When you think of 1965 GM “A” bodies, the redeveloped Chevrolet Chevelle/Malibu/SS and redesigned Pontiac Tempest/LeMans/GTO generally get all of the press. Well, those two need to move over and make room for this 1965 Buick Skylark convertible, located in Troy, Michigan and available here on eBay for a current bid of $10,100, reserve not yet met.
In 1964, Chevrolet introduced their new Chevelle while Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Buick reconfigured their Tempest, F85, and Special (to become the Skylark), respectively, on an all-new, common, 115” wheelbase perimeter frame. The following year, 1965, was mostly a facelift but produced, arguably, some of GM’s finest looking cars. As I mentioned at the outset, the Chevrolet & Pontiac versions tend to steal the scene but this Buick, a seldom-seen convertible no less, is a great interloper.
Under the hood, this Skylark is powered by a 300 CI “nailhead” V8. The seller tells us that the engine was upgraded with a four-barrel carburetor which tells me that it was originally a 210 HP, two-barrel carburetor equipped version. The listing states that this is a 46,000 original mile example but there is no word on how this Skylark actually runs. Other changes spied include an HEI ignition system and a two-chamber master cylinder. One nice upgrade is the replacement of the original two-speed Super Turbine 300 automatic transmission with a newer three-speed automatic unit.
This Skylark looks super straight. Shut lines and panels line-up well and the Arctic White finish has plenty of depth (though it may be a repaint). There are no signs of rust or corrosion that are visible; remarkable condition for a car of this age!
Taking a peek underneath, the clean state continues; it’s spectacular. This Skylark has clearly been well stored and kept. While GM “A” bodies are subject to rust in all of the usual places, convertibles add to the challenge as the drains for the rear window channel get clogged, water backs-up and take out the trunk floor and the panel under the rear seat. No specifics on that front are included in the listing but I’d be surprised if rust was a problem.
Moving inside, the interior is magnificent. The red vinyl contrasts perfectly with the Arctic White paint job but it is the condition that is a real stand-out. I can’t detect wear-anywhere among the included images. Even the door cards look fresh and they are frequently one of the first parts, driver’s door, in particular, to show wear from weather and shoe scuffs. The seller tells us little about the specifics of this Skylark’s condition but the pictures do some pretty good talking – it all looks just right!
We have no idea where the reserve is set on this Skylark, there have been fourteen bids tendered since early Monday the 16th and the current bid is still in reasonable territory. No doubt, this isn’t a Malibu or a LeMans but wouldn’t you really rather have a Buick?
This is a great example of a 65 at the current bid price. Love the full-length taillight treatment. The red interior is almost TOO clean. I would scuff it up within a few entrances and exits. Hopefully the reserve doesn’t reflect a condition known as Barrett Jacksonitus or Mecum-osis.
I love this car. I’m a Buick man so yes I’d really rather have a Buick. Ofcourse a factory 4 speed would have been my choice, but I can live with an automatic.
I prefer 67’s but this is nice. I have my heart set on a 67 4 speed convertible but I’m very tempted to place a bid. Yeah I’m in let’s see what happens.
God bless America
100 years ago I had one while living in California and it was the best thing I ever did. The car was trouble free, elegant, and flawless while underway.
I’d jump on it but it’s White, of my favorite colors NOT to have on an automobile.
It’s listed for sale at a classic auto store for $19,975.
Why is it riding high like an AMC Eagle?
A very nice car and it presents very well. If that interior is original, it’s in amazing shape but it wouldn’t surprise me if there has been some restoration done in there. I like the mechanical upgrades, the new 4-barrel carb should provide a nice boost in performance as well as the 3-speed auto trans. I’m guessing the seller has a high reserve on this Buick; it a fine car in excellent condition. Plus, as we all know, when the top goes down, the price goes up.
For sale on a classic auto dealers web site for $19,975.
My first car was a 65 Buick Special. This feels so nostalgic. I’d love to own it, but not for 10K.
John, I’m a Buick man too! Folks can
knock ’em all they want, but they’re solid
reliable cars that are built to last. I could
just see my MIL enjoying this car while we
send her 2001 LeSabre Custom out for some much needed repairs. Too bad the
seller has a bad case of Barrett-Jackson
Syndrome, otherwise I might’ve talked to
him and made a deal. Shoot, just think of
all the dates I’d get with a car like that!
Very nice indeed.
I had a 65′ buick sport wagon. It was a maroon color that’s what I called it but I think its called a dark red something. Anyway, I still think its the best looking wagon ever made. It had the 300 nail head motor and the 2speed. I put crager S/S wheels on it and drove it. This was in 78′ or so. I never did anything to it except general up keep. Everybody I knew loved that car. I had a friend in H.S. that had a red 2dr. hard top. Black inside 4spd. It was only 4 yrs. old then. It was the best looking A body GM made that year. The reason people shied away from them as time went on was the engines. My ran great as I said but lets face it its no 327. If you were a hot rodder small block chevy was king. Sure you could swap one into the Buick but why bother when the Malibu already had one in it. Later…………………………………JIMMY
I remember my parents buying a new ’65 Skylark, green with black top and interior. They didn’t like the bucket seats so they took it back and got the bench seat put in. Us three kids learned to drive in it. My dad never wanted to put the top down, he didn’t want to wear it out. As soon as we got out of sight, down went the top! The spinner hubcaps had a bad habit of flying off if you cornered too fast, spent lots of time finding them again on the side of the road. What a great car.
First car was also a ‘65 Skylark convertible, but blue with a black interior. Plus it had one of my favorite options….power windows! That was a long time ago in a galaxy far far away.
Not a bad looking Skylark but is in no way all original, has after market Magnum Rally wheels with knockoffs, and the interior has been replaced with probably a nice Legendary set, the VIN is missing a 4, as the correct number would start with 44467 for the Skylark. Bench seat vinyl torn at adjustment knob, and the Steering wheel has had a very nice restoration done, no way that is original, good color match for sure. Red painted in the taillight housing surround, should be factory black. Has anyone else noticed, where the heck is the radio antenna? Factory put them all at the rear of the passenger fender, with a nice teardrop SS base plate. Just a few things I noticed here and wanted to share, Otherwise a nice looking A body Buick Ragtop, would like to see more undercarriage pics and trunk pics. Oh and the 300 v8 is just a small block and not actually a nailhead. Wish the seller good luck with his sale.
CaCarDude — Those are not aftermarket Magnum wheels, those are Buick Rallye (I think that is the proper spelling) wheels but not available in this year. I’ve had many sets and dressed up many a Special and Skylark with ’em. They also appear to be appropriate 14″ size but the profile of the tire is a bit large IMO. What is aftermarket are those silly knockoffs that don’t belong on any Buick, ever! Keep those for your sports car or riding lawn tractor.
The upgrades in my opinion improve the car the electronic ignition and master cylinder!! However some might frown on it not being original!! The mods to me make it a driver and in my opinion it is simple enough to put back!! I don’t think you can go wrong with this car!! Well maybe the price!!!
I had a ’65 2door HT Skylark, also with the 300. Not nearly as nice as this one, but still have a fond place in my heart for it. Traded it in the 80’s for a Vega wagon. Owned that Buick longer than any car then or since!