1965 Buick Skylark Sport Coupe

The Skylark was introduced in 1953 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding by David Dunbar Buick. This was meant to be produced as a limited edition of the Roadmaster line. Its design was courtesy of the legendary Harley Earl and was given both style and performance. The appearance was lower than the standard convertibles, an effect that was made possible by altering the body design. Buick's Ventiports, also known as portholes, were absent from the vehicle's fenders.

Mounted under the hood was a 322 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine capable of producing nearly 200 horsepower. Zero-to-sixty took about 12 seconds and it had a top speed of just over 100 mph. The 1,690 examples produced during its introductory year all had elegant leather seats plus the addition of many standard features. The following year, in 1954, only 836 units were produced. The Skylark name disappeared in 1955 and would not appear again until 1961. When it did return, Buick used the name on their intermediate sport coupe model. The engine was now a 215 cubic-inch eight-cylinder with a four-barrel carburetor and producing 185 horsepower. By 1963, power had risen to 200. 1965 saw the introduction of special full wheel covers, bright rocker and wheelhouse moldings, full taillights, and emblems on the front fenders, deck lid, and roof quarters.

This particular 1965 Skylark is powered by a V8 engine with a two-barrel carburetor and 215 horsepower. It has its original automatic transmission and there are four-wheel drum brakes. It was the recipient of a body-off restoration and is painted in a cream color. It came from the factory equipped with power steering, power brakes, power windows, and factory air conditioning.

The odometer reads just over 40,000 miles which is rather low considering its age. Other options on this Skylark include Sonomatic radio, remote side view mirrors, a four-way power seat, factory chrome wheels, and oversize tires.

In 2009, this 1965 Buick Skylark was offered for sale at the Houston Classic Auction in Seabrook, Texas, presented by Worldwide Auctioneers. The car was estimated to sell for $25,000 - $35,000 and offered without reserve. It was sold for the sum of $10,000, plus buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2009