All Buick Skyhawks had V6 engines in the first generation and that seems like an impressive engine for such a seemingly small car, even if it only had around 110 horsepower. They were also all hatchbacks, this was the only body style, unlike the second-generation cars that came in a range of body styles with both two and four doors. Thanks to Ted for sending in the tip on this 1979 Buick Skyhawk!
The first-generation Buick Skyhawk was made from 1974 for the 1975 model year until the end of 1980. Another fun fact about the first-gen Skyhawks, they were all rear-wheel drive. Along with the Chevrolet Monza, Oldsmobile Starfire, and Pontiac Sunfire, they were some of the first cars to have quad headlights – the rectangular versions, we know that quad headlights go back decades but not for the rectangular shape. That being said, in 1979 they went with just one on each side as seen here.
Some say that there’s a slight resemblance to the Ferrari 365 GTC/4, and if you squint and look really hard, they may be right. Sort of, a little bit. Ok, enough of that. The seller doesn’t give up too much information about this car, only saying, “Very nice low miles Buick with no running or driving issues.” They do provide a nice range of photos so prospective buyers can see for themselves. One thing I noticed is an unusual gap in the hood shut line, but that could be general 1970s quality or a slightly wavy nosepiece.
This car appears to be in outstanding condition inside and out, hood line or not. The sporty three-spoke steering wheel has a cover but hopefully it looks as perfect underneath that cover as everything else does inside. The seats look great both front and back and you can see that this one has an automatic transmission. The seller lists the mileage as 36,000 and it sure looks like a low-mile vehicle to me.
The engine is a 3.8-liter OHV V6 with around 110 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque when new. It sends power through that three-speed automatic to the rear wheels and even though its cousin cars could be had with four cylinders and even V8s, this engine should be able to carry you and a few friends around in 1970s style. It’s listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Ashland, Ohio and the seller is asking $8,500. Here is the original listing, and for the record, no, it didn’t cost $8,500 new, it would have been around $5,000. Have any of you owned a first-generation Skyhawk?
These cars used to look very sleek with the quad headlights. The dual headlights may put out more light, but definitely makes the car look frumpy.
The nose piece is made of the very… ‘resilient’ semi flexible plastic and tend to warp and sag under long term sunlight UV exposure, resulting in the wavy appearance.
I have owned every variant of the Vega platform including this one. I really wished they offered the Monza hatchback in a Kammback wagon version.
Nice write-up, Scotty! At one point I had a ’76 Skyhawk (3.8, 5-speed BW) and my Step-Dad had a ’77 Sunbird (3.8, Auto). I bought mine with 109k, ran it to around 250k, and it stayed with two more friends for another 100k so about 350k on the original motor. Not bad. I used to drool over the Kenne-Bell speed parts catalog and dream of building it to 250+ HP but that never happened. For some reason (possibly rear axle gears) the Sunbird launched harder than the Skyhawk, but I preferred my five-speed. Thanks for the memories!
I was hoping for a 5sp in this bird Fitch. Always liked these offerings from the General. A turbo↩️ version would be a gas. 😎
This always seemed like a tough sell in the Buick showroom of the 70s.
Personally, I’d worry less about the minor warpage in the urethane nose, and be more concerned that the doors likely drop 2 inches when you open them. If the hinges are okay, this looks like it could be a neat little ride. The 231-A was a hardy enough mill, plus it has A/C, FM and tilt. I never had a Skyhawk, however, I did have a 305-powered Monza 2+2 that got upgraded to a SBC 400. Check the floorboards (and doors) carefully, and for $8500, that Air had better blow cold.
The hinges did wear oblong holes in the metal, but was a common enough problem that bushings were made to insert. Floor jack under the door, pop a hinge pin, insert bushing, replace pin. Do them one at a time. $10 30 min repair. Super easy to do.
Anyone who has ever owned a 1970-1981 Camaro or Firebird will be familiar with this repair.
Buick Regal life….
I worked in a GM dealership parts department from 1980 to 1995 and those pins and bushings were fast moving items. To this day the part numbers (9655646 for the pin, 9822198 for the bushing) occasionally still zing through my memory. But don’t ask me what I had for supper yesterday. I can’t remember anything that recent. ;)
I really didn’t remember them going from quad headlights to dual. I prefer the former. I’d guess the hood “issues” are either warpage to the nose material or an out of adjustment hood bumper. Of more concern would be the steering wheel and the headliner… and any rust, since the pictures aren’t overly detailed. I’m really surprised there aren’t more of these (and Monzas, etc.) on the market. They were fun little cars.
John DeLorean’s “Italian Vega.” Monza was actually in development in 1971 before Vega went on sale as an upscale H-body offering (and thus was not a response to Vega’s problems). IIRC, GM’s Styling studio did bring in a 365 for reference.
I swapped a Buick V6 into my ’71 Vega back in the day, and it was a hoot to drive, without sacrificing handling as a V8 swap would have done.
I really want to try a 4.3L V6 in a Vega wagon.
3.8 V6 in a Vega (or any H-body) was perfect…Unless you are comparing to a Cosworth of course (but I’m a bit biased there :)
I had a 1975 (I think it was 75?) Monza Mirage with the 305 and automatic back in the day. It was my everyday transportation and a good reliable and kind of fun car. Put a lot of trouble-free miles on it and with the “wide body” panels and striping on the car it always got 2nd looks. NOT a good car though for Minnesota winters. Traction was not good.
1977 for the Mirage.
Refreshing looking little Buick. It’s got a lot of good features and the color is terrific. I think these were a good car in Buick showrooms because of brand association and the attention Buick V6’s were getting at the time. CAFE car.
I really want to try a 4.3L V6 in a Vega wagon.
I bought a ’76 Skyhawk with the 5 speed. Absolutely a lot of fun to drive. I drove all over the country while in the Navy. Only trouble I had was a bad spot on the ac compressor shaft that ate up seals. Dealership replaced the shaft for free after the warranty was expired just because I was in the Navy! Great memories of that car.
I don’t believe I’ve ever seen one like this.
Then you never lived in or around Flint, Michigan. Those cars were everywhere back in the day.