Vehicle Description
1965 Buick Skylark GS
When General Motors authorized engines up to 400ci in its
intermediate cars Buick seized the chance to create its first
muscle car, the 1965 Buick Skylark Gran Sport. In actuality, the
division's big-block V-8 displaced 401 cubic inches. Undeterred,
Buick simply renamed it the "400". Teamed with a heavy-duty
radiator and dual-exhausts, the 401 carried the same 325hp rating
as in Buick's full-size models.
For consignment, a previously restored with quality in mind 1965
Buick Skylark GS tribute. Yes, it's an early muscle car, bathed in
beautiful Flame Red, has a 401ci V8 circa 1966 rated at 340hp.
Bucket seats, and dual 4bbl carbs. Off to the races kids!
Exterior
This full-on restoration from several years ago is keeping in lock
step with the factory version that rolled off in 1965. A full
horizontal ribbed grille and dual headlights, along with a nicely
preserved lower bumper trimming the chin is noted. On the front
quarters are the iconic and necessary Buick vents. These show as
non-functional and in chrome. Nice trimmings for the window
surrounds, wheel wells and rocker. Paint is the deep end of the
Flame Red pool and still has its original spray on shine. Just a
smidgeon of rust bubbling can be seen on the passenger door. On the
back a line of chrome and tail lighting stretches across the curved
corner. A shiny rear bumper hangs below. 14-inch Magnum 500 wheels
are wrapped in redline Dayton Daytona radials on all 4 corners.
Interior
Lots of WOW factor with a swing of the doors in the form of red
vinyl door panels that have pleated and buttoned center panels, all
in a chrome frame. Just below is a swath of red carpeting, and a
larger outer chrome frame is surrounded by smooth red vinyl.
Upscale is definitely shining Buick. Inside the Gran Sport
necessity option of the bucket seats. These are beautiful in their
presentation with low backs, all bathed in red vinyl and some
chrome bolster trimmings. Racing through the center from the rear
bench is a 3 shield Buick badged red vinyl covered horizontal glove
box. Moving towards the dash is a floor shifter which sits within a
molded hump covered in red and houses a single center mounted
tachometer. A/C has been installed and eyeball vents are in keeping
with the theme of the styling for the rest of the interior. The
original looking dash has been modded just a bit with a redo of
gauges above the aftermarket AM/FM/CD radio, and a panel for the
new AC controls. The remainder of the dash keeps it original with
an inward V design, some chromed vertical ribbing, and the standard
speedometer and clock for the driver's instrument cluster.
Wonderful like new red carpeting floods the floors, and above is a
nice tight clean white vinyl headliner. Nicely done with a few
upgrades but still looking much like the original.
Drivetrain
Under the hood in a fully restored engine bay, is now a 401ci V8
from 1966. It has dual 4-barrel Edelbrock carbs on top and sports
some satin painted aluminum Buick badged valve coverings. Hoses and
wiring are all like new and a turquoise painted block can be seen
under the coverings and bolt ons. On the back is a Borg Warner T10
4-speed manual transmission. A 12-bolt axle holds the 3.36 gear
ratio.
Undercarriage
Some slight surface rust is noted throughout. Independent coil
springs are upfront and, on the back, a 4 link with coil springs is
seen. A potential concern though is the use of coil spring spacers
on this rear suspension. That being either weak springs or the use
of too short of a spring. A Flowmaster exhaust is on and power disc
brakes are upfront, and power drums for the rear.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter and nice driver overall. Has nice power as we go
through the gears, and braking is very good and bias free. The A/C
needs refrigerant.
A solid older restoration, now with some serious power under the
hood, but remaining mostly original looking. Save for the Magnum
500 wheels which look great, and a few modifications to the dash,
it is factory looking.
VIN DECODE
444375H242148
4-Buick
44-Skylark V8
37-2 Door Hardtop Coupe
5-1965
H-Flint, MI Assy Plant
232148-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
04B-2nd Week April Build
ST 65 44437-1965 Buick Skylark 2 Door Hardtop Coupe
BDY FB175629-Flint Body #
TR 157-Red Vinyl Buckets
PNT RR-Flame Red
W-Tinted Windshield
2L-4 Speed Manual
P-Reverse Lights
3H-Unknown
4F-Remote Mirror
S-Unknown
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
