1970 Buick Skylark Custom

Description

We all knew someone in our neighborhood with a car like this 1970 Buick Skylark. It was stashed away in the garage, peeking out as if to taunt us with its low mileage and clean living, and only came out on Sundays when the weather was nice. Today, it's an awesome survivor with just 60,740 original miles and just one owner, exactly like the one you always dreamed of.

In 1970, the Skylark was a lot of things to a lot of people, ranging from affordable commuter to fire-breathing muscle car. This handsome hardtop fits in the middle, with V8 muscle wrapped in luxurious trim and classic A-body good looks. The code 68 Burnished Saddle paint was refreshed not too long ago and looks fantastic today, just about right for the period with a great shine. As a low-mileage car that spent its life in a garage, it hasn't been patched together from a rusty hulk and the way the doors open and close remind us why survivors are so special. Gaps are good, detailing is crisp, and all the factory emblems and trim pieces remain in place, so it has an authentic look. Big chrome bumpers are undoubtedly original and speak to how nicely maintained this car really is, and the tan vinyl top fits well, doesn't have any major popped seams or discoloration, and there are no signs of big problems underneath. And I bet you never noticed the ridge around the grille up front, which was 1970-only and typically seen only standard Skylarks.

The tan cloth and vinyl interior is also all original and in very good condition overall. There's some light fading and discoloration on the tops of the seats where the sun has been hitting them for the past four and a half decades, but the seat cushions and covers are intact and still quite attractive. Factory carpets are protected by floor mats that are also quite likely original, and the unique steering wheel is unusual only because we're so used to the sporty GS models. Basic instruments cover speed and fuel level, which is really all you need to know on a car like this, and it's fitted with desirable features like power windows and factory A/C, all of which are operating correctly. The factory AM radio works too! This particular Skylark also features a very tidy original trunk with spatter finish paint, a correct mat, and what may very well be the original spare tire with a matching cover.

Buick's 350 cubic inch V8 is quietly competent, with good torque and remains silky smooth in the Custom models. This is unquestionably the original, numbers-matching engine, and it is the upgraded 4-barrel version that was a bit more powerful than the base 2-barrel. Bright Dante Red paint on the engine itself makes it easy to identify Buick powerplants, and while it's not all shiny and perfect, there are plenty of signs of careful maintenance over the years. There are no major deviations from stock, so it starts and runs well and never seems to be working very hard. A TH350 3-speed automatic delivers crisp shifts and the whole powertrain has a polished feeling that's a big part of a survivor's appeal. There's a new single exhaust system underneath, so it has the right sound, and as you can see, the undercarriage has nothing to hide with original floors unmarred by heavy undercoating. Standard steel wheels with hubcaps are still there, but the 215/75/14 whitewall radials give it that big Buick ride.

Just a neat survivor with good power and a lot of charm. What more do you need at such an affordable price? Call today!