Aside from one respray at some point, this 1972 Buick Skylark Custom appears to meet the other criteria we like to use here at Barn Finds to label it as a survivor. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if the next owner chooses to change that status and turn this one into something different, such as cloning it as a GS or building a Restomod. Whatever the future visionary has in mind, the car appears reasonably solid with mostly good bones to work with, and it can be found here on Craigslist in Pacifica, California. The seller is hoping for $13,000, and we’d like to thank reader Rocco B. for spotting this one and bringing it to our attention!
The seller says he purchased the Skylark from the original owner and states that before his acquisition, it hadn’t been in operation since 2002. A 350 V8 with a 2-barrel was the standard engine for ’72, but adding a 4-barrel on top instead was optional, and thankfully, that’s how this one came equipped from the factory. The motor has recently received a complete tune-up, along with new wheel cylinders and a master cylinder, plus fresh tires all the way around. The owner reports that his Buick now runs, drives, stops, and steers great.
Not only is this Skylark complete outside, but the panels all seem straight and appear to line up properly, although there is some rust lurking underneath the vinyl top. If it weren’t for this corrosion, I’d have a hard time thinking about doing anything other than preserving this one and just enjoying driving it. That’s still a viable choice, as the decay doesn’t appear extensive, but I could understand the next owner wanting to address this and bring the exterior condition up a notch. The body also seems ripe for adding some GS badging, if you’re into that sort of thing, but there’s also something appealing about the bone-stock appearance here as well.
With the amount of heat it took to create all those cracks in the steering wheel, it’s surprising to see the dash still in such nice condition, plus the gauges all look pretty good too. Some of the seat areas are fading, and some tears can be spotted in the upholstery, along with the headliner in need of repair or replacement. However, overall, this 1972 Buick Skylark Custom seems to have a lot more positives than negatives. I’m seeing the three options as driving this one as-is, making a few improvements while keeping everything stock, or taking the Restomod path. What would you do here?
Looking at the Federal sticker for timing and other adjustments. I read 91 octane or higher but yet it’s a single exhaust! The interior has weird colors on the seats. I am a Mopar guy so I don’t know the codes for GM interior. Was the car yellow or green. If I had this ride i would change to dual exhaust. Have the whole interior professional done. Fix or find a new/used steering wheel. And whatever else needs to be done. I know the mileage is low but is it true? I feel $10,000 is a fair price to start. Good luck to the next owner. 🐻🇺🇸
and a set of Buick Road Wheels! :-)
I agree with Big Bears comments fix up the interior pieces and add dual exhaust and drive it . The price seems ok and the body looks to be in good condition. Last year of this body style. This would make a nice weekend cruiser!!
I will add another comment. Maybe add a set of buick ralley wheels.
interior is faded out in spots. fair asking price. that top looks like an elk grain not pebble like factory but could be the pic. if there is bubbled under it take it off and paint the roof that color. hard to find these anymore with low miles this clean for a decent price.