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95% Original? 1969 Buick Skylark

This 1969 Buick Skylark is described as being 95% original. It would seem that apart from the hubcaps, this car is essentially how it was the day that it rolled off the production line. I do have to send out a big thank you to Barn Finder local_sheriff for spotting the Buick for us. It is located in San Diego, California, and is listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has climbed to $3,050, but the reserve hasn’t been met.

The Twilight Blue Buick could probably best be described as a survivor. The paint quality is good, but it isn’t spectacular. There are a number of chips and scratches present across the car, but dings and dents seem to be minimal. Rust doesn’t appear to be an issue, with none visible on the Buick’s outside, and no signs of any nasty bubbles under the vinyl top. It isn’t clear how solid the floors are, but the photos of the trunk that the seller supplies indicate that the trunk interior and pan might have received a repaint at some point. The external trim and chrome appear to be quite good, with the same appearing to be true of the glass.

The originality of the Skylark continues under the skin, where you find the original 350ci V8, a TH350 automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The owner claims that the Buick has only accumulated 71,000 genuine miles during its lifetime, but doesn’t mention whether he has evidence to verify this. Engine bay presentation is reasonable for a car of this age, but there is plenty of evidence of rattle can work visible around the place. The owner says that the car drives smoothly, with no problems or electrical issues. He also says that it has recently been fitted with a pair of new Flowmaster mufflers and that the tires are very good.

The interior of the Skylark has me scratching my head a bit, and I hope that I’m not the only one that feels this way. The dash itself looks pretty reasonable, but there is some deterioration around the gauges and switches, as you might expect over the years. It isn’t bad, but it is noticeable. From there, the upholstered surfaces, carpet, and dash pad all look to be in great condition for a car of this age. Then you look at the wheel. It’s almost as if it has come from another car, so profound has the deterioration been. Honestly, if you reconditioned or replaced the wheel, the interior would look quite nice. It just seems like a weird occurrence. As far as optional extras, the Buick is fitted with an AM radio and a tilt wheel, along with air conditioning. However, the A/C compressor is missing, so there will be some work required there.

It will be interesting to see what our readers think of this Buick and whether you think that I am being too critical with my description. Given the fact that the listing opened at $500, and in a little over 2-days a total of 14 people have pushed the bidding to its current level, that suggests that there are people who see potential in the car. This is a good looking car, and this is one time when I wouldn’t mind being wrong in my criticism.

Comments

  1. Avatar Bakyrdhero

    I’m more familiar with 70-72 Skylarks, but I don’t think the seat upholstery on this one is original to this car or even Buick.

    Like 2
    • Avatar charlie jackson

      I agree. Where are the head rests??

      Like 0
    • Avatar David Miller

      Yes, that’s Buick and typical for a base Skylark in 1969. I used to sell them.

      Like 0
  2. Avatar art

    A California car, Factory A/C and a decent price, so far. Very hard to find too much fault here. This would be a great starter car for someone wanting into the classic hobby. I give it a thumbs up.

    Like 14
    • Avatar aero911

      Great starter yes, but what will be the end price for this one?

      Like 0
    • Avatar Miguel

      I fault the missing compressor for the air. Why do people remove the compressors?

      Like 1
  3. Avatar Bakyrdhero

    Yes absolutely. I’d like to have this one in my driveway.

    Like 4
  4. Avatar Grandpa Lou

    So beautiful indeed. My only gripe is the aftermarket non silence air cleaner. Oh, to go back to the 70s and tell some stupid kid to at least keep the original air cleaner housing!

    Like 7
    • Avatar Boris

      Yeah old timer, but remember, a lot of guys did that back in the day.b

      Like 2
  5. Avatar Chris In Australia

    I own a ’69 Skylark (a rare car here)and this one is not all original. The vinyl roof is the 1968 version, and the grill lacks the vertical bar that carries the tri shield badge. Interior is has been redone incorrectly too.

    Like 2
  6. Avatar Chris In Australia

    And the trunk floor looks to be a replacement, and the trunk lid chrome trim is from a ’68.Unless it’s a 1968 built ’69, it should have head rests.

    Like 2
    • Avatar JoeNYWF64

      Or a ’69 built in aug-dec ’68?
      Those tires appear to be Hankooks – only 3 tread grooves!

      Like 0
  7. Avatar Denba12 Member

    I had a 69 convertible back in the mid 80s.I would love to have another,still looking!

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Lawrence Graham

    1960’s Chevy SS hub caps…nice touch.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Bakyrdhero

      The hub caps or wheel covers do look nice. I was never a fan of Buick’s hub caps for the 68-72 A bodies.

      Like 1
  9. Avatar TimM

    350/350 is a great combination!! Will get up and go if you want to!! I think that there is more than 5% that’s not original but it looks like a good driver and a solid car!!!

    Like 2
  10. Avatar Rustytech Member

    I’m not that familiar with the Buick’s from this period, that may or may not be original interior but I like it! If this stays at or under $6k it’ll be a bargain.

    Like 1
  11. Avatar CaCarDude

    Not real familiar with this year Buick also and I do notice this has what appears to be the correct last year of the Black plate for CA, starting with the X would be right,… but why is the back plate with the tags on the front? Might be some questions to be asking the seller on this, you don’t want any hassles with the CA DMV.
    I do like this hardtop version and would be happy to own it!

    Like 1
    • Avatar Miguel

      I did that when ever I bought an old car. I would rip the tags off down to the original tag on the rear plate, put it on the front and put the new tags on the rear.

      I ended up with a 1968 sticker on the front or whatever year was the first sticker the car had.

      Like 0

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