It is staggering to believe that in an era when manufacturers were keeping fairly comprehensive records, there is no definitive production total for the 1972 Buick Skylark Sun Coupe. Regardless of which of the many estimates you might choose to believe, the fact is that the Sun Coupe is an extremely rare beast. This one is a beauty, needing nothing but a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Barney for spotting the Buick listed here on Craigslist in Newalla, Oklahoma. The seller set a price of $26,500 for this beauty.
Buick’s Second Generation Skylark range was in its final production year in 1972, and after a two-year absence, the badge would reappear in 1975. The company was determined that its retiring stalwart would go out in style, releasing the limited edition Sun Coupe variant. Its defining feature is the vinyl sliding sunroof, which this car features in Black that contrasts the White vinyl top. The seller confirms that this classic received a repaint in its original Flame Orange, and its presentation is first-rate. There are no significant defects, the panels are straight, and I can’t spot any evidence of rust. The sunroof works perfectly, and the vinyl looks excellent. The aftermarket wheels represent the most obvious of a number of changes that the buyer could reverse in their quest for authenticity.
The first owner chose to trim this Skylark’s interior in White vinyl to complement the top, and the condition is as impressive as the exterior. There is no evidence of yellowing or stains, and the vinyl is free from rips and other issues. The Black carpet is in good order, with the dash and console equally spotless. The Dakota gauges, sports wheel, and retro-style stereo are recent additions, with the car also featuring air conditioning.
Various factors resulted in cars produced from 1972 delivering lower performance than their predecessors. The 350ci V8 found in this car generated an official 180hp when it left the factory, while the same engine churned out 260hp the previous year. Part of the drop was due to manufacturers transitioning to quoting outputs in Net terms, while compliance with emission regulations accounted for some of the loss. This Skylark sends its power to the road via a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, with power-assisted steering and brakes forming part of this package. Although the V8 appears to be essentially untouched, the suspension and brakes have received considerable upgrades. Stopping power comes from a four-wheel disc brake conversion, while the steering benefits from a Borgeson pump. The suspension has been dropped and is loaded with high-quality QA1 components. There is no supplied specific information regarding this classic’s mechanical health, but I see nothing suggesting that the news will be anything but positive.
Estimates that I have seen for the 1972 Buick Skylark Sun Coupe production tally have been as low as 1,600 vehicles, although some sources quote figures as high as 3,950. Whatever the truth, this is a Skylark variant that we have only seen a few times at Barn Finds. This car rates as the best of the bunch, with no significant needs or shortcomings. It is disappointing to me that it has been modified, because many readers will probably agree that rare classics should be preserved. However, the changes made are reversible, and with the seller’s price appearing quite competitive, doing so could be a wise long-term strategy. Do you agree?
That is one beautiful and rare Buick. There weren’t many made and far fewer survive. The roof had water leak issues and rust destroyed many early. This seems like a fair price for a nice cruiser. All the positives of a GTX without the gas guzzler.
Beautiful car! If it were mine I’d drive it like it is. The modifications will make it stop and drive better than new, so leave it like it is. Save and preserve the original parts should anyone want to return it to original. That’s my two cents.
Wow!! I learned something today, i was not planning on it, but i did.
Interior is not original, but shows nicely. Too bad they pitched the headrests.
Very nice Buick with a lot of suspension work done!
I had a 78 Honda accord with one of these roofs. Let’s just say there’s a reason why they’re not around anymore. Even if its not raining the wind noise and draft never go away. At least in my case it was a $300 beater.
Whatever desirability the one-year sunroof option offered this car was lost when the retro-mod started. It’s not ’72 Skylarks are in high demand to begin with.
Whatever desirability the one-year sunroof option offered this car was lost when the retro-mod started. There’s not much demand for ’72 Skylarks to begin with.
Whatever desirability the one-year sunroof option offered this car was lost when the retro-mod started. It’s not as if ’72 Skylarks are in high demand today.
Man, beautiful car! Wouldn’t change a thing! I really like how this car has been upgraded to semi modern standards. I don’t know if I would call it so much restomod as they didn’t modify the engine or the body, but I would just say that it was upgraded to today’s modern convenience standards to a large degree. With good stopping power, modified suspension so it doesn’t handle like a boat and air conditioning, this must be a great cruiser.
I’m sure there are some drawbacks to the sunroof, but on a great day with the top open, short of a convertible this is a really cool option to have! I wouldn’t think of this car as far as desirability because I’m not even sure how much more this would fetch with this sun, coupe option, but definitely for anyone that likes open roof cruising this is a great option to have as the opening is so big. It’s bigger than the standard sunroof that someone would have in their car.
AMC had Gremlins and Hornets that you could order these sunroofs on. A buddy had a 71Gremlin X with one. Great looking Buick. Needs to have the original wheels or wheel covers put back on.
And ditch the boy racer steering wheel.
I came close to buying a Dodge Demon that had this same style roof back in the late 70s, and I’ve seen the same style roof on a Pontiac Ventura
I looked into a disc brake conversion on my 64 Riviera. Original wheels will NOT fit over the calipers. That’s why the originals are missing.
God Bless America
i have a stock 72 sun coupe for the last 16yrs. mine has a 455 in it w/ a turbo 400 trans in the same color combo without all the gack this has. i like it. not sure if the seller will get his asking as there really is no market for these like the G/S and they leak like a rusty bucket. mine sits in the garage never in the weather. info for these is all over the place so getting hardcore facts is tough. see if it sells
I’ve seen one of these in person at a show here in the Twin Cities.
Different and the updates don’t bother me. Just change the rims back. A few sets on Facebook.