The Skylark was a Buick staple for 46 model years, though not all strung together. For most of its run, it functioned as a mid-size product, including this 1971 convertible from the second generation (1968 to 1972). This drop-top has been in storage for years and doesn’t run, though it did when it was parked in 2010. Production numbers for this body style were low, so you won’t find one of these every day. Located in Streator, Illinois, this Buick is available here on eBay where $9,000 is the present bid.
Changes to the Skylark from 1970 to 1971 were minimal, such as fine-tuning the grille pattern and so forth. The Custom was a more upscale version of the standard Skylark, which by no means was shabby. That version came with a 350 cubic inch V8 engine as standard equipment with a 2-barrel carburetor, and the seller’s car is one of them. The convertible was reserved for the Custom and GS series, of which 3,299 and 902 examples were built, respectively, in 1971.
The mechanical status of this Skylark isn’t known since it’s been tucked away in a garage for 13 years. We’re told the engine turns by hand, so at least the motor hasn’t frozen up over time. The mileage isn’t high at 77,500, so hopefully a rebuild won’t be necessary. But flushing out the fuel system from start to finish would likely be in order. And you’ll need to go to AutoZone for a new battery.
The body seems to be okay, and the blue paint is passable, but not perfect. There is a small ding in the rear bumper and the trunk contains rust but, hopefully, it hasn’t permeated the metal. The convertible top has a tear in the material, but the seller says the rear window is good. The interior looks nice except for one slice in the driver’s seat bottom. Overall, the Buick seems original except for a radio substitution. This looks like a great find!
Good looking Buick. It’s a shame the seller couldn’t push it out of the garage to take better pictures. Otherwise it’s a nice convertible to clean up and enjoy driving on the weekends and bring to car cruises..🐻🇺🇸
I love these cars. I had a 71 very close in VIN. I miss that car a lot. Someone will have a good time with this for years to come. Bumper to bumper I think these were the best looking 68-72 A bodies.
The sides look pretty good, but on the horizontal surfaces (hood, roof and trunk lid) the paint seems to have oxidized. Take care of the basics (fuel, air and spark) to get her running, followed by a cut & buff of the paint and a good cleaning and detailing on the inside, then start making a list of what to do next. This baby has air conditioning, so reconfiguring the system to run on modern refrigerants is a must, unless you want to take out a bank loan every time you need to recharge the system with the R12 refrigerant the system was born with, LOL!
The GM AIII body cars were as common as dirt, with every division except Cadillac getting a version to sell, so there are an almost limitless supply of OEM and aftermarket parts available, including a huge array of performance parts available. This platform was the basis for the Chevy Chevelle/Malibu, Pontiac LeMans and Oldsmobile Cutlass, so a lot of parts, including many body panels are common to the entire line. Usually the only exterior differentiators were the badging, front clip and taillights. Each division used their own engines, but the rest of the driveline were all common components, including the GM THM series of automatic transmissions.
GM used different trans’ for BOP line until mid to late ’70s, l had a ’71 th400 out of a GP and it would only mate to a BOP block not a chevy.
Not quite.Different rear axles between the divisions, and most exterior panels are unique to each division.
Even some hidden panels- wheel house and trunk floors are unique to each division.
Owner of one of the few ’69 Skylarks in Australia.
Very clean Buick with factory A/C and power brakes. I had a 72 Skylark coupe with A/C and it was a nice car, too bad it had a bad camshaft, which seemed to be common among Buick people I knew at the time, must be bad castings. I hope this one finds a good home where it’s enjoyed it for what it is. I would say it looks like it’s been painted, but the interior could be original.
In the early 80’s I had the 72 crew cab version . To this day, still one of the best cars I ever owned.
Something we’re accustomed to today…power windows, a rare option back then! Plus A/C. Current bid $9,100 is still in deep bargain territory.
I would love to see the floors, and more importantly, the radiator core support, which is famous for rotting out underneath the battery tray, but I agree it’s deep in the bargain category. I would expect to see this sell for $12 to $14K.
Had a 67 skylark 375 wildcat one fast car
$5500 would have been a steal!
Faster than a 2 dolla ho. ROFLMAO I wish I would have seen it at 5500 I would already be on my way to get it.
This is one of the very rare deals out there today. BOO on the 350 with a 2 barrel though.
My 71 had a 350 with a 2bbl, she sure got down the road just fine with plenty of power. It’s not a GS, or a big block car, it’s a cruiser for the weekends and car shows. A 4 barrel manifold is an easy swap and adds another 30’or so HP.
Hi, if that’s where the car sat for years I’d say she’s ok. what ever happened to sta-bill? grandma had a 69′ Special. rubber floor never carpet! my mom got the car,gma got a new one. used it to go skiing (Maine). great in snow! Buick seemed more stable…not a base model at all! 2dr 350 auto 3 spd 2brl. nice ride…quiet..close the door! If I can’t find a 400 firebird 68′ I can live with gm from late 60’s…that’s what I had (dad too)! people can’t bid on a picture w/no facts/current pics/service records! in 70’s you could live with the $.
Auction ended, sold for $12,200