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Spectacular Survivor: 1972 Buick Skylark

OK, it’s not a GS! If you’re looking for a muscle car review, this won’t be it. Over time, I have come to appreciate the pedestrian, bread and butter models of cars that had a muscle car component. And this 1972 Buick Skylark with a reported 51K miles is as nice a survivor as you will find. Located in Reno, Nevada, this Skylark is available, here on eBay for a BIN price of $25,000. There is a make an offer option too. Thanks to Larry D for this tip!

Buick had a variety of Skylarks in ’72, according to their sales brochure, there were five two-door models alone. First up was a two-door coupe (with a B-pillar), then a Sports coupe (no B-pillar), following with a 350 Sports Coupe, then a Custom Sports Coupe (including a convertible), and finally, a performance-oriented GS. According to the VIN, this example is a 350 Sports Coupe so it’s a mid-tier version that bears a close resemblance to its ’71 and ’70 predecessor. For ’73, things would change dramatically with the new colonnade body style, and the “Skylark” name would be the only commonality.

There’s nothing to criticize externally with this Buick as the Flame Orange finish, topped with an Arctic White roof appears to be like new. There is virtually no text description so this may or may not be the original finish. The chrome and trim are near perfect and if the mileage recording is accurate, this Skylark may well be wearing its original threads. It is equipped rather simply with wheel covers, as opposed to Buick Road Wheels, a white pinstripe across its upper flanks and that’s about it. There isn’t even a passenger-side review mirror. One thing is certain, and that’s the razor straightness of this Skylark’s flanks – there is no sign of crash damage or corrosion of any sort.

Power is provided by a 180 net HP, 350 CI V8 engine. Unfortunately, there are no included details regarding this car’s operating prowess. Upon an underhood inspection, it is evident the A/C compressor has been replaced and the seller does claim that it has been converted to R-21 refrigerant. Research indicates that R-21, which is an HVAC refrigerant, was phased out in 2015 due to its ozone-depleting properties so that makes me wonder if he didn’t mean R 134a as a replacement for the original R-12. Interesting to see is the A.I.R. pump which was primarily a California requirement but that adds up as, according to the VIN, this Skylark was assembled at GM’s Fremont, California plant and was probably intended for California registration. A typical Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed automatic transmission puts the go top the rear wheels.

The interior is as nice as the exterior in terms of condition and cleanliness – no mean feat with white upholstery. All of it, and I mean all of it, the dash, instrument panel, carpet, and upholstery panels show like new. There is no indication of “yellowing” that seems to afflict white upholstery as it ages. The condition of the interior, assuming that it is all original, fortifies the 51K mileage recording.

As stated at the outset, there’s nothing here to criticize, there is praise only for a fine-looking car, one of a size and body style that is, unfortunately, no longer afforded to us. My only question is the $25K ask; what’s your thought, just right or not quite?

Comments

  1. Avatar Big_Fun Member

    I would buy 5 new tires, as that spare is worn. Mounted in those tires would be Buick Road (rally) wheels.
    Nice 350 with the 4bb. Rear bumper is tweaked below left back up lamp.
    Is $18,000 all the money?

    Like 7
    • Avatar Paul C.

      Can you imagine that baby with Buick Rallye wheels

      Like 6
  2. Avatar FordGuy1972 Member

    This Skylark is in impressive condition with beautiful paint and a very clean interior. It’s actually nice to see a Skylark instead of a GS; there’s more than enough of them around so to see a more basic model is a treat. Not much to find fault with here, the car present beautifully in and out. Maybe the 350 with only180hp will disappoint some but it’s performance should keep most happy enough. With power steering, power (disc?) brakes and A/C, this should be a comfortable cruiser. Maybe $25k is a little too much for a 350 Skylark but maybe not; I think you’d be hard pressed to find a nicer example.

    Like 11
    • Avatar Poppy

      Master cylinder appears to be for a drum brake car, but that shouldn’t be a deal breaker for anyone.

      Like 2
  3. Avatar Dan

    The Buick versions of GM’s ’73 Colonnade A Body was called the Century and Regal, not Skylark.

    Like 6
  4. Avatar Chris Webster

    A 350 with 180 net HP is fine for a cruiser. Throw a set of duals and (as above) a set of 15 inch rallies. Discs too.

    Like 8
  5. Avatar Bakyrdhero Member

    I’m curious what others think this is worth. It’s a very clean and original Skylark from the weakest year mechanically for this generation. Double the mileage and it’s a $10k car. I do love these Skylarks.

    Like 4
    • Avatar PRA4SNW

      25K seems kind of steep, to me.

      Like 6
  6. Avatar Autoworker

    My mom had a ’72 Cutlass in the same color combination. I agree with the comments about the rally wheels and dual exhaust.

    Like 3
  7. Avatar Scuderia

    Thinking this should have had a vinyl top not a two toned paint job?

    Like 1
    • Avatar A.G.

      In 1972 Buick did offer two-tone paint as an extra cost option with Artic White as the recommended top color for the Flame Orange body. The car has been previously repainted. Seeing documentation from the Sloan Museum or another source could answer the question of originality.

      Like 2
  8. Avatar CCFisher

    All this needs is a set of Buick rally wheels or American Racing Torq-Thrust M wheels. I think these are the ugliest wheel covers ever.

    Like 1
  9. Avatar Little_Cars Member

    For a few years in the 1990s-early 2000s I kept sets of 14″ Buick Rallye wheels on hand for just such a project. Would buy them off salvage cars or local CL, clean them up. Also make sure to have the proper center caps and lug nuts. Installed more than my fair share on friends and my Skylarks, Regals and Centuries.

    Like 3
  10. Avatar Marty Parker

    I believe you mean R-12, not R-21.

    Like 1

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