I think that all of us can recall a moment where we have spotted an older car that caught our eye not because it was a mega-bucks classic, but because its condition was impressive for its age. That could be the story behind this 1992 Buick Skylark Gran Sport. It is an unmolested survivor, and the indications are that it could represent an affordable opportunity for those seeking a vehicle that would be equally comfortable as a weekend cruiser or a daily driver. Its most pressing need is a new home, with the seller listing the Buick here on eBay in Anderson, Indiana. Bidding sits below the reserve at $1,425, but the action has been frantic as potential buyers make their play for this survivor.

It is fair to say, with only a few exceptions, that vehicles produced in the decades following World War II were designed with an emphasis on looks. Many possessed the aerodynamic efficiency of a barn…travelling sideways. However, as companies were forced to claw back performance lost to tighter emission regulations, focus shifted to lines that sliced cleanly through the air. Buick’s Seventh Generation Skylark range, launched in 1992, demonstrated this graphically. The company achieved an aerodynamic improvement of around 15% when compared to its predecessor. This Skylark is a range-topping first-year Gran Sport. Ordered by its original owner in a stunning combination of Code 41 Black and Code 85 Gunmetal Gray, its condition is well above average for its age. The lower extremities exhibit a couple of minor chips and imperfections, but the remaining paint shines deeply. Dark shades are excellent at revealing dings and dents, but there are none visible on this classic. Rust shouldn’t be an issue, and with the trim, glass, and 16″ alloy wheels in good order, this Skylark should be able to turn heads thirty-three years after it rolled off the showroom floor.

Interiors typically provide an accurate insight into the life a classic has led. While some sellers will repair minor exterior bumps and bruises, justifying the expense of a retrim is far more difficult. This Skylark’s interior looks excellent, with its Red leather and cloth surfaces free from issues. The matching carpet is spotless, and the overall impression is that this car has been treated with respect and protected from harmful UV rays. It is also nicely equipped by the standards of the day, featuring ice-cold air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power driver’s seat, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio and cassette player.

Powering this Skylark is Buick’s 3.3-liter V6. The company’s Sales Brochure quoted power and torque figures of 160hp and 185 ft/lbs, which feeds to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission. Power steering and anti-lock brakes were standard equipment, improving safety and comfort. Although the Buick’s engine specifications don’t promise exhilarating performance, the Skylark should cope admirably with heavy city traffic or extended trips on the open road. That means that it could also function as an effective and efficient daily driver. The seller states that this classic is in excellent mechanical health and is a turnkey proposition where the winning bidder could fly in and drive it home.

This 1992 Buick Skylark Gran Sport proves that people are attracted to older vehicles if there is a chance that they are affordable. The Listing View figure of 135 isn’t that impressive, but this Buick has attracted an incredible 147 bids. It appears that people like what they see and are willing to let their wallets do the talking. That poses the question of what it might reach before the hammer falls in a few days. What would you be prepared to pay for this survivor, and are you tempted to join what has undoubtedly become a bidding war?