1972 Buick Skylark Sun Coupe

Description

In the early 1970s, when muscle was fading away due to regulations and gas prices, car companies were working overtime to get people into the showrooms. The result of one team's labor was the Buick Sun Coupe, a Skylark with a giant canvas sunroof designed and installed by the American Sun Roof Corporation. Only 3943 were built in 1972, making them some of the rarest of all Skylarks and a wonderful car to drive today.

What better choice for your Sun Coupe than code 56 Sunburst Yellow paint? With a GS-style hood and rear spoiler, and the black top, this rare Buick takes on a performance attitude that isn't just for show. The respray is a few years old, but given the presentation as well as the factory hardware upgrades, it's obvious that this car was owned by someone who knew what he wanted. Paint isn't perfect, but shows well, panel gaps are even, and the car just looks right the way it sits today. And, of course, there's that big sunroof, which is remarkably still original and in good shape. It slides easily, the canvas is in great shape, and despite what you might think, it seals up quite well. The open-air experience it offers transforms the coupe, and you probably won't get tired of being the center of attention every time you peel it open.

Inside, the Skylark was still stylish, comfortable, and most of all a Buick, which means goodies like factory A/C (upgraded to R134a refrigerant) are part of the deal. That means luxury and performance in equal doses, although this one is packing some extra heat (more on that in a moment). The black front bench is original and well-preserved, and the back seat probably hasn't seen a passenger since the 70s. Crisp markings on the gauges show little wear, and there are new carpets on the floor with matching mats. The trunk is neatly finished as well, offering a new carpet with a correct bias-ply spare tire.

So, about the upgrades. Well, under the hood you'll find a rebuilt 455 cubic inch Buick V8, which is unquestionably the king of torque. The Dante Red paint on the block looks stock, along with the 4-barrel carburetor and the open-element air cleaner that dresses for combat. Stock-style valve covers match the block, and the factory A/C compressor remains, albeit with upgraded R134a fittings. A more-than-able TH350 transmission handles the horsepower, and power brakes and power steering make the drive that much more enjoyable. The X-pipe dual exhaust is new and plays the note of a deep rumble echoing out of the Magnaflow mufflers. Black steelies are offset by Buick dog dish hubcaps, wrapped in white-letter Cooper Cobras at every corner.

Big power in a rare package-no other A-body came close in '72. Call today!