Vehicle Description
1966 Buick Skylark GS
When General Motors authorized engines up to 400 cid in its
intermediate cars, Buick seized the chance to create its first
muscle car, the 1966 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 325-bhp rating
as in Buick's full-size models.
For consignment, this piece of mid 60 cool with style and speed and
power was picked up at the Carlisle Auto Show 8 years ago. The
person our consigner bought it from had bought it from the original
owner making him owner 2. And you shall be 4! But before you buy,
read on. The 2nd owner restored it, and the 3rd added new sail
panels and carpeting and did a new headliner. It's just beautifully
preserved.
Exterior
This full on restoration from 10 years ago is keeping in lock step
with the factory version that rolled off in 1966. 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 showing as functional
and in chrome and behind the wheel well in front. Let that engine
breathe...breathe! Nice trimmings for the window surrounds, wheel
wells and rocker. Paint is the deep end of the Shadow Turquoise
pool and still retains its respray shine. A flying buttress style B
pillar gently descends to the trunk line and the rear glass is
neatly inset within these buttress B pillars. On the back, a line
of chrome and tail lighting is seen on each curved corner. A shiny
rear bumper hangs below. 14-inch faux knockoff polished wheel
coverings are wrapped with BFG raised white letter radial T/A's
Interior
Lots of WOW factor with a swing of the doors in the form of
turquoise vinyl door panels that have a horizontal pleated center
panel, all in a chrome frame. Just below is a swath of turquoise
carpeting, and a larger outer chrome frame is surrounded by smooth
turquoise vinyl. Upscale is definitely shining on this Buick.
Inside the Gran Sport we see a rarely optioned bench seat. The back
sports this seat configuration as well. These are beautiful in
their presentation with low backs, all bathed in turquoise vinyl
and some darker turquoise bolsters then it's back to the turquoise
but smooth for the edges of the bolsters, sides and backs. Moving
towards the dash is a floor shifter which sits within a molded hump
covering in turquoise clean loop carpeting, and houses a single
center mounted tachometer hanging below the dash and its factory.
The original looking dash has been preserved and even has the
original Sonomatic radio with its Jetson-esque lettering across the
top. The remainder of the dash keeps it original with an inward V
design, some chromed vertical ribbing, and the standard speedometer
and no clock for the driver's instrument cluster. Above is the new
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 a 4-barrel on top and sports some red painted
valve coverings to go along with the red painted black and red
badged and black rimmed air cleaner covering. Hoses and wiring are
all like new. On the back is a Borg Warner T10 4-speed manual
transmission. 10 bolts hold the 3.36 gear ratio rear axle.
Undercarriage
Some slight surface rust is noted and it's very spotty and not seen
in too many spaces underneath. Independent coil springs are
upfront, and on the back a 4 link with coil springs is seen. Drum
brakes are on all 4 corners, and a Turbo muffler gives this Skylark
a healthy scream.
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
interior is beautiful to go along with the exterior paint and
original trimmings.
A solid 10 year ago restoration, with some serious muscle under the
hood, and remaining mostly original looking. We have just driven
off of the factory line and it's off to the Classic Auto Mall. Eyes
will be on this one no doubt!
VIN DECODE
446176B35605
4-Buick
46-Skylark GS
17-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
6-1966
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
135605-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
04A-1st Week April Build
STYLE 66 44417-1966 Buick Skylark GS 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BODY BAL1579-Baltimore Body #
TRIM 166-Aqua Vinyl
PAINT LL-Shadow Turquoise
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.