1972 Buick Skylark Custom

Description

Buick has built some pretty brutal street hardware, ranging from this 1972 GS Stage 1 convertible tribute to its younger siblings, the turbocharged Grand Nationals. And as most street racers know (or eventually learn the hard way), it's usually a mistake to tangle with a big, bad, black Buick like this.

This car show's a restorer's touch in the bodywork, because it's definitely show quality. Black has a magical quality to it, but only if it's right, and this one is most certainly right, and the big Buick stalks the streets with a swagger that few other cars could match in 1972. The sheetmetal was worked until it was straight, then worked a few more times just to be sure, and the paint simply glistens. Gaps are quite good, although you'll have to take my word for it, since the black paint hides them so well. A proper GS hood, complete with scoops to force-feed the big 455 underneath, as well as the blacked-out grille and red rocker panel trim, were all fitted to give it a very correct look. All the chrome was completely restored to factory standards or better, and against the black paint, it really reinforces the Buick's "gentleman's express" image. And although it looks plenty menacing all by itself, a batch of correct reproduction GS Stage 1 badges were fitted as an additional warning.

Buick's upscale interior was part of the package, even with the brutal GS Stage 1, and the luxurious black bucket seats never let you forget that you're in a top-of-the-line piece. Beautifully restored, it offers correct materials and patterns, a beautifully restored woodgrained center console, and options that you couldn't get on some of Buick's sister brands, like ice cold A/C. Speaking of center consoles, this one also features that awesome horseshoe shifter, as well as the original AM radio in the dash. The factory gauges are in excellent shape, including a tachometer to the right of the speedo and auxiliary gauges in a matching pod to the left. A brand new black convertible top with glass rear window is included, and it powers itself out of sight with the touch of a switch on the dash. The trunk is also neatly finished with a correct mat and full-sized spare with its own cover.

Buick's Stage 1 big block made more twist than even the legendary LS6: a whopping 510 pounds of it. The engine in this '72 is a proper-looking 455 block with correct Stage 1 hardware, so it's more than just a garden-variety 455 with some speed parts thrown at it. It runs just as if the factory built it, and the detailing is quite good, so the illusion is very convincing. Of course there's that massive air cleaner assembly that draws cool air from the hood nostrils, and reproduction decals have been used throughout. The block wears correct Dante Red paint, although you can't really see it from above with all the equipment, and there's an Edelbrock carburetor and numerous upgrades inside. It's backed by a TH350 and 10-bolt rear, just like a real GS, and thanks to a rotisserie restoration, it's clean and rust-free underneath. Even the exhaust system is a proper reproduction piece that gives it a muted V8 burble. Handsome Buick Road Wheels were part of the GS package, so they're fitted here and wear 225/60/15 BFGoodrich T/A rubber.

A definite force to be reckoned with, this GS Stage 1 delivers everything its looks promise. Call today!