Caddy 500 Power: No Reserve 1969 Buick Skylark

Detroit enjoys a well-earned reputation for producing an incredibly diverse range of V8 engines. Some are quite small and humble, while others are monsters. This 1969 Buick Skylark features a motor falling into the latter category. The seller discarded its original powerplant, bolting in a 500ci beast that started life in a Cadillac. It features a few upgrades, ensuring it produces enough power and torque to rotate the planet on its axis. The Buick needs a new owner who can add the finishing touches to a classic that is guaranteed to receive plenty of comments when the hood is lifted. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Skylark listed here on eBay in Georgetown, California. The seller’s No Reserve auction, which opened at $6,000, has received no bids. However, there is a BIN option of $8,000 for those determined to take this beast home.

Buick launched its Third Generation Skylark range in 1968, offering buyers a choice of six body styles. This 1969 example is a two-door Hardtop that makes a striking first impression. The seller states that they are a fan of the faux-aged appearance, although I’m sure some enthusiasts don’t share that view. Therefore, the buyer may choose to refresh the appearance via a fresh coat of Polar White paint. There are no hard-and-fast rules in this case, and a color change may be their preferred option. The car features a contrasting Black vinyl top, which would look great with virtually any shade on that year’s Buick color palette. The panels appear quite straight, and I see no evidence of rust. If the Skylark has spent its life in sunny California, the climate may have protected it from the worst that Mother Nature can throw at it. The trim and glass look respectable, and the Rally wheels are clean.

Okay, we’ve reached the point where things become genuinely interesting. The chances are high that the first owner ordered this Skylark with a 350ci V8 under the hood. That was a competent powerplant, but some enthusiasts crave something special beneath their right foot. The seller shared that view, discarding the 350 in favor of a 500ci monster that started life in a 1970 Cadillac. It features Holley Sniper fuel injection, delivering 400hp and 550 ft/lbs of torque. Other upgrades include a three-speed TH400 automatic transmission and an aluminum radiator to prevent the motor from going “the full Chernobyl.” The seller also fitted new springs, new shocks, and a new fuel tank. They admit that the Caddy powerplant is only sitting in place at the moment, but hooking everything up to achieve roadworthiness shouldn’t be difficult or expensive. What is unquestionable is that this beast should provide impressive performance once it returns to its rightful place on our streets.

As with the mechanical upgrades, the Skylark’s interior is a work in progress. It retains its original Blue vinyl back seat, which looks pretty good. There are no rips or tears, and the Californian sun hasn’t rotted the top. Up front, we find bucket seats from an unknown source and a console. The changes produce an upholstery mismatch that some potential buyers may not accept, although others won’t bat an eyelid. The listing images are inconclusive, but seem to indicate that the carpet is quite tired. However, the dash and pad look pretty good, and a CD player occupies the spot that was the factory radio’s.

I initially thought that the engine transplant may have excited potential buyers, and that this 1969 Buick Skylark would have generated plenty of auction action. However, the listing statistics tell a different story as enthusiasts seem to be ignoring this classic. I admit that some probably view it as a bit of a Frankenstein’s Monster, although the V8 is sourced from another General Motors marque. That raises an intriguing possibility if the situation doesn’t change. The No Reserve factor means that someone could take this Skylark home with a solitary bid. Is that thought enough to tempt you?