1968 Buick Skylark

The 1968 Buick models continued to use the same basic chassis, however, all of GM's mid-sized cars adopted a policy of using two different length wheelbases. All of General Motor's mid-sized cars were clothed with all-new sheet metal bodies as the United States government mandated for safety features which improved occupant protection and accident avoidance starting with the 1967 models.

1968 began a new generation of styling that would continue through 1972. While the Grand Sport was previously an option package on the Skylark, it was not a separate series, with the GS 400 using the two-door Skylark chassis and body and powered by a 400 CID V8 with 340 horsepower and 400 lbs torque. The Special Deluxe replaced the prior Special, and the Skylark nameplate was moved downmarket, replacing the previous Special Deluxe. A new Skylark Custom replaced the previous Skylark.

The 1968 Buick Skylark was offered as a two-door hardtop coupe or a four-door saloon. The Skylark Custom was offered as a two-door convertible coupe, four-door hardtop saloon, four-door saloon, or two-door hardtop coupe. The new 350 cubic-inch, V8 engine with a two-barrel Rochester carburetor developing 230 horsepower at 4,400 RPM was standard on the Skylark Custom and optional on the Skylark. This engine was based on the previous 300 and 340 CID V8 engines. Coupes and convertibles rested on a 112-inch wheelbase platform and the sedans had a 116-inch platform.

The 1968 Buick Skylark sedan had a $2,670 factory base price and the hardtop coupe listed for $2,690. 27,384 of the sedan were produced and 32,795 of the hardtop. Distinguishable features included a bright metal sweepspear line, Skylark script on the rear fenders, and Skylark roof quarter panel emblems. Standard equipment included a lighted ashtray and glovebox, full carpeting, and a Deluxe steering wheel. The interiors were done in either all-vinyl or cloth and vinyl upholstery. The two-door hardtop had a notchback seat or an all-vinyl front bench.

The standard engine in the Skylark was a 250 cubic-inch, inline (Chevy) six-cylinder with overhead valves, a cast-iron block, 8.5:1 compression, hydraulic valve lifters, Rochester one-barrel carburetor, and 155 horsepower at 4,200 RPM. The previous V6 engine was discontinued and the tooling sold to Kaiser Industries, which installed the V6 in its Jeep trucks and sport utility vehicles. A three-speed manual transmission was standard, and a Super Turbine automatic was optional.

The Buick Skylark Custom added fender skirts, more accouterments, and trim. Body styles included a hardtop coupe, hardtop sedan, sedan, and convertible. Prices ranged from $2,920 to $3,100. Custom signature was located below the Skylark script on the rear fenders, and sweepspear molding continued onto the fender skirts. There were full wheelcovers and padded seat cushions on the interior. Convertibles had all-vinyl trim and front bench seats with bucket seats optional. The sedans had all-vinyl or vinyl and cloth and a notchback seat were available for the hardtop sedan.


By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2020

Related Reading : Buick Skylark History

In 1953 Buick introduced the Skylark - a vehicle built to celebrate the companys 50th anniversary and intended to be produced as a limited edition off of the Roadmaster line. Designed by the famous Harley Earl, the car had style and performance. The vehicle appeared to be lower than the standard convertibles, this was due to the body design. Ventiports, also known as portholes, were absent from the....
Continue Reading >>

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

1968 Skylark
$3,110-$166,900
1968 Buick Skylark Price Range: $2,665 - $3,110

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Other 1968 Buick Models
$2,930 - $3,270
$3,340 - $3,870

Skylark

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
133,560
116.00 in.
6 cyl., 250.00 CID., 155.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 230.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 280.00hp
8 cyl., 400.00 CID., 340.00hp
$2,665 - $3,110
112.00 in., 116.00 in.
6 cyl., 250.00 CID., 155.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 260.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 285.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 315.00hp
8 cyl., 455.00 CID., 360.00hp
$2,683 - $3,273
184,509
112.00 in., 116.00 in.
6 cyl., 250.00 CID., 145.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 230.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 260.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 315.00hp
8 cyl., 455.00 CID., 330.00hp
$2,845 - $3,520
216,771
112.00 in.
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 150.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 175.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 190.00hp
8 cyl., 455.00 CID., 225.00hp
$2,923 - $3,445

Related Automotive News

Dustin Hoffman's Rain Man Buick Brings Road Drama to Bonhams

Dustin Hoffman's Rain Man Buick Brings Road Drama to Bonhams

EX-MOVIE CAR OFFERED BY ACTOR AT BONHAMS SCOTTSDALE AUCTION The car had a very strong visual presence in the film and was featured throughout. It became a character. Dustin, Tom Cruise, and the 49 Buick. In essence, the car had third billing....

Vehicle information, history, and specifications from concept to production.