Vehicle Description
The cool thing about Buick's Skylark is that it combined luxury and
performance in a way no other manufacturer could quite match. With
a rumbling 455 cubic inch V8, a 5-speed manual transmission, and a
full performance makeover, this might be the luxury car that thinks
it's a muscle car.
Built on the same A-body platform as the Chevelle, the Skylark
looks like a bigger, lower, sleeker car in every way. This
rust-free specimen was given a big upgrade in the performance
department, making it a very cool pro-touring candidate. It's quite
subtle, which is part of its appeal, wearing subtle Crocus Yellow
paint that gives this Buick a suitably upscale look. The long lines
are dramatic, no doubt about that, and you'll note how
well-assembled it is, with that character line running from stem to
stern in an unbroken curve. Gaps are excellent, particularly for a
powerful body-on-frame convertible, and the finish has a very
authentic shine that just looks right. There's plenty of chrome,
including stainless rocker panel trim, and if not for the wicked
stance and oversized rubber, this could pass for a concours
contender. If you want to stand out, this Skylark is a great
alternative to a garden-variety Chevelle or Tempest.
The contrasting black bucket seat interior absolutely pops thanks
to new materials inside. Modern bucket seats look right in the
vintage Buick, especially with correct carpets, and beautifully
detailed door panels that give it a factory fresh feeling. Even the
back seat was upholstered to match. Look closely and you'll note
there are three pedals on the floor, linked to a 5-speed manual
gearbox, complete with a custom center console to make it almost
look OEM. There's also an AM/FM/cassette radio in the dash, feeding
speakers stashed throughout the car. The original gauges are in
good condition and are joined by a complete array of auxiliary
dials in a custom housing under the dash which also handles the A/C
controls. Dig the cool steering wheel with three 60s-style spokes,
the upward-canted switch gear, and black floor mats to make it look
crisp and neat. A new black canvas convertible top has been fitted
recently, and the trunk comes complete with a pair of speakers and
an amplifier for the entertainment system.
The engine is a cackling 455 cubic inch V8 built by TA Performance,
which makes for a very potent package. It's a 1972 block bored .030
oversize and then filled with 10:1 forged pistons, a hydraulic
street cam, and topped by Stage 1 SE aluminum heads and an
Edelbrock intake and carb. There's bright Dante The engine bay has
a sleek high-tech look with the satin black inner fenders and
firewall, which has been smoothed and finished to match. It isn't
flashy but it does have a beautifully finished look that's
different than the normal over-chromed hot rod. Recently installed,
it starts instantly and settles into an even idle immediately
without any crankiness from the choke. The suspension was also
replaced with a Global West setup with tubular control arms and big
sway bars front and rear, plus a set of Koni shocks all around.
Four-wheel disc brakes are a welcome upgrade and the dual exhaust
has just the right amount of sophisticated rumble for a vintage
Buick. Gorgeous Torque Thrust wheels will never go out of style,
and while they are not original equipment on this car, they look
right wearing those fat BFG radials.
With more than $70,000 tied up in the build, this is a fast,
unusual, and beautifully finished Buick. Who says luxury has to be
boring? Call today!
