Stored 30 Years: 1964 Buick Skylark Convertible
The Skylark nameplate played a key role for years in the Buick lineup. It was the upscale version of the Special when Buick’s new compact was introduced in 1961 and was promoted to intermediate status in 1964 when those cars were rolled out. The seller has a ’64 Skylark convertible which has been in storage for 30 years. We’re told it’s rare because of its aluminum block engine, but we’re not sure that’s correct. It’s going to take a lot of mechanical and cosmetic work to get this machine back in shape, but the numbers left in existence can’t be huge. Located in darkness in Hanover, Pennsylvania, this drop-top project is available here on craigslist for $6,000. Our thanks to Mitchell G., for his continuing tip sleuthing!
Buick built about 16,500 mid-size convertibles in 1964 with 10,200 being the upscale Skylark (the rest were Specials). The first level V8 was the 300 cubic inch V8 was a cast iron block and aluminum heads. The year before, a 215 cubic inch aluminum block V8 had been offered while the car was still a compact. So, either the engine has been changed for an earlier 215. or the facts about the “330” (Oldsmobile?) seem to be off. Either way, we’re told the engine is not stuck from sitting and the starter was replaced in the interim.
The seller indicates this car is one of 600 based on research he or she did. Restoring the car was always the goal, but the seller never got around to it and is now downsizing. Apologies are made for the quality of the photos, and we wish we had better ones to offer, and none show the entire automobile. Severe weather is to blame (though lighting and shutter speed are more probable). The convertible has at least 118,600 miles to its credit.
At one time, this Buick had white paint, but that’s deteriorated, and some has been removed. There is rust in the lower extremities, with the rear quarter panels and trunk floor having the worst. We can’t determine the condition of the top and the red upholstery may be decent except for the front seat bottom. The front end has had work done with possible NOS parts. If you want to get the engine to fire, you’ll have to service the entire fuel system and also redo the brakes.
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Comments
My Cousin Vinny!
to me it’s not for sale till unpacked, inspectable in place & if able to drive avail for a test drive. A simple wash means they R as interested ina sale as me arriving (equal footing). Only fair~
Who knew that a website called barnfinds would have unwashed cars with junk stacked on them. Shocking!
Click on Craigslist there’s plenty of pictures. Barn finds is a good site most of us enjoy it. Can put you in touch with sellers.
Just another Yankee rust bucket.
I think the author is confusing “stored” with “parked.”
i bought the 70 lesabre convert this man was selling 2 months ago and saw this car. it’s been inside a long time. he is moving from where he is and looking to move these cars along. the car i bought was better in person than in the pics. this car is that way to so before you pick it apart and put it down take the time and go look at it.he is a good man that’s been in the Buick business along time.
This hurts…I sold my 1966 Skylark Convertible with about 65,000, in similar condition, maybe a little more rusty, but complete, one owner, I was 2nd, and running for about $800…but that was 20 years ago. Still wish I would have stuck it in the barn, but life gets in the way of life.
This car looks like it has the Buick 300 V8, which had a cast iron block and aluminum heads for 1964. The switch to cast iron heads came for 1965.
If this car had an Olds V8 the distributor would be at the back of the block, not up front in the timing cover.
Only one photo of the car? And just the front fender piled high with garbage? And the owner expects someone to purchase it? Seriously?
Look’s more like the Buick 225-194 V-6
198-225 v-6
With four plug wires visible on each cylinder bank it’s a V8.