1965 Buick Skylark

Description

In the '60s, Buicks were for people who enjoyed the finer things, and this 1965 Skylark convertible was exactly the kind of car that you might see driving down your street with the driver wearing a big grin on his face. With a handsome red paint job and an innovative 225 cubic inch V6 under the hood, this Skylark is a right-sized car that will make you smile every time you slide behind the wheel.

The well-proportioned body is a little more curvaceous than your garden-variety Chevelle and not quite as bulky as a GTO, and the bright red finish compliments the image that Buick was trying to cultivate. Bodywork and paint are in decent shape, having been repainted red (original color was gold) some years ago but it's obvious that this was always a clean, well-maintained car that didn't need major surgery during the restoration. More evidence can be found in how nicely the big hood and deck lid fit, and you know there are no replacement panels for these cars, so that's all General Motors steel on there. Buick was done with gratuitous chrome on their cars as well, with just bright, shiny bumpers and a few pieces of trim contrasting with the paint, and it's all nicely finished. A cool ribbed tail panel frames the taillights, adding some interest and a distinctive look to the back of the car, and the sleek grille isn't too ornate, just simple and effective on the big Buick ragtop.

The interior is just so nice that it has probably been restored in original style black vinyl, and there's stretch-out room for six with the wide bench seats. Crisp door panels with correct badges like these are probably difficult to find and the carpets are in excellent condition. The modern Pilot steering wheel isn't original, but it is a sporty leather-wrapped piece that fits this car's personality perfectly, and the slender shifter lever is straight out of the era of skinny ties and pointy shoes. You'll note that this car has been upgraded with an AM/FM/CD stereo that sounds great, as well as a set of bright red floor mats that work rather well in the bright red ragtop. Overhead there's a black power convertible top that stows under a matching black vinyl boot and out back you'll find a neatly finished luggage compartment with a full-sized spare and jack assembly.

Under the hood you'll find Buick's Fireball V6, which was a unique powerplant in 1965. Like all the automakers of the period, they worked to balance performance and economy, and the V6 offered plenty of performance from 225 cubic inches and plenty of thrift thanks to a single barrel carburetor. Fireball is a name from Buick's past, dating to 1938, and it's just as apt here with the bright Dante Red air cleaner and valve covers, a favorite Buick engine color for decades. Whatever the name, however, the smooth-running V6 moves the relatively lightweight Skylark easily, and you'll enjoy the muted soundtrack from the recent dual exhaust system. The rest of the engine bay seems like a combination of excellent original components and new equipment, and this is such a clean original car, it's awfully hard to find the line between the two. The transmission shifts smoothly and there's a set of highway-friendly gears out back that makes this a superlative cruiser that won't break the bank. With factory wire wheel covers and 205/75/14 whitewall tires, it has just the right upscale look.

It would be a mistake to overlook this Buick if you're looking for a fun, affordable '60s ragtop to drive this summer. Call today!