With summer fast approaching, many enthusiasts think of hitting the road behind the wheel of a classic Convertible to savor all that Mother Nature offers. Barn Finds writer Russell Glantz must harbor the same desires, spotting this beautiful 1965 Buick Skylark Convertible. It has clocked under 10,000 miles since undergoing a meticulous frame-off restoration, and it shows. There is little to criticize about its presentation, and the mechanical configuration should guarantee an effortless driving experience. The seller has listed the Skylark here on eBay in North Andover, Massachusetts. Bidding sits below the reserve at $5,400, but the strong action suggests that the price could climb significantly before the hammer falls.
Buick launched its Second Generation Skylark for the 1964 model year, with the latest offering slightly larger than its predecessor. General Motors followed the common practice of chassis sharing, with the Pontiac Tempest and Chevrolet Chevelle riding on the same platform. Our feature car rolled off the line in 1965, and it is a sight to behold. The seller states that it underwent a meticulous frame-off restoration, and with the builder “zeroing” the odometer, it has clocked a mere 9,200 miles since the work ended. They chose to refinish its arrow straight panels in the original Arctic White with a matching power top and contrasting Red pinstripes. The lack of imperfections and deterioration suggest the car has led a sheltered existence, while the underside shots confirm that this gem is rust-free. The top fits as tight as a drum, with the sparkling chrome and spinner hubcaps adding a classy finishing touch. The glass is crystal clear, and the Red parade boot works perfectly with the pinstripes to “tie” the exterior to the interior trim shade.
This Skylark is ideal for relaxed summer touring, and its mechanical specifications ensure that the experience will be fairly effortless for the person behind the wheel. The first owner ordered this Buick equipped with a 300ci V8, a two-speed “Super Turbine” transmission, and power-assisted steering and brakes. The engine should generate 210hp and 310 ft/lbs of torque, providing respectable performance without placing it in muscle car territory. The seller doesn’t indicate whether the car is numbers-matching. However, they confirm that the engine is rebuilt and that the Skylark runs and drives perfectly. They supply an embedded walkaround video in their listing showing the car in action. They don’t hit the open road, but the engine sounds as sweet as a nut, and there is no evidence of the minor squeaks and rattles that often develop with age.
This Skylark’s interior is a sea of Red trim that is as impressive as the rest of the vehicle. There is no evidence of wear or other problems, and the only identified issue is a broken shifter knob. However, a brief online search uncovered an excellent replacement for under $40, meaning that addressing the shortcoming won’t break the bank. The Buick retains its original pushbutton radio, with a modern stereo secreted away in the glovebox. Many potential buyers will find that acceptable, although purists may consider removal to recapture the car’s showroom form.
The listing statistics for this 1965 Buick Skylark Convertible prove that people like what they see. That is understandable because its condition is virtually faultless. Its one identified fault would be cheap and easy to address while removing the hidden modern stereo would return the car to its original state. Basically, the winning bidder will need to spend little on this classic beyond the purchase price. That makes this Skylark worth more than a passing glance.
This car looks very nicely restored to original spec, with no goofy wheels or giant speakers on the package shelf, or some dumb aftermarket steering wheel which people seem unable to resist.
I had a HT model about 10 years ago, and they are great- driving cars. Kudos to the builder.
I completely agree with Rex. All I want to add is this looks like a very high quality restoration. Everything looks beautifully done. Very amazing Buick.
I’ve been the happy owner of a ’65 Skylark Sport Coupe with a 300 four barrel for 22 years. Anyone who buys one won’t regret it, just a really solid old car.
They’re nice cars. Best of all, the mid-60s Skylarks, and even Gran Sports to a lesser extent, don’t seem to have a huge following and you can find a very nice example for reasonable money.
Love it! I had A 62 Buick Skylark and went to trade it in on a 65 California Gran Sport. Spent 4 hours at the dealer but didn’t pull the trigger. One of my life’s regrets. I wish this was closer so I could drive it and check it out.
It is $11,400 now it will be interesting to see what it goes for. If you love Buicks, this is one of the best ones.
I grew up in a stripper ’65 wagon. Black over tan. The convertible has beautiful proportions. I assume that it has at least 109 K miles unless the ‘restorer’ rolled back the speedo to indicate when the engine was rebuilt etc.
Nonetheless if I had the dough laying around this would seem to be a fun buy…….after a thorough inspection and documentation of all work done. As a dealer seller I am sure the ask is substantial.
