The Skylark was Buick’s premium mid-size car between 1964 and 1972. And, IMO, the cars got better-looking every year. Case in point is this 1972 Skylark, which may be the Custom model given the optional bucket seat interior. It looks to be in pretty good shape, though the orange paint might benefit from a coat of wax. Per the seller, it no longer has Buick power under the hood, replaced by a comparable 350 cubic inch Chevy V8. Located with what appears to be a dealer in Beaver, Pennsylvania, this nice tip is brought to us by “JDC,” who wonders if it’s underpriced. The car is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $13,000.
Buick played musical chairs with the Skylark nameplate in 1975 after taking a two-year break, turning it into a badge-engineered compact Chevy Nova. So, the 1972 Skylark was the last mid-size (for a while). Three trim levels of the Sport Coupe were offered in 72: the base Skylark (85,000 copies), the Skylark Custom (34,000 units), and the Gran Sport (fewer than 8,000 assemblies). If this were a GS, the seller would be making noise and asking for more money.
Not much is said about this car, adding to the dealer theory. We don’t know the mileage, so why was the factory 350 Buick V8 switched for one from the Chevy division (and painted Buick blue?)? Is it even from the same era of production? Since the engine was changed, was the TH-350 or 400 tranny changed, too? No such info. But someone has installed a new dual exhaust and a set of headers plus “many” unspecified new parts.
Perhaps the price reflects the lack of the car being numbers matching. The interior looks quite good, and the body seems to be fine, though the paint color wouldn’t be my first choice on a Buick (but yes on a Chevy Camaro). Based on the info provided, would you be a taker on this ‘72 Skylark?
Appears be sold.
Buick painted their engines red in ’72 so not sure why someone chose blue for the 350 Chevy, but the car appears to just need minor things, like wheel well trim, steering wheel, so not surprising someone bought it. It does appear to have a ’71 rear bumper and I am not a fan of the GS emblems. Hopefully the next caretaker searches for a Buick 455, at least that’d be my choice, and replaces the bow tie.
I’ve owned my all original 70 Skylark Custom for 30 years now. It has the 350-2.
Purists will scoff at the owner going with the Chevy 350. Obviously will impact the price amongst said purists but if the goal is to drive the car and enjoy it then I can fully understand the choice simply due to the fact that OTC parts for older Buick engines are few and far between and the ones found are top dollar. I have no doubt there is currently a good number of Buicks of this era sidelined in frustration due to this.
GLWTS.
Very good price, and quick sale reflects that. Hopefully underneath wasn’t PA salt rusty!
Buick sure made them better looking by 72, compared to the 68’s.
Sure I would prefer Buick power here also, but the price was right and looks pretty clean otherwise. Someone got a good driver here.
Small block Chevys were blue starting 77 when they became “corporate” engines, lasted through about 80-81 when they went black. Looks like this is a corporate blue engine with a later black intake on it.
Yes, it’s definitely a late malaise-era 350, so this is not an upgrade by any means.
The corporate blue engine era at GM lasted six years, starting with the 1977 models through the 1982 models, with the satin black era starting in 1983.
No thanks with the chebby engine….
Once more time: every vehicle on the planet does not need a Chevy engine.
somebody got a great buy… nice looking car.
Why do people remove AC systems? ARRRGH!
lot of Bondo in those 1/4s from the pics. chevy motor hacked in and a/c ripped out. hard pass but looks like a sucker was found. better them than somebody else.
Regardless of the engine somebody got a good deal. The ‘70-72 Skylarks are my favorites and IMO they are the best looking.