Buick Skylark history: How this classic car kept adapting with the times (1960s-90s)
By: By The Click Americana Team
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
Buick Skylark history: How this classic car kept adapting with the times (1960s-90s)
See the history of the Buick Skylark from the '60s to the '90s, with vintage photos and ads that show how this classic car kept changing with the times.
In 1961, the Buick Skylark returned as part of the compact Special line, but it was far from basic. You got sporty lines, bucket seats and an aluminum V-8 engine — the kind of setup that let you feel like you were getting something a little fancier without going full luxury. By 1964, the Skylark stood on its own as a mid-size car, and by 1965 it had a high-performance cousin in the Gran Sport. It was big, fast and bold, with engine options pushing up into muscle car territory.
Like a lot of American cars , the Skylark bulked up through the ’60s and then started shrinking in the ’70s. After the fuel crisis hit, Buick downsized the Skylark in 1975 to fit into the compact category. It still offered some style and comfort, but by then the priorities were changing — buyers were more interested in gas mileage and practicality than raw horsepower.
In the 1980s, the Buick Skylark ditched rear-wheel drive and got a complete redesign. It became front-wheel drive, more angular, and leaned hard into the economy car segment. Buick still tried to keep it upscale where it could, with features like velour seats, digital clocks, and chrome trim, but it was a different kind of car by then. By the time the 1990s rolled around, the Skylark had smoothed out again, with curvier bodywork and a more aerodynamic look. It was still hanging on in the lineup until 1997, when it quietly disappeared.
Below, we’ve pulled together some vintage ads, promotional photos and brochures that show how the Buick Skylark changed from one era to the next. From the early ’60s convertibles to the sculpted ’90s sedans, it’s a look back at a car that kept adapting to the times — and maybe reminds you of one you (or your parents) once drove.
1961: Buick announces the Skylark
After hours: Limited Edition Buick Skylark (ad from 1961)
When day is done and your Skylark calls, get set for wonderful things. The minute you escape into its magic world, you’re free of the bonds of the ordinary.
As you sit in its inviting bucket seat interiors* or admire the Landau lines of its roof (available with smart fabric overlay*). As you challenge the wind with its exciting Aluminum V-8 — the Skylark is pure joy. But it’s a limited edition car, so make your move now.
Buick announces the Skylark Convertible! (1962)
Exhilarating as the first, fresh breath of spring — the daydreamy new Skylark convertible. Buick’s happy-medium-size version of top-down adventure surrounds you with a luxurious vinyl interior. Front bucket seats. Automatic top.
And how this light-hearted beauty moves! With its flashing 190-h.p. aluminum Skylark V-8 engine with a 4-barrel carburetor. And its choice of standard 3-speed transmission, optional Dual-Path Turbine Drive or floor-mounted 4-speed synchromesh stick shift.
Classic ’62 Buick Skylark convertible
1964 Buick Skylark
1965 Buick Skylark Gran Sport
’66 Skylark Gran Sport
1967 Buick Skylark: The language of women
1969 Skylark 2-door
Light your fire: 1970 Buick Skylark Custom Sport Coupe
1971 Buick Skylark Custom
1972 Buick Skylark 350
We said our Skylark might just be the perfect car for you. (1980)
We didn’t realize how many of you there are. A little over a year ago, when our new Skylark made its debut, we knew it had all the things it needed to be a very popular item.
Front wheel drive. Clean, classy lines. Impressive mileage. Lots of room.
The 1983 Buick Skylark
Can you find the economy car in this picture? As unlikely as it seems, you’re looking at it. That stylish Buick Skylark.
For, in spite of its good looks, comfortably appointed interior and generous room for five, Skylark definitely falls into the economy category. As far as mileage estimates go. (Estimated highway: 42; EPA estimated MPG: 27)
But, between fill-ups, you’ll probably completely forget that Skylark is an economy car. You see, one of the nicest things about the economy car in our picture is that nobody pictures it as an economy car. Go see the 1983 Buick Skylark at your Buick dealer’s now. Buckled up, of course.
Use estimated MPG for comparison. Your mileage may differ depending on speed, distance, weather. Actual highway mileage lower. Some Buicks are equipped with engines produced by other GM divisions, subsidiaries, or affiliated companies worldwide. See your Buick dealer for details. Official Car of the XXIIIrd Olympiad Los Angeles 1984
86 Buick Skylark cars
1987 Buick Skylarks
In a world of computers, robotics and electronics, Buick is still very good at golf clubs, suitcases and grown-up bodies.
The ’89 Buick Skylark: A little limousine
1992 Buick Skylark cars – Street art
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Other members post a virtual novel as an article so I thought I'd try that for a change. Did you notice the 3 portholes on the front fender? By the way I owned a 1972 Buick Skylark - I liked that car.
Was it a metallic mint-green Buick Skylark convertible? Are you sure it wasn't a 1963 Pontiac Tempest convertible? They are after all easily confused for each other. hehe
I had a 71 Skylark. It was all painted in black primer including the bumpers and all the chrome and had a primer grey pterodactyl on the hood. Drove it for 2 or 3 years until the tranny started slipping then bought another 71 that was nicer and drove that for a few years too.
No
Yes
By whom?
Should we form a Skylark club?
By the police and prosecutors from My Cousin Vinny.
Although I remember the movie, I guess I forgot those details. I thought tire marks on the pavement were an important issue. I do know there was some controversy over Marisa Tomei receiving the Oscar.
And they were an important issue. During the trial, that was where Tomei stated that there was no way the Skylark made those tire marks as the Skylark had a solid rear axle so when the left tire went up on the curb the right tire would lean out and run on it's edge. But from the photo it's clear the tire did not tilt up but remained solid on the pavement leaving no changes to the tire marks. The Pontiac Tempest had a split axle which would allow for the tire marks and both cars were from GM and both came with the metallic mint green paint as an option.
It's a fun movie to watch. The conspiracy gained traction because Tomei was a lesser-known actress who won for a comedy film, My Cousin Vinny, in a category typically reserved for dramatic performances. The Academy came out to clarify and put an end to the consipracy.
Thanks for that info.