Buick is a premium offering in the General Motors brand hierarchy. Its models are priced between the premier Cadillac - opens in new window or tab. line and mainstream Chevrolets. But in the collector car world, comparable Chevrolet models typically sell for more than their Buick counterparts. That makes cars like this 1967 Buick Skylark recently sold on eBay not just a stylish and desirable classic but an affordable alternative to a comparable Chevy Chevelle - opens in new window or tab..
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Complete and Unrestored
This Skylark was an especially good deal for a buyer with mechanical aptitude. Its $12,500 Buy-It-Now price was low even by Buick standards and impressive considering the car’s largely original and unrestored condition. It had appealing colors, desirable options, and just over 71,000 miles on the odometer.
The listing mentioned that the car “needs some work” but didn’t provide specifics. According to the seller, all this Skylark needed was a new transmission seal - opens in new window or tab. and some serious detailing. The transmission fix requires wrenching skills, but a quick perusal of eBay found several such seals available for less than $20.
Beyond that, this Skylark two-door hardtop was ready to go. It has a nearly flawless interior, no rust evident in photos, and all the hard-to-find body and trim pieces are in place.
Any experienced collector will tell you mechanical work is relatively easy on cars like this when parts are readily available. Sourcing things like sheet metal and interior door panels - opens in new window or tab. is where it gets tricky, as few new old stock (NOS) parts - opens in new window or tab. exist. Reproduction pieces are not as readily available for Buicks as they are with higher-volume brands.
Museum Piece
The Skylark recently spent time in a Tennessee museum. Its originality is impressive. The original push-button AM radio - opens in new window or tab. remains in the dash. Neither the door panels nor rear parcel shelf were cut for aftermarket speakers - opens in new window or tab.. The seats, carpets, and headliner are all in excellent condition but need detailing. A wood steering wheel - opens in new window or tab. replaced the plastic original.
Other desirable options included power steering and brakes, a vinyl roof in excellent condition, factory air conditioning, and a set of upscale-looking fender skirts. The listing mentioned an amateur paint job, but the Buick passes the 20-foot test with flying colors. A set of Buick five-spoke rally wheels - opens in new window or tab. with new Hankook radial tires - opens in new window or tab. completed the look.
Dual Exhaust
The original 300 cubic-inch, 200-horsepower Buick V-8 engine - opens in new window or tab. was said to run well. It was matched with the correct two-speed automatic transmission. A new dual exhaust system - opens in new window or tab. improves performance and makes a more muscular sound.
This reasonably priced and almost completely original Skylark offered a great starting point for whatever the next owner chooses to do. Whether that means installing a new transmission seal and driving it as-is or doing a complete frame-off restoration, this one was priced to maximize your options.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.