Beautiful car, and the new owner is getting a gem. Along with the shift lever, wonder if a factory radio antenna could be found, although the spring one is probably the best looking one of all of those types I’ve seen.
Hubcaps from a 66 skylark
How will a 2 speed auto do at 50 mph and above? What are 2 speed autos like to live with?
High gear in a two-speed (ST300 in this case) is 1:1, same as a three-speed automatic, so higher speeds are basically unaffected (except that there won’t be a passing gear kickdown above about 55-60 mph). The Skylark has a switch-pitch transmission, which means that the stator blades in the torque converter electronically move between two positions based on throttle input. That helps to make up for the tall first gear (1.76:1 or something like that). Three-speed automatics have a first gear in the 2.40:1-2.50:1 range.
Thank you Aaron, I’ve always wondered. I have to say I was even a little shocked to learn that in the 50’s there were auto transmissions that were 4 speed, which made me think “Why on earth were we only using 3 for so long?”
I followed the link to the Ebay site and there was one picture posted? Where did all the other pictures come from? FWIW, if the upgraded stereo is hidden in the glove box and the speaker installation is done neatly, I would scrap the AM radio. This ain’t 1965 and there’s no excuse for bad music or sound quality anymore, if you can even find an AM station that plays music.
Lots of AM stations that play music.
My favorite station listen to is an AM one here in the Twin Cities WDGY. 60s, 70s and they now go into the mid-80s. 101 years old this year.
I listen to lots of AM stations.
Btw, I also have XM.
If you scroll down on the eBay listing to “see full description” and click on it it will take you to their website with a bunch of pictures.
I love this car’s looks. I find it interesting that Chevrolet went away from this slab-side design in 65 for the ‘coke bottle’ look, which was then adapted for Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Buick in 66.
Of the ’64-’67 GM intermediates, the Skylark is my fave by a good margin. This one is really nice…Would not change a thing.
Perfect for a summer drive. White and red are classic. Nothing to fix or change.
WOW!!! With an asking price just over 11 grand this is the deal of the year. Unfortunately my portfolio has taken some serious hit this year or I’d be buying this beauty.
God Bless America
I had 2 65 Skylarks over the years. First one in 1969, Seconds one in 75. Great cars. Took them on long trips over 500 mi each time. The 300 is a trusty engine and loves 75 mph. It just cruises along effortlessly. My grandfather’s ( in Northern Mn. ) new 1970 Bonneville wouldn’t start in the garage at -35 my Buick started. My grandfather couldn’t believe it. Nothing but slush in the radiator set for -30. Got about 18mph with it. Wish this was mine. Great drivers and comfortable seating. One of the best Buick combo’s ever.
Bruce, I grew up on the Iron Range and I’m guessing your grandpa didn’t have a 50/50 mix or even 60/40 antifreeze-water mix.
Remember the testers with the colored balls, all 5 had to float for a couple of minutes to get an accurate reading.
I worked at a gas station in my hometown and my Dad was a diesel mechanic. Never saw slush in a radiator except for when I unfroze a poorly maintained car in Alaska in 2/79 at -54 half in & out of a garage. Once I unthawed everything I used a 60/40 mix. 3 days later had it running.
Nice looking car! Love the old Buicks and Ponchos.
Nice car.
It’s listed at $29,900.00 on their website
Reserve is still a good ways off…
Now imagine this car with a 4 speed Automatic, positive traction rear end, 350 engine, heavy duty suspension with front disk brakes, With quick ratio steering and 15 inch wheels. This is my 65 skylark and you wouldn’t know it by looking at it. It rides like a Cadillac but handles like a Camaro.
Now imagine this car with a 4 speed Automatic, positive traction rear end, 350 engine, heavy duty suspension with front disk brakes, With quick ratio steering and 15 inch wheels. This is my 65 skylark and you wouldn’t know it by looking at it. It rides like a Cadillac but handles like a Camaro.
Could you drive “this one” to the “SAC ‘O’ SUDS” too
?
North Andover, MA, my old stomping grounds growing up. Went to college there too.
The car is $29,900 on their website. LOTS of pics.
https://www.silverstonemotorcars.com/vehicles/1026/1965-buick-skylark-8
A couple of years ago I came across a ’64 or ’65 at a car show.
Using computer wizardry, he fashioned the tachometer to match the look of the speedometer complete with the sweeping needle & numbers to match. One of the coolest things I’ve ever seen.