1969 Buick Skylark Convertible

Description

Buicks don't seem to get the same respect their Pontiac and Chevy cousins do, but that means that cars like this 1969 Buick Skylark Custom convertible offer incredible bang-for-your-buck opportunities not found almost anywhere else in the classic car world. Offering great 350 V8 performance, great choice options, and awesome A-body styling, this gorgeous droptop Skylark makes you wonder why anyone would ever pay a premium for a Chevelle or GTO.

In truth, this is a clean, honest driver-quality convertible. It isn't a show car, it isn't a rest-mod, and isn't trying to be a GS Stage 1 clone. Instead, it's been faithfully restored, and properly maintained its entire life, and because of that it looks great today. It's obviously been repainted (the original color was a rather bland Code 61 Burnished Brown Poly), and we absolutely love the classic look of the dark red finish that covers this Buick's bodywork today. It's a top driver quality finish, smooth to the touch with only minor imperfections to speak of here and there, and the bodywork shows off straight body line, exacting gaps, and clean panel alignment. It's obvious this droptop has always been well-cared for, and when it was put back together it was done right. This sucker fits together really well, which can be uncommon for a classic convertible, and the great shine coming off the uniform red paint gives this Skylark Custom off-the-carts curb appeal. The sharp, swooping crease on the profiles is a Skylark trademark, and between the streamlined front fenders and tall rear quarters, this is a very dramatic design. There's not a ton of brightwork and chrome, but what is in place shines up brightly against the red finish, including the front grille, the hood trim, fender gills, wheel arch moldings, and imposing bumper front and rear. Every square inch of this Buick is interesting to look at, which is precisely why we love it so much.

The black interior is factory-spec and in very good condition, further proof of this car's comfortable life. Black pleated seat covers on both the front and rear benches, matching door panels, and even the plush carpets are clean and proper for the 1969 vintage, showing only very minor wear and signs of use. A thick-rimmed, 3-spoke steering wheel at the helm gives the conservative dash a sporty look and feel, and it's joined on the column with the shifter for the automatic transmission below. There's a wide set of factory gauges in the factory bezel ahead, and they cover the basics, while a newer black dash pad up top matches the rest of the car's upholstery. Factory air conditioning was ordered when this car was new, although it needs service to once again be fully operational (it's only blowing cool at the moment), but other than that this Buick is fairly bare bones – manual windows and locks, and there's not a stereo currently in place. The black convertible top is in great shape and features a glass rear window, and it seals the cabin up nicely from the outside elements. Out back, the spacious trunk was finished off with bright red carpets for a clean, albeit contrasting look.

Buick's own 350 cubic inch V8 provides big torque from a small package and a unique sound that's music to Buick lovers' ears. The block is dripping in chrome and polished bits, including chrome valve covers, a matching Holley air cleaner, steel-braided lines, and a big 4-barrel carburetor atop a polished aluminum intake. Other upgrades include an MSD distributor and ignition system, a chromed alternator, power steering and power brakes, and long-tube headers that feed into a true dual exhaust system below with glasspack-style mufflers. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission powers the original 10-bolt rear end, and just a single glance at the underside of this car is all the proof you'll need of its excellent condition. Bright red floorpans are solid as can be, the axles and suspension parts ere painted and detailed to show off, and even the gas tank looks newer. Ever-classic American Racing 'Old Style' Torque Thrust wheels are fitted with 205/65/15 blackwall radials, so it's ready to cruise and look good doing so.

This Skylark Custom offers lots of top-down fun for a fraction of the price of the other guys, and the performance will likely surprise you. Become a Buick fan and take this one for a drive. Call now!