The Skylark began as an upscale version of Buick’s revised Special compact car in 1961. When the Special moved up to an intermediate in 1964, the Skylark followed and became a series of its own. This beautiful ’64 Skylark ragtop belonged to the seller’s elderly neighbor, who has recently passed away. So, the seller is now trying to sell the machine, which hasn’t left the garage since 2020. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, this sweet “project” is available here on craigslist for $12,000. What a great tip, Tony Primo!
Specials and Skylarks joined three other “new” mid-size cars at GM in 1964. The rest were the Pontiac Tempest/LeMans, Oldsmobile F-85/Cutlass, and the Chevrolet Chevelle/Malibu. Buick dropped the 215 CI aluminum block V8 as standard in their mid-range cars, replacing it with an iron block 225 V6 that cooked up 155 hp. That’s what’s in the seller’s car rather than the optional 300 V8. While the Special was also offered with a convertible, Buick built more than 10,000 Skylark drop-tops, too.
We’re told this Skylark is like new at 107,000 miles because its previous long-term owner treated it with kid gloves. Said owner was a car nut and had possessed this Buick since the 1960s. Besides the “Fireball” V8, the convertible also has a 2-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle has been an Arizona resident since Day 1 and apparently only saw daylight in perfect weather.
There is no rust, and we suspect the white paint and blue interior are original. Unfortunately, the vehicle isn’t currently running as it may not have been started in six years. Besides a new battery, the buyer will likely have to clean out the fuel delivery system. We hope it’s not any more complicated than that. So, bring a tow truck and keep your fingers crossed.
This looks like it might be a nice car but, when saying to the public “Please give me $12k of your hard earned money” it seems the seller could provide more and better pictures.
What seller should have done is get the car running properly, and take the photos outdoors in a nice setting. As it is, these images don’t tell the full story of the car’s condition. As solid as it appears, I wouldn’t want to tow it home if I didn’t have to.
The seller is a neighbour and probably has zero mechanical skills. If the car sits for too long, he will probably realize that it’s priced too high.
GREAT Pictures…
I send him the money in cash
Actually the “Skylark” nameplate appeared in 1953 on a limited production convertible. Harley Earl, GM’s styling chief at the time, supposedly gave one to his wife.
It appears this has been taken good care of over the years. If it will start and go into gear, this should be a relatively simple project with a thorough cleanup job. As with any car that sits for long periods, you will also be addressing the fuel system, brakes, gaskets…etc…etc.
The neighbor ( seller ) might be a older person who can’t do any of the work on it to get it running and taken out of the garage or spend his own money to due it.This is common out here in the retirement communities in Phoenix
If this is a senior-aged enthusiast finally selling off the heirloom, then this is another example of the relentless price pressure in the car hobby these days.
This scenario is playing out all across the country, with new inventory like this coming onto the market *every single day*.
Lots of these heirloom cars were well cared for, but they are past their prime as far as attractiveness to the current buyer pool. There just aren’t enough buyers who can absorb the onslaught. Smart buyers know this and bid accordingly.
looks like a solid survivor. much better than most of this week’s junkers. drop top with a/c. not many like that. i would show up with cash and a trailer and make a deal take it home and enjoy. bought many cars over the years in this non op condition. not a big deal for me any way. 3k miles away is bit too far for me
Did not know that GM made a V6 that long ago and when gas was relatively cheap yet. Nice and air conditioned too. Had a friend who retired in Arizona and made side money flipping cars. You can see why, this one is great condition.
If this is the gem it seems and is described, it’s probably well worth its money. It takes restoring a well taken of gem and experience otherwise to know what a maintained, dry and original cream puff is worth. The work and results are so much more desirable and easy.
Someone will get a bargain. Easily converted to a 350 Buick V-8 if need be.
The ad says it is 17K.
Price now raised to $17K.
In the description, after stating that it’s been in storage since 2020, he writes that it’s been started on a regular basis, so, it might just need some fluid changes and could possibly be driven across the country. Price is now $18k and seller says it’s going to the highest bidder. I can’t blame him. If interest is that high, I’d do the same thing.
Now to $18,000. Maybe buy next week it will be in the 20’s.
Someone needs to tell the owner about car covers. His wife is looking for her bed sheets