Some classics defy belief, especially when the vehicle features an extraordinarily low odometer reading. Such is the case with this 1978 Buick Skylark. It presents superbly, with no visible faults or issues. However, this is unsurprising, with the seller claiming that the 2,800 miles shown on its odometer is genuine. That makes it a car worthy of preservation, and the listing information sets a price far lower than the figure visible on the windshield.
This Skylark rolled off the line in 1978 as a Third Generation model. Its first owner ordered it in stunning Ultramarine Blue with a White Landau-style vinyl top. To say the seller is sparing with information on its history is an understatement because they offer no information regarding how it has only clocked 2,800 miles. Its overall condition makes the claim plausible, but there is nothing like hard evidence to remove lingering doubts. The car presents superbly, with its paint holding a mirror shine and seemingly devoid of chips and marks. The panels are laser-straight, and there is no evidence of rust. White vinyl can look tired with age, but this car’s top has avoided that fate. The chrome sparkles as impressively as it would have on Day One, and the glass is flawless. The Rallye wheels and narrow whitewalls add the ideal finishing touch to the exterior.
Powering this Buick is Chevrolet’s 350ci V8, teamed with a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The small-block generated 170hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque in its prime, endowing the Skylark with competent performance. The engine bay presentation isn’t as impressive as we find across other areas of this classic, although it is fair to expect deterioration after forty-six years. The seller indicates this Buick runs and drives as well as it would have the day it rolled off the lot. That suggests that if the odometer reading is accurate, it may have always been appropriately maintained.
I wasn’t surprised to examine the photos and discover someone had fitted this Skylark’s wheel with a wrap, which is a sensible addition. However, I am disappointed the seller supplies no pictures with the dash cover removed, which leaves us wondering about the pad’s condition. The White vinyl trim complements the vinyl top, and its condition is equally impressive. There is no evidence of wear, stains, or yellowing, and the dash looks excellent. If this aspect is unrestored, the condition is consistent with the mileage claim. I don’t believe that represents iron-clad proof, but it is a reasonable start. Someone cut speakers into the kick panels, suggesting the radio/cassette player is a later addition. The new owner also receives air conditioning and a tilt wheel.
This 1978 Buick Skylark is a stunning car with no apparent needs. The seller listed it here on eBay in Grants Pass, Oregon. Bidding sits below the reserve at $5,200, but there is a BIN option of $9,000 for those finding the car irresistible. Those figures are far lower than the $19,500 visible on the windshield in the first shot. That suggests the seller may be struggling to shift this classic. However, that raises the question of the mileage claim. Do you believe it is genuine, or is there more to this story than meets the eye?
I don’t think so. 1st, it’s an awesome find. These always lived in the shadow of the Nova, and for good reason. I read, a base Skylark was just over $4grand, when a Nova was $200 cheaper, and essentially the same car. It was one, of many, attempts GM had to bamboozle the customer. I can hear the boardroom now, “but boss, people might pay extra just for the name Buick”( or Pontiac, or Olds), and they did.
I say, entirely possible it’s 102K, and for a car this age, it’s not a bad thing. 2800 would be much cleaner, and another example of someone getting this cheap, somehow, and spin the meter on a resale, and they’ll get at least half of what they want. Better point is, someone will get a sweetheart.
When we shopped for our 84 Escort my wife stopped by a Mercury dealer and asked repeatedly how the Mercury equivalent car (Lynx? Bobcat?) Was better.
Aside from cachet and vague claims about quality they never stated a mechanical advantage.
So some will pay for vanity.
One of my friend’s dad always believed that theory too. He bought a new 1950 Pontiac, a 1957 Mercury and a 1966 Mercury, just because he thought they were better than the Ford or Chevrolet. His last car was a 1976 Mercury Monarch. We tried to tell him otherwise, but we were just stupid kids. What would we know?
I have a friend who to this day claims his GMC Safari is more heavy duty than a Chevrolet Astro.
I tried to convince him that there is no difference, but apparently I don’t know what I am talking about.
Where I grew up the L-M dealer was small and family-owned, near the IBM plant on the other side of town from the main “auto row”. For a lot of people who lived and worked near it that was enough.
It does make me wonder about features and equipment that might’ve been standard on a Skylark but optional on a Nova.
To use a modern analogue the Buick Envista is about $100 more than a Chevy Trax comparing comparably equipped trim levels, but a base Envista is akin to a mid-spec Trax looking at feature charts so there’s a couple grand difference in *base* prices. I suspect the same was true in the ’70s.
Nothing verifies low mileage better than a picture of the speedometer, except a picture of the brake pedal and emergency brake pad too. Documentation, such as maintenance records or a log book are overrated.
The car appears to be nice, why not try selling it on its condition and features.
Steve R
” That suggests the seller may be struggling to shift this classic.”
No kidding,….
This car is a perfect example of what was wrong with a lot of malaise era vehicles and the only reason I’d buy it ever is to give it a Superfly makeover, which would look perfect with that white vinyle roof and interior,..
I’d spend the money on a clean 9C1 Nova, hard pass on this.
That padded roof looked like a bad hair piece. All in all a decent car that appealed to the brand loyal customer. Was surprised that a 350 was still offered in ’78.
