1966 Buick Skylark

Description

It's rare to see a Buick that's not a GS get the muscle car makeover, but this 1966 Skylark convertible shows off what's possible with a little imagination. After all, this is a cousin to the GTO and the Olds 442, so everything that's great about those cars translates directly to the slick Buick, too.

Originally red, this Skylark now proudly wears a coat of blue that looks especially good on the clean A-body sheetmetal. The first things most folks notice about this car are those hood scoops, which give a low-key Buick a very aggressive overall demeanor. Of course, those contrasting light blue stripes certainly don't hurt with the attitude adjustment, and even speaking as a Buick guy, one has to like the look a lot. Those quarter panels look about a quarter-mile long, but they're straight and well-finished, and as a convertible, this one feels rock solid with doors that fit well, a tribute to Buick's build quality. Styling is typical '60s conservative, but there's a quiet confidence about this car that suggests it has nothing to prove. Just the same, it's dressed nicely with bright chrome bumpers and plenty of bright stainless trim around the windshield and grille.

As conservative as the Buick appears externally (well, without the stripes and scoops, anyway), the interior says, "Let's party!" Striped seat covers look authentic and fit beautifully, making for a very inviting passenger compartment. The fat wood-rimmed wheel is clearly a recent addition and looks quite upscale, which is certainly appropriate in GM's #2 brand. The original gauges keep track of the basics assisted by an under-dash temperature gauge, and the dash itself wears bright stainless trim instead of the ersatz wood that would come later. Entertainment from the AM/FM/CD stereo is augmented by a remote that keeps the original AM radio in the dash for an OEM look. The trunk is simply massive (and remember this is only the "mid-sized" Buick in 1966!), carrying a full-sized spare and a mat that fits well. Overhead, a light blue convertible top looks new and expertly installed with no wrinkles or sags.

Displacing a nice, round 300 cubic inches, the 310 Wildcat this Buick holds represents the torque rating, and the stout small block moves the convertible with genuine enthusiasm. Finished in Buick Turquoise, it shows evidence of regular service and fairly recent paint on the valve covers and very few deviations from stock. It's backed by a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission and a 10-bolt out back. No, it's not detailed and shiny like it's going to the prom, but it is solid and nicely maintained, with a recent dual exhaust system that sounds muscular. Classic Buick road wheels always look great, especially when wrapped in period-correct G70-14 redlines.

If you're a Buick fan or just looking for a clean ragtop that isn't a garden-variety Chevy, this muscle-bound Buick deserves a second look. And where else can you get into a nice classic convertible for this price?! Call today!