. I’m not saying this car is disappointing, as it looks pretty nice in the photos overall, but, in general, having an online listing without enough photos and hardly any real description or info may not be the best for sales.
But it’s like shaking my fist at the clouds; it does no good at all to even mention a disappointing listing here, as most sellers don’t even remotely think about such things. I’ve harped on all of this too often in the past; my apologies. And again, this particular car looks like a very good and worthy restoration candidate. All that being said, the details of the ’62 Skylark are really nice. There is a lot of detail on this car that the designers added when they could have “cheaped out” and just given a basic car. Here is a foldout brochure showing the ’62 Skylark, and another one showing a few ’62 Buick Skylarks on pages 4 and 5.
The first-generation Skylark was made for 1961, 1962, and 1963, and this interior photo makes the whole otherwise slim listing for me. Seeing that factory 4-speed manual shifter on the tunnel is as cool as it gets. The seats appear to have been reupholstered; they look much nicer than the body of the car does, or the rest of the interior. The dash is cracked, the carpet is shot, the steering wheel is cracked, yadda-yadda. That Borg-Warner 4-speed makes up for all of the other cosmetic issues, which are easily repaired.
The 215.5-cu.in. OHV aluminum V8 engine is hiding under this red hood. Were the trunk and hood repainted at some point? They’re red compared to the worn paint on the adjacent tops of the fenders, both front and rear. The Buick Fireball V8 would have been rated at 185 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque when new. Backed by a 4-speed manual, we have to assume this car isn’t in running condition because the seller didn’t mention that. We already know it needs a new top, a lot of bodywork, and who knows what underneath, but it would have been nice to know if it ran or not. Have any of you owned a first-gen Skylark? What is this car worth in its present condition? Hagerty is at over $12,000 in “lo” condition, but they’re only at $16,000ish for one in “hi” condition.
OMG AI is going to make us all lazy and stupid. I read that vehicle description and thought, if you at least have a high school education you should be able to write a paragraph. That said, this is a neat little car. I would be tempted but I have enough work to do on my car.
Ha, you nailed it, Fox Owner!
I just hope that a few million people are typing in, “Cure for cancer, cure for Dementia, cure for Parkinson’s, etc.” rather than “How much did Barry Williams make per episode for The Brady Bunch?” or whatever they’re using it for.
Restoration or reclamation candidate!
These were pretty nice when new, but this one has seen its days come and go. Cost a boat load to repair and then not worth too much as the people who lusted over them when young are pushing up daisies. (Well, not all, I am still here, but for how long? I am sure not going to be buying any more collector cars) WE as a society do have a small select group of over the top rich dudes who will collect a warehouse full of shiney cars but do they really know and understand them all? Is there going to be future rich dudes wanting to buy what is in that warehouse when no one alive really cares? Will museums even accept as donations? Nationwide car museums are closing as the Boomers walk off the mortal coil in droves. Who knows what future generations will consider collectable? I read cell phones from 20 years ago have young people all eager to have. Crazy but true. Is a generation that often does not care to drive at all going to want to see or own a 1962 Buick? Can not blame the owner for trying to cash in, but they are a little late in the game. Just go no reserve and accept what the going price is. My humble opinion.