The Buick Special/Skylark began as a “senior” compact in 1961. In 1964, the cars – along with similar compacts from Pontiac and Oldsmobile – were promoted to mid-size automobiles. The cars received a styling refresh in 1966, and a pillarless hardtop replaced the Skylark 4-door sedan. The seller offers one of these vehicles, with Buick’s “Wildcat 375” V8 engine. Located near Denver, Colorado, this vehicle runs great but has dents everywhere in the sheet metal. It’s available here on craigslist for $5,500. Thumbs up to Mike F. for the tip!
One of the options you could order for your 1966 Skylark was the Wildcat 375 engine. Rather than referring to displacement, it’s a nod to the motor’s torque. In this case, it was an advertised 375 ft-lbs of torque from a 340 cubic inch V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor. So, Skylarks like this one should have been rather peppy when you drove them off the showroom floor. About 18,700 Skylark 4-door hardtops were produced with a V8 in 1966, plus another 1,400 with a V6 powerplant.
The history of this Buick isn’t revealed, but it’s seen a lot of real estate over the years. As the odometer has rolled over, the reported mileage is 145,000, which would be a lot if the engine or transmission weren’t refreshed. But no mention is made of the health of the drivetrain, other than the car drives out well. A 2-speed automatic transmission is paired with the 340 V8 (numbers matching like the 340?).
We’re told the paint is Sea Mist, Green. Given its condition and the damaged body panels, we’ll assume all of this is original and 60 years old. The interior isn’t perfect either, as the stitching in the fabric upholstery is even splitting in the back seat. Chances are, you could drive this Skylark the way it sits as an example of a well-used survivor. Or you could undertake a cosmetic restoration, which will move the cost of your Buick into five figures.
Wow, since when did an $800.00 car become $5,500?
Bought a new ’66 Skylark coupe with all the goodies, metallic silver gray inside and out, chrome wheels. Ran like a clock for thousands of miles.Only problem was a rattle in the left rear cockpit area which turned out to be lunch bag and a coke bottle.