Have to do some fact checking on the 350. My mother had a ‘78 sedan and if I remember correctly the two engines offered were a 231 V6 and a 305 V8. Hers was a 305 car that I briefly inherited. The Turbo Fire sticker at the least of it was not something correct past 1971 and again, never seen on a GM “corporate “ V8. The engine compartment itself doesn’t look like 2800 miles, etc. Agree about the bad hairpiece roof…I also owned a ‘78 Nova coupe and loved it compared with the lipstick on a pig Skylark.
Not actual miles……scam.
I don’t the claim is true. Biggest thing for me is the cassette player and speakers cut into the door. Hard to believe someone spends to have that done and then never drives the car for 30 years. Nice car but I doubt the claim.
Same here.
It’s hard for me to wrap my head around someone taking what appears to be a lot of care for this car over the years to maintain near perfect originality , and then doing such a butcher job installing the aftermarket stereo and speakers. The two contradict each other and just don’t add up for me,….
Totally agree. Back in ’77 a new car at any price point would have been a big deal. Hacking up the door panels on Day 1 seems highly unlikely. And that engine compartment would look a lot fresher unless the car was parked on the beach for the last 40 years. I also don’t think the ari cleaner label would have been factory on any Buick regardless of having a Chevy engine or not. GM air cleaners were typically unadorned with any callouts at this point. I’m betting 102k miles is a lot closer to accurate.
I recently bought a 73 Ford F-100 with low mileage and in storage for at least 40 years. I love it and is a very nice truck. I knew I would have some issues. I had way more than I expected. I have inspected ,cleaned and rebuilt almost everything. Some things such as the radiator and gas tank had to be replaced, along with many smaller items. I have spent about 10 K on refurbishing a gorgeous original truck. You need to be aware that just because it looks new, it does not necessarily perform like its new. lack of use does not necessarily preserve all the parts. Just like people use it or loose it. Would I do it again, Yes, but I would be aware of what can happen.
I would believe low mileage, but not 2800. Aftermarket stereo with speakers in the kick panels? The Chevy air cleaner decal? Why do that on a car you don’t intend to drive? Or, why do that on an original car with only 2800 miles? That, and dirt in the engine compartment suggest it’s been around the block a few thousand more times than the odometer says.
Its different… and has a 350 to boot. Looks like its been fairly well cared for. Someone will get a nice car.
I’d much rather have this than a Nova. Better interior and not spartan. Just a better looking car.
My parents had one very similar to this. It was an appliance. Nothing to complain about but nothing inspirational. They traded a 1971 Electra 225 for it. I would have rather kept the Electra.
Regarding the difference of buying a Buick over a Chevrolet, or a Mercury over a Ford. Sometimes the higher marquee name has more standard features on the car. If one optioned up a Chevrolet to compare with the standard features of a Buick, the price would be close to the same. Up until the mid 1970’s, each GM brand also made their own engines. So buyers were loyal to their brand.
Someone once told me a tongue-in-cheek joke, “A Mercury is a Ford WITH lock washers.”
No way this is a 2800 mile car…for the reasons already pointed out by many. And why add a steering wheel cover and dash pad to a 2800 mile car….unless you’re hiding something? A ridiculous claim….especially with absolutely nothing to back it up and no mention of it’s history.
Nothing like a good engine pic of an other wise flawless looking car. Still a nice looking Buick . Should make it an affordable car if the seller gets honest about what he has.
Beautiful shape! Not going to find another like that with a 350 and AC in such nice shape. Bidding is at $6,450. If someone really wants it they should just hit the Buy It Now and call it a day.
Last time the dealer/seller listed this car for auction on eBay the high bid was $6,400 with a BIN of $10,000. Cars like this are price sensitive, potential buyers aren’t typically in love with that particular year, make or model, all of which drive prices much higher due to the competition. It’s rather generic, the most special thing about it is it’s in good shape for its age. Cars like that are relatively plentiful in many parts of the country. I’d be surprised if it goes much higher than it’s current bid or $6,450.
Steve R
I would be cautious as the plates are expired and are not the original ones. Those plates were not available when it was new. Even at 102K miles, it looks like a decent deal, but if the seller is lying about the mileage and being a one owner car, what else might he be hiding?
This is in very nice condition, it’s hard to find anything in this condition for the price. That said there is no way there’s only 2800 miles just looking at the brake pedal whom ever owned this was a two footed driver the left side of the brake pedal is worn way too much for 2800 miles, under the hood is not clean enough for 2800 102k yes, I also question the engine or air filter housing if I recall they were all just black and the engine that lighter shade of blue maybe they swapped the air cleaner lid for an older one maybe the original was a bit rusty I may be completely wrong on the engine but I still question it. I question the white top and interior maybe re-dyed possibly front seat recoverd. Still a nice looking car for the money not something I would want for myself maybe more for my wife if I were looking, but I really don’t like misleading advertising. For that alone I would pass.
SOLD for $8,500. The dealership probably got tired of no one believing the low mileage claim, so let it go for whatever it would bring this time around.
Not bad for a very clean car that can be enjoyed as a classic ride.
A 1970s car with a landau roof? Nuff said, it’s a classic