One of the interesting things that I have noted regarding GM’s A-body lineup for ’69 is that the Chevrolet Chevelle/Malibu, Pontiac Tempest/LeMans, and Oldsmobile F85/Cutlass all followed a similar Fisher Body vibe in terms of overall design. The C-pillars differed a bit but there were sloped and rounded similarities. Buick, however, marched to the beat of a different drummer going for a sort of extended batwing rear end with a sculpted body character line traversing both sides’ door and quarter panels – it made a visual statement! Today’s find is special owing to its convertible body style, one of only 6,500 examples – and in this case, assembled in Fremont, California. Currently located in Las Vegas, Nevada, this rather conspicuous drop top is available, here on eBay, for a current bid of $6,100 with the reserve not yet met.
The Skylark convertible was part of Buick’s “Custom” series, which also included a two-door hardtop, four-door sedans, hardtops, and faux wood-slathered “Sport Wagons.” Lesser trims were known as the Special Deluxe, which came in two-door sedans or four-door sedans and wagons. The GS series were high-performance versions of the Custom two-door hardtop or convertible and did possess individual model codes.
Screaming Yellow Zonkers, from the same era, is the first thought that I had when spying this Skylark’s obtuse yellow finish. It’s in fair shape though there are some scrapes, minor rust, and other contusions. The chrome bits are sound and the stainless trim is all present and accounted for. The folding top, which is said to be in working condition, looks fine. As is often the case, this Buick is rolling on optional Buick road wheels.
Power is provided by a 230 gross HP 350 CI V8 engine married to a first-year Turbo-Hydramatic 350, three-speed automatic transmission. There’s no mention regarding this 73K mile convertible’s running or driving characteristics. The engine compartment shows as being pretty clean and original too other than the aftermarket fuel filter and non-original A/C compressor. Of note is the broken gap in the top of the fan shroud. I’ve seen this foible before on cars that have suffered a broken engine mount – the V8 twists up and anything in the way of the fan gets it. I’m not suggesting there’s a problem here, it’s just an observation.
Inside is a nondescript black vinyl bench environment and the front seat has undergone the full Zoro treatment – lots of splits. The dashpad, unfortunately, has suffered the same fate in at least two places. As for the carpet, the driver’s side has worn all the way through which I wouldn’t have expected with 73K miles of use – the GM nylon loop carpet employed in those days was tough stuff! Of course, top-downing it may have allowed some weather intrusion that has aided in its demise. Note the under dash A/C unit, it’s non-operational as that previously noted compressor is beltless.
These Skylark convertibles are nice finds due to their low production numbers. Styling is subjective but Buick’s independence from the rest of the GM A-body herd’s lines is a testament to when the General’s divisions still maintained some independence. As for that yellow finish, yikes, I’d have a tough time with that, how about you?
I always wondered what that little panel in the bumper below the Buick badge is…an extra reverse light?
Yes, that’s a reverse light.
Yikes is right. That yellow would have to go. I always liked Skylarks from this period. They made a statement.
This one has a statement just in another language,
Looks like the 69 Skylark has the DNA of its BIG brothers, 67 and 68 Full size Buicks. That side sweep was IMO one of the best Buicks of all time.
Agree with Fox, this hue of yellow does the Buick no favors. As a gentleman’s car, a Buick, at least in my opinion, looks much better in more conservative shades that compliment the refinement that Buick is known for. The 1970 GSX in Saturn yellow is the exception.
& the rallye 350 oldsmobile.
Drop that reserve and be happy with what you can get. Somebody born in 1910 designed these Buicks, and it shows.
Was “gag” yellow a stock color?
Did Nolte 👮♂️ drive one of these in 48hrs ?
No he drove a conv. Caddy.
Cheers 🍻 Mark.
Love all Buicks. ……. OK JESSE …you told me to make my comments here.. I LOVE BARN FINDS!!!! My onky problem is wanting so many of these swell American cars ..AND hoping to find that 57-58 Cabellero I can afford.
This is my favorite year for the GS…and I have owned several, including a Stage1 4-speed Hardtop and a Stage1 Automatic Convertible. They are amazing cars but, if they aren’t perfect, or really nice originals, the value is nil. The same goes for the ’66-’70 Rivieras. There are nice ones, and not-so-nice ones, and no in-between. This car will never bring anywhere even close to what the high bid currently is…there’s no way. I would bet the farm that the bids aren’t real money.
Gaak Yellow it is! Mellow Yellow it ain’t! That was an AMC color and very easy on the eyes. Painted a myself-resuscitated junkyard escapee FIAT 600D in that color and my wife happily put another 100K miles on it.
Yeah, I’m a little car guy… have been since I fell in love in ’43 with a ’41 Crosley at the ripe old age of eight years. By the time I was old ’nuff to drive, Crosley was history. Bought my first FIAT in ’58 and haven’t looked back! Still happily FIATing just a shade less than 90 years of age… stick shift, too!
This car could be nice with a little love I know from experience that a lot of body shops would really not want to paint a car like this maybe you coax maaco to paint it a nice silver/blue color has an excellent drivetrain probably would cost a couple of thousand dollars but what a stunning car it would be
My only experience with these was a Cutlass convertible I found on the pot lot of a Mazda dealer. It started right up and voila I had my new driver for the next few weeks. My bosses didn’t like it, but by then they were used to my eccentricity. It had the white bucket seats with a console, and after going down memory lane I sold it to a father and son team to rehabilitate for his first car. That was my MO for years as old cars in the 1980’s were just that – old cars. Not the wildly overpriced “discoveries” we have today. I guess I’m of two minds on this. More appreciators make for rising prices, but also no more crushing of hardtop relics. Getting old has only one worse outcome. But isn’t it great to see a young person at Picknpull making a project complete and running?
the light in the bumper is known as a pedestrian light. i fell the high bid is about what it’s worth. looks like a good amount of rot all over, bad interior and engine bay looks pretty bad as well. needs a lot spent on it. this body style you either love it or hate it which seems to keep values down.
What? No comments about the add-on air conditioning?
Yellow was a hot color for G.M cars in the late 60’s-early 70’s. I had a 69 Firebird 400 at that time and everybody loved it. But I’ve always loved bright colors and can’t stand bland colors. Nevertheless not everyone’s taste is the same.
God Bless America
I can just imagine what you think of “all” the great amazing “color” choices inside & out on “modern” all lookalike appliances today – all at ridiculous prices.
On a youtube dealer training video,
“1970 Plymouth Barracuda / Cuda vs Chevrolet Camaro Dealer Promo Film”
Plymouth complains that the ’70 1/2 camaro is only available in 15 colors, while the Cuda is avail in 20 colors!
I agree. it is already over priced in my oppinion.by the time you do all the work that it needs it’s going to cost more that it is going to be worth.todays work on cars is very costly.
I LOVE MINE. Still have my 69 skylark convertible that I drove in high-school in the 90s. My dad’s best man’s brother bought it new and it was my mom’s daily driver while I was growing up. Been in the family since about 1970. Did the bodywork and repainted it in ’95. Still in my garage today. Plans to do a full rotisserie resto on it next year once the new garage is built. Car has always been damn near bulletproof.