Last week, I penned a piece on a 1964 Buick Skylark, and today, I thought I’d review the previous year’s model to see if any similarities exist. This 1963 Buick Special is probably more different than it is similar. Actually, our subject car is a 1963 Buick “Special” convertible, and not a Skylark as the listing states. Regardless, the focus here will be on the transition from the Special’s 1963 Y-body platform to the Skylark/Special’s 1964 A-body platform, arguably one of GM’s most successful ever. We have Curvette to thank for this tip, and those with an interest will find this beautiful convertible located in Orlando, Florida. It’s available here on eBay for $22,995, OBO.

Buick’s Y-body Special was introduced in 1961 and continued through the 1963 model year. The Special’s trim was available in standard and Deluxe versions, while body styles included two-door sedans, convertibles, four-door sedans, and station wagons. In mid-1961, the Skylark was added to the lineup and was officially known as the Special Skylark, or simply the Skylark. It was available in both two-door hardtop and convertible body styles. The Skylark standard equipment included: a 200 HP aluminum V8 engine, bucket seats, custom stainless molding, a padded dash, courtesy lights, full carpeting, a power-operated top for convertible models, and other minor features.

Our subject car lacks bucket seats, and most notably, “Skylark” badging, which means it’s a Special convertible, one of 8,000 assembled in ’63. While not stated specifically, I have to assume this Special is a repaint – it’s absolutely resplendent in its fire truck red finish, and it has a lot more depth than the lacquers utilized in ’63 possessed. As for the white folding top, it appears to be in excellent condition, and I’d wager that it’s a recent replacement. Based on sales brochure images, the hubcap/trim ring combo does not appear to be original, though the seller claims it is. Regardless, I like it! The body panels of this Special are laser straight, the chrome bits shine, and the minimal trim is all in place and looking smart. Let’s talk dimensions. This ’63 convertible tips the scale at about 2,800 lbs, rides on a 112-inch wheelbase, and stretches 192 inches in overall length. Last week’s ’64 measures out with 3,100 lbs. or curb weight, rides on a 115-inch wheelbase, and reaches 203.5 inches in overall length; that’s quite a difference! It almost seems that this ’63 Y-body is more of a compact than an intermediate. Styling, of course, is subjective, but the flowing, swept back lines of the ’64 are hard to beat in my estimation.

While the ’63 Skylark held court with a standard 200 gross HP, 215 CI, “Fireball” aluminum V8 engine, it was optional on Special and Special Deluxe models. Also on the order sheet was a less robust 155 gross HP 215 CI V8, fed by a two-barrel carburetor, and that’s what appears to be underhood here. The seller states, “Rare Strong 215 – V8 Aluminum Block, Smooth Shifting Automatic Transmission, original rebuilt Rochester carburetor, carburetor tag still affixed, Offenhauser aluminum finned valve covers and air cleaner…This car is a blast to drive!” That automatic transmission is a “Dual-Path Turbine Drive” unit.

The interior’s condition is as sharp as the exterior’s. First up is the bench seat; if this were a Skylark, it would be laden with buckets. The material and pattern do not appear to be original, but so what? The condition is not to be denied. And it’s not just the upholstery, it’s all of it, mind you; the carpet, dash, and instrument panel take you right back to 1963. The seller suggests, “Nice interior, clean dash, original Buick AM radio, Day/Night rear view mirror…” Nice interior?!  That’s it for his description? That is an understatement!

While quite a bit different in style and size from the previously reviewed ’64, this ’63 Special is as good as it gets. Let’s talk price; at $22,995, what do you think, priced right or not quite?