While condition, desirability, rarity, and performance are often cited as key selection criteria when choosing a classic to park in your garage, enjoyment should not only feature on the list, but it should be at or near the top. After all, what is the point of purchasing a classic if the ownership experience is anything but fun? The seller states that this 1971 Buick Skylark is a fun cruiser, and with a relatively fresh V8 under the hood, I see no reason to doubt this. It isn’t perfect, but it is a turnkey proposition that I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Scott for spotting. The seller has listed the Buick here on Craigslist in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with an asking price of $15,000 OBO.
Buick’s Third Generation Skylark range, which the company produced between 1968 and 1972, marked a radical styling departure from its predecessor. The latest offering had a more sculpted appearance, mimicking the changes other General Motors marques like Chevrolet made to the Second Generation Chevelle during this period. The first owner ordered this Skylark in 1971, and its paint shade is a mystery. Appearance can vary in photos, depending upon the light, but I can’t find anything close to the Yellow gracing this exterior on the ’71 Skylark paint chart. There are several similar shades on the General Motors color palette for that year, suggesting that this could be a Special Order vehicle or one that has undergone a color change. I am happy to be corrected if I’m wrong, because I am not infallible. The dazzling paint is contrasted by the Black vinyl top and stripes that give this car a distinctive appearance. The Buick makes a positive first impression, with paint that shines, straight panels, and vinyl that is in as-new condition. The seller doesn’t mention rust, which is reassuring. However, examining the final photo in this article reveals bubbles in the driver’s side rear quarter panel that might be a sign of impending problems. They aren’t huge and might be nothing to get excited about. The remaining lower extremities look clean, but this would be enough to warrant an in-person inspection. The Magnum 500 wheels aren’t original, although they are period-correct for this classic.
This Skylark’s interior makes a great first impression. The front bench seat allows room to accommodate six people, while the Black vinyl trim and matching carpet are in good order. It hasn’t been burdened with a huge range of additions, although I think it may have received a radio upgrade. So far, so good, but there is one flaw that stands out like a sore thumb. The dashpad has an enormous crack above the gauge cluster, and the way it has warped has virtually guaranteed that a DIY repair is out of the question. Therefore, the new owner could ignore it, throw on a cover, or splash around $350 on a reproduction replacement pad. Considering how tidy the rest of the interior is, that is the option I would choose.
Lifting the hood reveals a “350/350” drivetrain, with this Skylark featuring a 350ci V8 and a Turbo 350 automatic transmission. That V8 would have produced 260hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque, according to the Buick Sales Brochure for that year. There is no reason why it couldn’t match that figure today, with the engine only clocking around 15,000 miles since receiving a rebuild. The transmission has only accumulated 5,000 miles since receiving similar attention. The seller doesn’t mention any issues or maladies, suggesting that the Skylark is in excellent mechanical health. They say that it runs and drives well, describing this gem as a fun cruiser.
This 1971 Buick Skylark is a tidy classic that is ideal for someone who places enjoyment ahead of total originality. It appears to have no pressing needs, although the question mark hanging over the possible presence of rust will prompt most potential buyers to negotiate an in-person inspection. However, if that reveals that this classic is solid, indulging in some weekend cruising behind the wheel of this Buick might be a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. It appears that any potential mechanical gremlins were eliminated with the engine and transmission refresh. Therefore, that inspection might be the first step in this Skylark’s journey to the new owner’s garage.
Nice Buick for the price. Just add the missing A/C compressor and drive it. Remove all the funny red tubing under the hood!
I could do without the black stripes. This is a Buick Skylark, not an Olds 4-4-2.
I think you mean Chevelle, Terrry. Outside of the pace cars, Olds did not put Rallye stripes on the trunks of 442s. But, yes, I agree with you. The Skylark would look much cleaner sans hood and deck lid stripes. And while we’re at it, get some black hoses and plug wires and remove the red paint from the overflow tank and vapor canister.
Striking colors. Would be a nice ride to show up in. Lower the windows for that great hardtop feeling.
I think the 70-72 Buick skylarks are very good looking cars, just as good or better than the rest of the GM sister cars of the period. This makes for a really sharp driver for not a lot of money.
Those are not magnum 500 wheels, they’re Buick rallies, same wheels since 1963 I believe.
Nice Buick, they really improved this design compared to 1968.
Price is a relative deal, like Cutlass’s you get much more for your money compared to insane plain 307 Malibu prices.
Agree 💯 w your analysis Clarkey 👍
SO much nicer than that 307 Malibu that went for 20 something K a few days ago.
People are suckers for names.
That Chevelle was also located within one hours drive of 6 million people in an area with a high concentration of wealth. It was complete, but rough around the edges. The Buick is in an area that is relatively remote and has its own share of issues, though ut looks great in pictures. I wouldn’t pay anywhere close to what the Chevelle sold for, but good deals don’t last and 16 days on the market shows the market isn’t excited about this Buick.
Steve R
nice color. looks to be decent paint job but the stripes hurt the look as others have said it’s not a chevelle. all the red trim under the hood also needs to go. reinstall a a/c compressor and charge it up. he should spend 8 bucks and buy a brake pedal pad. good price