The first thing I bought when I got a stable, career-oriented full-time job was a ’65 Buick Skylark. Seeing how time has its way with us, I’ve owned it for 22 years next month, and I sometimes wonder if the old girl deserves a restoration, or at least a new paint job. Then I realize that I don’t particularly care to own cars that are too nice, so I live vicariously through the deeds of others, such as the owner of this beautiful Skylark convertible. Barn Finds reader Scott found it on craigslist in Portland, Oregon, and its $28,900 asking price seems as if it’s right on the money considering how much work has gone into making it look like it does.
If you decide that you too are a Skylark person, you’ll need to accustom yourself to the blank stare you’ll invariably get when you try to explain what kind of engine your car has. As I tell anyone who asks, “It’s a Buick 300 small block,” which is typically met with stony silence. I then explain that Buick only produced it for four model years before replacing it with their similar 350, by which time the person who asked wishes they hadn’t. It’s true, the 300 was an all-iron engine (starting in 1965) based on the aluminum 215. It came in two states of tune in 1965, a two barrel with 210 horsepower (seen here) and a four barrel with 250 horsepower (which is what mine has). The most common transmission behind both was the Super Turbine 300 two-speed automatic with Switch-Pitch torque converter, but someone has deposited that in the circular file and installed a 200-4R four-speed automatic with overdrive. To take better advantage of the new transmission, a 3.23:1 gear set replaced the factory 2.78s, a massive improvement. With this drivetrain, fuel mileage on the highway must be in the 20-mile-per-gallon range.
For those who aren’t familiar with Buicks, the “Wildcat 310” nomenclature on the air cleaner denotes the torque rating, a common Buick practice up through the mid-’60s.
That’s not all that’s exciting about this Skylark. Basically, if it could be removed, it was restored or replaced, including a full interior kit, windshield, and convertible top (including a repainted top frame).
The car has been subjected to some rust repair, including the floorpans and trunk floor, which is a common issue on A-Body GM cars of this era. Can you tell that work has been done back here? Me either.
I suggest clicking on the craigslist ad to see the extent of work that’s been done to the car; it’s as close to fully restored as a ’65 Skylark will probably ever be, including one repaint in the original Flame Red back in 2011. There weren’t too many Skylark Convertibles built back in 1965 (10,456 with V8), and they’re certainly thin on the ground today. While the ’65 Skylark isn’t as collectible as a ’64 GTO or a ’70 Chevelle, it has similar bones and still draws a lot of stares, and this might be one of the nicest you’ll find.
Unfortunately, or maybe it is fortunate, the cars that really make me think about how much I could conceivably spend on something I don’t need but really want are about as far away from me as is possible, while still in the 48 states.
Nice unusual find. A college friend of mine had a convertible like this in light/ice blue with a white top. I remember wandering through a junkyard, 1982, in Argos Indiana looking for a power top motor…which we found. The yard had lots of cool “old” stuff, which was relative as the car was less than 20 years old at the time.
Beautiful car! Nicely done.
Learned for the first time today, (66yo). Buick used a torque number on the air cleaner decal instead of cubic inches mid-’60s! This explains the 445 used for Rivieras then, which always confused me! lol
445 Wildcat! Actually was a 401 Nailhead
Always liked the Skylark and especially the GS models. Even the 68-69 models have grown on me. This car looks great and has already had all the money spent on it. Not many fully restored GM A body convertibles at this price.
Buick offered the 340 V8 for 1966 and 1967. The 350 was first available for 1968.
You’re right, but the 300 was also available until 1967, and both it and the 340 were superseded by the 350 in 1968.
IIRC, the Skylark was the upscale trim level for the Y-Body Buick Special from 1961-63, before it became a separate model line starting in 1964, when the 215 aluminum V8 was sold to Rover, never to return. This one is a sweet ride, restored/repaired to a high standard, GLWTS.
Thanks Robert, I’m having a tuff time making up my mind BUT O love Buicks.
Totally regret selling my 1965 Skylark convertible 25 years ago. Needed work but was complete. Different priorities at the time.
When I look to buy a car, the grill and taillights must take priority, if I don’t like those I’ll pass. Now this Skylark to me has the nicest looking front end and taillights on Skylarks up to 67. After that Buick just destroyed the entire look of the car for me. This one is really nice but for me it would be required to have a 4 speed manual transmission.
God Bless America
Our ’66 black over metallic gray 2 door, good V8, AC, and wheels as on this car made for a great ride. Beautiful car here.
One of my favorites.