1970 Buick Skylark

Description

Maybe I'm getting old, but I find myself drawn to this Buick Skylark all out of proportion to its price. The 350 cubic inch V8 is original to the car and is very strong, the styling is handsome and original, and the way thid cars drive is incredibly pleasant. In fact, it may very well be the best driving Buick we've ever featured. So if you're looking for an old ragtop that doesn't put a lot of demands on its driver and stands a bit apart from the more familiar Chevelles and GTOs, this 1-owner, all-original survivor 1970 Skylark convertible is worth a closer look.

Basic black works rather well on the conservative Skylark. And the amazing thing about this car, is that all of the paint is original. It's not perfect, of course, but there's plenty of character and patina and you could easily enjoy the car as-is for years without giving it a second thought. The sheetmetal underneath is in good order, showing no signs of any past wrecks, and the Buick styling for 1970 was a home-run, just as it was for all GM divisions. The simple unadorned bodywork fits together well and doesn't need add-ons like spoilers or stripes to make its statement. The chrome and stainless trim is original and in good condition, another rarity for a vehicle of this vintage. The heavy chrome bumpers are straight and haven't been bashed or used to "park by feel" and all the original emblems are still in place where they belong.

The interior is also original and 45 years old, and with that in mind, it's pretty impressive. Convertibles in particular are hard on interiors because of UV damage, but the black vinyl seats are in good condition with only a few signs of use. The carpets are a bit faded and worn, but we'll leave it to you to decide whether they warrant replacing. The gauges cover the basics but Buick gave Skylark owners a luxurious look with wood appliques on the dash as well. The original AM/FM radio is still in the dash, meaning the original owner showed great resolve and patience by never upgrading it. That unique steering wheel is pure 1970s but it isn't cracked or split. Overhead, there's a black power convertible top that still looks great and it disappears under a neat-fitting black vinyl boot. The spacious trunk is neatly outfitted with a correct mat and full-sized spare tire.

Buick's 350 cubic inch V8 didn't share parts with its corporate siblings, which is perhaps why it has a unique sound and a very fat torque curve. This is the numbers matching 2-barrel model, but having driven both the 2- and 4-barrel versions, the difference in power is negligible on the road. It does have proper Dante Red paint on the block and correct decals on the air cleaner, so it presents rather well. Features like power steering and power brakes mean that this Skylark rides and handles like a Buick should and it has a great V8 burble from the single tailpipe out back. The TH350 3-speed automatic transmission bangs off quick, unobtrusive shifts and with 2.73 gears in back, it makes a fantastic highway car that you'll be eager to take on road trips. The chassis is original, so it's not detailed but it's also in great condition and is further proof of the cars dry Southern life. It sits on steel wheels with hubcaps and 205/75/14 whitewalls, the exact set-up it had sitting on the showroom floor in 1970.

Buicks are fantastic cars: durable, smooth, powerful, and just a little bit unusual. And you would be hard-pressed to find another 1-owner, all-original example like this car. Enjoy the gentleman's muscle car, particularly one that's so affordable and such a unique survivor. Call now!