Looking for a clean driver with muscle-era style and Buick performance? This 1969 Buick Skylark GS might be just the ticket. Originally built with a 400 cubic-inch V8, this GS now runs a 430ci Buick big block, swapped in years ago and reportedly still running strong. It’s paired with a TH400 automatic transmission and a posi-traction rear end equipped with a sway bar. Dual exhaust completes the drivetrain upgrades. It’s currently offered for sale in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, and listed here on craigslist.
With its sleek profile and understated presence, the ’69 Skylark GS offers a distinctive alternative to more common muscle cars from GM’s A-body lineup. The paint is said to be in good condition and presents well, making this one a solid candidate for weekend cruise-ins or local shows. According to the seller, you’re unlikely to see another Skylark of this vintage at your typical gathering, which is part of its charm.
The big Buick 430 is a torque-heavy engine that delivers impressive real-world performance without the high-revving habits of its small-block counterparts. Combined with the TH400 and posi rear, this GS was clearly built with drivability and highway cruising in mind. The dual exhaust system should give it just the right amount of muscle car growl without being overbearing.
Inside, the car features factory bucket seats that have been reupholstered with new foam and fresh material, along with a new headliner and carpet. This interior refresh keeps things looking tidy and era-correct, perfect for anyone who appreciates period styling but wants a comfortable, usable cabin. The center console and sporty seating reinforce the GS’s performance roots, while the new soft trim provides a cleaner, more inviting feel.
Wearing new tires on original-style Buick wheels, the car looks ready to hit the road. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable cruiser with a strong vintage presence or a platform for future restoration or customization, this GS presents as a well-balanced example of a lesser-seen GM muscle car.
The 1969 model year was the last before Buick redesigned the GS for the 1970s, making this a great choice for collectors who prefer the clean lines of the ‘60s styling.
Would you leave the 430 big block in place and enjoy it as a driver, or hunt down a factory-correct 400 to return it to original spec?
Keep the 430. This will never be a numbers-matching car, so no harm done.
Except to the rear tires…
Most people wouldn’t know the difference between a 400, 430 or 455. No need to tell them either!
Fine as is, little more punch and I never was a number type. If they were driven as intended, sometimes something broke and you replaced it and moved on. It’s all about driving them, smiles per mile!
💯 Cadmanls. Love that dual snorkel hood air intake too.
Again, 1969, not for the corny 6 and 9 thing, an era in automobiles, not likely to forget anytime soon. Simply the best of the A-body(?) cars, this was for the person, maybe a tad older, already had a good job, but didn’t want the musclecar era to pass them by. I read, the 430 wasn’t available, so not many sites have performance times. It was agreed, the 430 had more like 380-390 HP, not 360 as advertised. The 455 was available and at over 400hp( 380 advertised) it was no slouch. I read, this car with a 455, could do low 14s, 13s easy with some mods, 0-60 just over 6 sec. so it definitely set your future father in law back in the seat, but it was a Buick, so you were okay. Didn’t get any better than this in 1969.
The first year for the 455 was 1970, but it’s a safe bet more than a few were swapped into 1969s and earlier models.
Perfect as is, nuff said.
A neighbor had one of these back in the day, jade green with black. I got to drive it several times. They had every bit the punch of the GTO and more than the SS396 Chevelle. If I had $27k I’d be going to check this thing out, it’s only about 2 hours away.
Wow…that’s a nice ride! No sense in switching out motors at this point unless the owner has the #’s matching motor. That car is a driver so make an offer and drive away!
Not listed anymore. What did it sell for?
Nice leave it as is and drive it!!!