In 1972, Buick Skylark buyers had not one, but two choices, if they wanted some open air with their new car. The first was to buy a convertible, which was discontinued the following year. Or a Sun Coupe, which had a manually operated, soft roll-back “sunroof” that would see only one year of production. The seller has one of those cars, whose build figures vary between 1,600 and 3,500 as hard and fast records aren’t available. The seller’s edition is in Waterford, Connecticut, and available here on craigslist for $13,900. It looks good, but there is some rust brewing in a few places.
The Sun Coupe was available on the base Skylark, Skylark 350, and the Skylark Custom, of which we don’t know covers the seller’s car. As part of the Skylark 350 Sport Coupe, buyers got golden emblems on each C-pillar and your choice of bright red or gold carpeting depending on the interior trim color and combination. The sunroof by itself was available as a standalone option on the other two models. The Buick Heritage Alliance estimates that 3,450 to 3,943 of these cars were built, while well-versed Buick specialists believe the range is more like 1,600 to 1,800. Regardless of who you go with, the numbers aren’t big by auto production standards.
This Sun Coupe has put some highway in its rear-view mirror at 106,000 miles and counting. But it’s done some of this without its original 350 V8, but another from 1972 with a 4-barrel carburetor resides in its place. It along with an automatic transmission is said to perform great. Which always makes me wonder why sellers don’t pull good running cars out of the garage for the photoshoot. The orange paint looks good, but there is a small dent, compliments of the prior owner as well as some rust in the lower front fenders.
We can’t say much about the interior because all we see of it is from the outside of the car. That makes us wonder if there’s red or gold carpeting inside. Hagerty estimates one of these Buicks is worth $6,600 in Good condition and $11,400 in Excellent. The seller’s car is somewhere in between based on what we’re told. So, he/she may be thinking the folding vinyl roof is worth double the money. Doubtful, especially since these things were prone to develop leaks. Fortunately, that technology has improved greatly over the years.
White interiors came with black carpet
I love these cars in any configuration.
That color combo works extremely well, particularly fitting a Sun coupe. It looks very good at first glance, but considering the rust damage then describing it as ‘excellent’ is a stretch…
Rust brewing? That’s an understatement. Looks like several places are constructed of rotting bondo. They ceased being steel….or even rust….long ago.
I’d be curious to see pictures of the radiator core support and transmission cross member. Both are infamous rot spots for these In Addition to the usual body rot spots.
The only rust impossible Bondo is in those to lower fender panels. There is nothing else anywhere this is one of the cleanest Rust Free cars youll ever find
Nice color combination! The Sun coupe is really cool and rarely seen. Appears to be nice inside & out. The rocker panel rust is definitely a concern.
Bondo Buggy
It’s no 25K .72 Cutlass, but it is a nice car. Could be a decent value if you can get it for 10K and it isn’t all rust and bondo.
It will need quarters, doors, fenders, probably wheelhouses, maybe more. It’s only worth 15-20k fully restored. 5-6k tops on price because of the top.
The only rust and possible Bondo is in those to lower fender panels. There is nothing else anywhere this is one of the cleanest Rust Free cars youll ever find
I know a guy with a nova like this
The SkyRoof option on the Novas was super cool. The option lasted a little longer on that model, 1 1/2 years, so there’s a few more of them than the Buick versions. Chevy added the SkyRoof mid-cycle in 72, and then ran the full year of 73 with them. I wonder if the Buick roof and the Nova’s roof share the same mechanical and gaskets?
A co-worker bought one brand new in the same color combination. Cool car!
You people are out of control and nothing better to do but sit behind your computer and say stupid comments. I was very clear that the only issues with the car are the fenders and 1spot on the quarter panel that was hit when they pulled it our of the garage. Someone tries to be honest and you idiots sit there and say stupid stuff without even checking out the car. I challenge any one of you who have made negative comments to come see the car in person. If you don’t then keep you mouth shut! When I bought I had a local shop check it out, and they know more then all of you put together, and this car is very clean with little to no rust. Floors, trunks, frame all in great shape.
Please just stop!!
Welcome to barn finds Rich. This is what we do. We love cars and comment on the cars that are written up based on the pictures. Nothing personal. If you have a problem perhaps you can request your car be removed from the site.
The headlamp bezels on this car are either ’70 or ’71 items. The ’72 bezels were flat black in the recessed portions surrounding the headlights with a chrome outer edge.
I have this same car. I am the second owner and have owned it since 74. I have replace the seat covers and carpeting, and the top once. It still runs well, and I use it infrequently. I would like to sell it as in Alaska it takes up needed garage space. I have no idea yet what is is worth, and I’m doing research. I believe it would be considered in good condition. My husband is a mechanic and the car has been looked after.