From 1964 to 1972, the Skylark would serve as Buick’s primary mid-size car, on par with Chevrolet’s Chevelle Malibu. These cars were redesigned in 1968 and had perhaps the most “dominant” styling of that era of GM’s intermediates. This 1968 Skylark Custom is said to be a barn find and looks like a long-forgotten automobile. Located in El Paso, Texas, this running project needs a lot of cosmetic love and is available here on eBay where the current bid is a mere $376 (reserve unmet).
If you parked all of GM’s mid-size cars next to each other, the Skylark (and the lesser Special) would be the easiest to identify. All four corners protruded somewhat, and the rear end finished with an inward “v” shape. That level of styling would be slowly subdued in 1969 and again in 1970-72. Sales of the ’68 Skylark Sport Coupe (like this one) were brisk at nearly 77,000 copies of which 57% were the Custom model with a slightly higher level of trim.
From the seller’s presentation, which relies largely on a video, this Buick was tucked away for many years. That’s mostly evident in the few seconds shown of the interior which has badly deteriorated. It will literally need everything before you’d want to spend much time in there. The body is rough though not ravaged by the rust bug, and the car looks like it once had a vinyl roof covering that was removed long ago.
We’re told the 350 cubic inch V8 runs well thanks to a rebuilt 4-barrel carburetor and a new fuel pump. The engine is paired with what is probably a TH-350 automatic transmission. You may be able to take it out on the road, but I wouldn’t go far without a thorough inspection. I’m trying to envision this Buick with new paint and a refreshed interior, but it’s hard to get the ugly out of mind. Thankfully, a pile of money can fix that!
Last time the seller ran it through eBay the high bid was $4,550, which cleared the reserve. However, the “sale” wasn’t completed. While this is rough, it’s a complete late-60’s A-body, which is becoming hard to find. Sourcing missing parts will nickel and dime you to death. If this auction end close to the same amount it’s probably a good deal.
Steve R
The saler should have taken the $4550. As high as ANYTHING is now days its rediculious. With what a paint job -dash pad and other things it would need–will cost a good bit. A person would be alot better off–doing all the work yourself. Whatever you do to the motor. Stay away from AIRTEX FUEL PUMPS. THEY ARE JUNK. Watch the new parts you buy real careful. Be choosey of the parts ad try to stay away from China junk.
I had a 68 skylark custom with split bench and vinyl top! This is a plain jane bit it has a 350? Mine had a 340 in it! So was a 350 an option in 68? Or is this a transplant? Or do they have the displacement wrong?
Not only that, but the transmission. 1969 was the first year for the TH350. This is likely a Super Turbine 300 two speed automatic
I maybe be wrong, but I had a 1969 Skylark Custom. If my memory is correct it had a 350 V-8. Mine was a beautiful soft yellow with a dark brown vinyl top. The interior was beige and had bucket seats, and auto in a center counsel with the horse shoe shifter
In my opinion, $4,550 would be outrageous for this car. I believe top dollar would be somewhere around $2,000. Being from the sixties and having 4 wheels does not automatically make it golden.
i agree if they were offered 4500 should have taken it. seller really needs to put an effort in finding at least a decent set of buick hubcaps because the ones on there are hideous and do not promote the look of the car and help with the sale as it needs a good deal of cash pumped into it.good luck
$4500 was a gift !
If this thing had a tree growing out of it, it looks like Derek Bieri would have a field day with it! I like the way the vinyl top is finished over the top of the 1/4 panels. It’s a cool ride, no underside shots? Hopefully its a true southern car, with the minimum of rust. Good luck to the new owner : )
Last year for 340 engine was 1967, have one on a pallet, customer wants rebuilt for 1939 Ford coupe engine swap.
The worst body style for the 1968 mid size GM cars – the rear bumper treatment always looked to me like somebody backed into a pole. The 1970 redesign was so much better !