For the past decade or so, this Buick Skylark has sat in a lean-to next to the barn. Reader Clay Q’s grandfather has decided it’s time to finally move it along, as his health hasn’t allowed him to get it back on the road and enjoy it the way he’d like. So, he asked Clay to help him get it out of the lean-to, photograph and list it here on Barn Finds! A ton of money and time was invested into the car prior to it being parked, but it’s going to need work after sitting. Thankfully, it looks like a great find with a reasonable asking price of $5,200 $4,300. You can find it in Orland Park, Illinois and you can contact Clay via the form below.
Clay’s grandfather built this Buick to his own liking, so it has some custom features. The most notable of those features is the interior. Custom interiors are always a bit subjective, you either love how it turned out or you don’t. I won’t comment on my personal preference with this one, but I will note that the seat upholstery looks to have been professionally done and is in good shape. Given its custom features, we had Clay send us additional photos of the car and while the photos are small, they give us a good idea of the car’s overall condition.
After sitting for so long, there’s lots of dust to be cleaned off. The paint and chrome both look to be in good shape. We don’t get a look at the engine, but Clay states that it cranks freely and that it’s the 215 V8. Included with the car is a new 3-row radiator that was never installed. They also installed new tires to make it easy to transport and will save the next owner some money on trying to get it back on the road.
The body appears to be in nice shape. After looking it over closely, the only dent Clay has been able to find is on the front fender, but the body is otherwise very straight. He found some surface rust, which he provided photos of it. The floors look to be nice and solid. We would simply treat the surface rust with POR or a similar product. Clay believes this one would make for a great starter project for someone just getting into classic cars or as a “father and son” project. I’m inclined to agree, as it’s going to need work, but not so much to keep you from getting on the road. And it sure would be a great learning experience from someone just getting into the hobby.
Be sure to give this Buick a closer look. If you have any questions or would like specific photos, be sure to contact Clay via the form below. These Skylarks are really cool classics and this one looks like it would be a fun one to fix up. So, what things would you change, fix or leave alone?
- Asking Price: $5,200
- Location: Orland Park, IL
- Mileage: 57k
- Title Status: Clean
- VIN: 312523561
List your car here on Barn Finds for only $50!
You should really ask Clay to provide some photos of the engine if he is serious about moving the car along.
I’d go Crate 502 & Cast Iron Glide for this puppy, and phat boots too.
Flat black primer, of course.
12 bolt Pozi for sure, and sway bars front & back with HD springs all round.
Interior needs to go too.
All done under $12k.
Bob
It’s near impossible to install a Chevy small block in these. But it’s doable.
This is a neat little car that seems to be in pretty good shape. If it’s as solid as claimed, it should be a relatively easy restoration. I don’t mind the seats but the carpet clashes with the other interior colors; I’d be inclined to change it out. I’d keep the stock look as far as the wheels by sourcing a set of full wheel covers. It’s a nice car that seems to be priced fairly; another vintage car that can get a newcomer into the hobby for not a lot of money.
The 2 missing Skylark covers may be hard to find. My Mom drove a ’62 Special and I had a ’63 Skylark convert. Great little cars. ’62 had 15″ wheel option, what a difference in the way they rode, handled.
Not enough blue!
C’mon now, take the time to wash off the tires and what about that overspray on the tailpipe? Presentation is key! Pretty color combination…I hope it goes to a good home.
Just like with the green z28, we have the wrong color carpet. Even the
bluewall tire is a poor match. lol
Now that we’ve heard most of the negatives allow me some latitude on the positive side. I like the color choice inside and out, wouldn’t change a thing except carpet. I’d park this next to my 64 Riviera driving each one as I feel like it. Wheel covers are available from certain Buick used parts outlets.
God bless America
I think this has the same aluminum block that went into all of these “small” GM cars. Oldsmobile and Pontiac alike and then ended up in Rovers. Might even be the same V8 that was in my ’63 rope drive LeMans. never had a problem with it overheating but I have heard others have.
Great starter car for someone wanting to get in the hobby!
A 63 Tempest would have the Pontiac 326 as an option, though the Buick-Oldsmobile 215 was an option on the Pontiac 61-62, it was seldom seen compared to the Pontiac Trophy 4.
@Ralph: Yes Sir, you’re correct. My ’63 LeMans did have the 326 V8.
Some great body lines on this car!!! Some nice rims and tires and ditch the white walls and this car would really pop!!