For most of its extended time in Buick’s portfolio, the Skylark was a popular mid-size automobile. In 1968, buyers could choose from the Special, Skylark, Skylark Custom, Gran Sport (GS), and Sportwagon when shopping for an intermediate within the Buick fold. This seller has a sweet ’68 Skylark Custom convertible, the only way to get a ragtop in that series unless you went for the performance-oriented GS. Said to be mostly original and carrying low mileage, this Buick can be found in Lodi, California, and is available here on craigslist for $35,000. Bravo, T.J., for this superlative tip!
With the 1968-72 redesign of the Skylark, the 2-door models rode on a shorter wheelbase than those with double the door count (112 inches vs. 116). Of the GM mid-size cars, the Skylark had the most unusual styling (check out the angle of both the front and rear clips at the grill/bumper level). Of 177,000 Skylarks to roll off the assembly line in 1968, just 8,000 or so were Skylark Custom ragtops like the seller’s beauty.
There’s a fair amount of marketing lingo in the seller’s listing, but that doesn’t detract from the apparent quality of this vehicle. But some things don’t jive with one another. For example, the seller says the car is fully restored but also says that the paint is original. Also, the mileage is stated as 38,000 at one point and 32,000 at another. Perhaps I’m nitpicking. But it appears to be a numbers-matching Buick with a 350 cubic inch V8 (4-barrel) and automatic transmission (Buick’s version of a 2-speed Powerglide).
Besides an upgraded sound system (turned up loud when you have the top down!), the Skylark has new tires on Rally wheels, new springs (from sitting for extended periods? And it sits rather high in the front in the photos), new shock absorbers, and a tune-up and fresh oil. From what we can tell, this Buick is turn-key and ready for a cruise to the beach, mountains, or anywhere between. How many of these droptops can be left?
Nice car but don’t think it rolled out of the dealer’s lot that high off the ground. Bought a new ’66 and it proved to be the right size and good looking. Doesn’t surprise me at all that they made muscle cars out of them.
“Unusual styling”. Thats one way to put it. Buick had to work hard to make the iconic GM A body look this “unusual”.
Convertibles are worth more, but this is priced $10k high.
I agree.this car is only a 20,000 k car at best.
Hmm…those speakers in the rear seat will guarantee NO ONE will be sitting there, rust on the wheels, rear bumper misaligned, “powerglide”, and this Buick appears to be doing the “Carolina Squat”. I agree with Old greybeard. Seller’s asking at least $10k too much. May cost at least that much to clean up.
Bumper isn’t mis-aligned, it’s bent. As so many are.
It sure is Purdy. Rockin that yellow isn’t easy but it sure does.The repaint is close to the lighter original yellow. It’s at least 10k over given today’s market and not being a desirable model, although I love it front to back especially with the top down! You wouldn’t look so much like the typical old man driving a collectable in this one.
I had a 68 skylark Convertible as a newly minted Ensign in the Navy in 86. Mine was brown with beige interior. White convinced top. Enjoyed the car, but it had a dodgy transmission. sometimes wouldn’t go into reverse. got used to parking it where I could drive out directly….
bent bumper, blue intake manifold 38k miles. i would want to see proof. little too much $$. i have seen 68 gran sports for that price. 68-69 love them or hate them. good luck
My first car in 1972 was a 50K miles 1968 Buick Skylark, yellow body, black vinyl top, and white bench seat interior. The two speed transmission would lose kick-down gear every month or so. In Florida we have heat in the morning and AC on the way home, the controls would cause blisters on my fingers from changing the rotation dial twice a day. The doors were huge, fortunately I was skinny, tall, and agile. The black top, yellow below, and white interior taught me everything I NEVER WANTED AGAIN in a car. But the curvaceous styling, I had lusted after when it came out in 1968. Every vehicle since has been all about the engineering, and less about styling.
PS – The parts car at a local yard I scavenged was this exact model. Boy, I wanted those wheels.