Some classics are more than just a pretty face. That is undoubtedly true of this 1968 Buick Skylark. Hiding below the sparkling exterior are mechanical upgrades that should unleash additional power and performance. There is scope for minor adjustments to enhance its appearance, but the car’s presentation means that the buyer can proudly enjoy this classic in its current form. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the Skylark listed here on Craigslist in Arlington Heights, Illinois. You could drive away in this Buick after handing over $29,900 to the seller.
Buick produced its Third Generation Skylark range between 1968 and 1972, with buyers spoiled for choice when it came to body styles. This first-year example is the Hardtop variant, and faulting its appearance is seemingly impossible. The Scarlet Red paint and White vinyl top is an eye-catching combination. The paint appears flawless, and the vinyl hasn’t discolored or deteriorated. The seller doesn’t mention a restoration history, but the lack of visible flaws and total absence of rust suggest that it has been treated to a significant amount of TLC. The trim and chrome look exceptional, the glass is clear, and the Rallye wheels are wrapped in Cooper Cobra tires.
The theme of tidy presentation continues inside this Skylark, but there are opportunities for the new owner to lift the overall appearance. The driver’s armrest is hanging loose and exhibits deterioration. This isn’t the end of the world, because I easily located replacements for under $40 each. The foam on the driver’s seat outer edge appears to be collapsing, and the front seatcover is stretched. The new owner could spend $180 on new foam to address the sagging, or could throw caution to the wind by splashing around $560 on a new front seatcover. Personally, I would probably only purchase the foam, because the White vinyl inside this car is free from rips and other issues. The dash is spotlessly clean, as is the carpet. The car retains its factory radio, while aftermarket additions include an under-dash gauge cluster and a modern stereo mounted in the glove box.
Lifting the hood reveals why I believe that this Skylark is more than a pretty face. The engine bay houses a 350ci V8, which produced 280hp and 375 ft/lbs of torque according to that year’s sales literature. However, hidden beneath the original air cleaner is a Holley Sniper fuel injection system, which should unlock additional power and improve engine refinement. The transmission is an updated three-speed automatic, with this classic also featuring power steering. The seller states that this Buick is in excellent mechanical health and that they would drive it anywhere. That will appeal to potential buyers seeking a turnkey proposition.
Tackling a project build is not viable for some enthusiasts, leaving them to choose between purchasing a turnkey vehicle or abandoning their classic dreams entirely. This 1968 Buick Skylark is ideal for someone craving immediate motoring pleasure, and it would undoubtedly turn heads. It has no immediate needs, and its few minor shortcomings would be easy and cheap to address. It has been on the market for under a week, but how quickly do you think this Buick will find a new home?
Nice looking Skylark , not many factory options missing head rests , No power brakes means . more than likely drum brakes all around. No Air Conditioning. Power Disc brakes and some other options added would justify the price. Nice having the EFI system, with the wheel and tire addition.
With manual drum brakes, you had to keep in mind to allow yourself time to stop at high speeds. I almost ended up under a truck with my 72 Lemans years ago. My first thought at the time was Roy Scheider in The Seven Ups.
So true Bob almost did the same thing driving my friends GTO. Having not driven a car like that since forever a very scary lesson. Also Seven Ups was a great movie with that car chase trying to remember the car he was driving. Believe it was the Pontiac version of the Chevy Nova which i should know the name another gift of old age. Anyway one of the best car chases in movies.
Awesome movie Bob with the Pontiac Ventura in the movie The Seven Ups.
Very nice looking car.1968 saw Buick Skylark get a more rounded shape with that downward curving side trim. Very attractive! It looks especially good with those wheels. And adding the Holley Sniper increases its throttle response, and I believe they are also tunable. Wouldn’t you really rather have this Buick?
Manual drum brakes.
Does anybody remember laughter?
Yes, my ’40 Ford coupe is all stock except the ’53 Merc flathead. You need to plan ahead and pay attention to traffic if you don’t want to crunch some very expensive sheet metal and paint!
You wont be laffin when any vehicle old or new with POWER brakes stalls out at speed & u WISH u had 4 wheel manual drum brakes. Imagine trying to stop a loaded with options, luggage, fuel & people ’75 caprice wagon & the HEI cuts out – going down a mountain. lol
Always have loved these Skylarks. Magnificent style with the side sweep and v’ed front and rear. These are unmistakable from every angle. Terrific colors with the white top and interior to assist the cowl ventilation and wing windows to keep you cool. Yes, I would really rather have a Buick.
lot of 68-69 larks and gs s popping up lately. this looks really nice and good with those colors but really needs a better steering wheel like the factory wood sport wheel instead of the jc Whitney style
a beauty to say the least and e.f.i makes it even better. Kuddo’s for keeping the stock look underhood including the preheat system on the air cleaner. Manual drums make’s it more thrilling in an emergency stop ;) i would probably convert it to power assist at minimum but would also splurge for a disc conversion for added safety
I had a 1969. I bought it used in 1975. It was a soft yellow with a brown vinyl top and a tan interior. I thought the tan interior was an odd choice with the brown top. It had a 350 ci V-8, with a 3 speed auto, a/c, ps and pb. Bucket seats, center console with a horse shoe shifter and a factory am/FM radio. I loved the car, unfortunately I was a broke college student and couldn’t afford the gas. I traded it for a 1974 Vega in 1976. BIGGEST mistake I made with a car.
This Skylark has been for sale off and on for several months. The seller has kept the price the same, and as I have stated before, I like them, so do others, but the 68/9 does not generally bring the money of their 70-72 siblings. Nice looking car, but one can find a similar condition GS400 for around the same price. It’s going to take someone to fall in love with it, at that price, in this market, at this time of year, for this Buick to find a new caretaker. Best of luck to the seller.
Cheaper than a new car, and waaaayyy cooler!!
It’s the ’68 twin of my ’69. Less the injection. Those drums would have to go, and there’d be some handling upgrades.