1971 Buick Skylark Custom

Description

The Buick GS 350 was by far the most popular of the GS line in 1971 and they continue to be popular even today. Luckily, there are cars like this tribute available, which provides all the thrills and handsome good looks without the lengthy search and bloated price tag. Add in a great color combination and a ton of desirable options, and this clone starts to look pretty tasty indeed.

You can't go wrong with black on your Buick, especially when it's one of the most potent muscle cars of the period. As a clone, it was OK to add the GSX-style rear wing and a chin spoiler, because they only make it look better. You also get a hood-mounted tachometer, which is one of the coolest ideas ever, as well as that twin-snorkel hood that defines the breed. Finish quality is quite good, especially for a black car, and there's no sign of the original Willowmist Green, so you know it was a thorough and professional job. It's showing a bit of age and use in the form of touch-ups and a few minor chips, but the overall presentation is pretty darned impressive. All the correct GS touches were included, too, making it look quite authentic. Up front, there's a GS badge, the rocker panel trim has red stripes, and the front fenders advertise Stage 1.

The handsome Sandalwood interior is a nice complement to the black bodywork, and it appears to be this car's original interior choice. Buckets and a console are a welcome sight in a Buick, and even though it was intended to be a luxury coupe, this one does a pretty good impression of a legitimate muscle car. There's a horseshoe shifter in the center, a three-spoke wheel, and a trio of gauges that work in conjunction with the tach on the hood. You'll note that the gear indicator in the speedometer works with the console-mounted shifter and as a Buick, features like factory A/C (nice and cold) are not only welcome, but probably expected. A newer Kenwood AM/FM/CD stereo system with speakers in the custom kick panels sounds great, especially with the Buick's added sound-deadening materials, and a set of aftermarket gauges were added in the usual spot under the dash. The trunk is neatly finished with a reproduction mat and a vintage bias-ply spare tire with jack assembly.

There's no need to dismiss a small-block GS, because this torquey 350 cubic inch V8 delivers genuine muscle car performance. The twin-snorkel air cleaner assembly not only looks cool, but it funnels cold air directly into the 4-barrel carburetor. Dante Red paint on the block is a Buick tradition dating back decades, and the tidy engine bay looks well-maintained and full of recent parts, including a brake master cylinder and A/C components to make it compatible with R134a refrigerant. It starts easily with that characteristic Buick burble and with a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission behind it, this GS feels nimble and responsive around town. A recent dual exhaust system gives it a more subtle muscle car sound that's appropriate to a Buick and it's quite clean underneath, obviously the product of a warm climate. Proper Buick Road Wheels are fitted and carry big 215/70/15 front and 255/60/15 rear BFGoodrich radials for just a bit of attitude.

Few people will know this is a clone, and for those of us who appreciate a little luxury with our performance, Buick's GS will always be a favorite. Call today!