1965 Buick Skylark GS

1965 Buick Skylark GS

When General Motors authorized engines up to 400ci in its intermediate cars Buick seized the chance to create its first muscle car, the 1965 Buick Skylark Gran Sport. In actuality, the division's big-block V-8 displaced 401 cubic inches. Undeterred, Buick simply renamed it the "400". Teamed with a heavy-duty radiator and dual-exhausts, the 401 carried the same 325hp rating as in Buick's full-size models.

For consignment, a previously restored with quality in mind 1965 Buick Skylark GS tribute. Yes, it's an early muscle car, bathed in beautiful Flame Red, has a 401ci V8 circa 1966 rated at 340hp. Bucket seats, and dual 4bbl carbs. Off to the races kids!

ExteriorThis full-on restoration from several years ago is keeping in lock step with the factory version that rolled off in 1965. A full horizontal ribbed grille and dual headlights, along with a nicely preserved lower bumper trimming the chin is noted. On the front quarters are the iconic and necessary Buick vents. These show as non-functional and in chrome. Nice trimmings for the window surrounds, wheel wells and rocker. Paint is the deep end of the Flame Red pool and still has its original spray on shine. Just a smidgeon of rust bubbling can be seen on the passenger door. On the back a line of chrome and tail lighting stretches across the curved corner. A shiny rear bumper hangs below. 14-inch Magnum 500 wheels are wrapped in redline Dayton Daytona radials on all 4 corners.

InteriorLots of WOW factor with a swing of the doors in the form of red vinyl door panels that have pleated and buttoned center panels, all in a chrome frame. Just below is a swath of red carpeting, and a larger outer chrome frame is surrounded by smooth red vinyl. Upscale is definitely shining Buick. Inside the Gran Sport necessity option of the bucket seats. These are beautiful in their presentation with low backs, all bathed in red vinyl and some chrome bolster trimmings. Racing through the center from the rear bench is a 3 shield Buick badged red vinyl covered horizontal glove box. Moving towards the dash is a floor shifter which sits within a molded hump covered in red and houses a single center mounted tachometer. A/C has been installed and eyeball vents are in keeping with the theme of the styling for the rest of the interior. The original looking dash has been modded just a bit with a redo of gauges above the aftermarket AM/FM/CD radio, and a panel for the new AC controls. The remainder of the dash keeps it original with an inward V design, some chromed vertical ribbing, and the standard speedometer and clock for the driver's instrument cluster. Wonderful like new red carpeting floods the floors, and above is a nice tight clean white vinyl headliner. Nicely done with a few upgrades but still looking much like the original.

DrivetrainUnder the hood in a fully restored engine bay, is now a 401ci V8 from 1966. It has dual 4-barrel Edelbrock carbs on top and sports some satin painted aluminum Buick badged valve coverings. Hoses and wiring are all like new and a turquoise painted block can be seen under the coverings and bolt ons. On the back is a Borg Warner T10 4-speed manual transmission. A 12-bolt axle holds the 3.36 gear ratio.

UndercarriageSome slight surface rust is noted throughout. Independent coil springs are upfront and, on the back, a 4 link with coil springs is seen. A potential concern though is the use of coil spring spacers on this rear suspension. That being either weak springs or the use of too short of a spring. A Flowmaster exhaust is on and power disc brakes are upfront, and power drums for the rear.

Drive-AbilityA quick starter and nice driver overall. Has nice power as we go through the gears, and braking is very good and bias free. The A/C needs refrigerant.

A solid older restoration, now with some serious power under the hood, but remaining mostly original looking. Save for the Magnum 500 wheels which look great, and a few modifications to the dash, it is factory looking.

VIN DECODE444375H2421484-Buick44-Skylark V837-2 Door Hardtop Coupe5-1965H-Flint, MI Assy Plant232148-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG04B-2nd Week April BuildST 65 44437-1965 Buick Skylark 2 Door Hardtop CoupeBDY FB175629-Flint Body #TR 157-Red Vinyl BucketsPNT RR-Flame RedW-Tinted Windshield2L-4 Speed ManualP-Reverse Lights3H-Unknown4F-Remote MirrorS-Unknown

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.