1966 Buick Skylark GS

When General Motors authorized engines up to 400 cid in its intermediate cars, Buick seized the chance to create its first muscle car, the 1966 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 325-bhp rating as in Buick's full-size models.

For consignment, this piece of mid 60 cool with style and speed and power was picked up at the Carlisle Auto Show 8 years ago. The person our consigner bought it from had bought it from the original owner making him owner 2. And you shall be 4! But before you buy, read on. The 2nd owner restored it, and the 3rd added new sail panels and carpeting and did a new headliner. It's just beautifully preserved.

Exterior
This full on restoration from 10 years ago is keeping in lock step with the factory version that rolled off in 1966. 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 showing as functional and in chrome and behind the wheel well in front. Let that engine breathe...breathe! Nice trimmings for the window surrounds, wheel wells and rocker. Paint is the deep end of the Shadow Turquoise pool and still retains its respray shine. A flying buttress style B pillar gently descends to the trunk line and the rear glass is neatly inset within these buttress B pillars. On the back, a line of chrome and tail lighting is seen on each curved corner. A shiny rear bumper hangs below. 14-inch faux knockoff polished wheel coverings are wrapped with BFG raised white letter radial T/A's

Interior
Lots of WOW factor with a swing of the doors in the form of turquoise vinyl door panels that have a horizontal pleated center panel, all in a chrome frame. Just below is a swath of turquoise carpeting, and a larger outer chrome frame is surrounded by smooth turquoise vinyl. Upscale is definitely shining on this Buick. Inside the Gran Sport we see a rarely optioned bench seat. The back sports this seat configuration as well. These are beautiful in their presentation with low backs, all bathed in turquoise vinyl and some darker turquoise bolsters then it's back to the turquoise but smooth for the edges of the bolsters, sides and backs. Moving towards the dash is a floor shifter which sits within a molded hump covering in turquoise clean loop carpeting, and houses a single center mounted tachometer hanging below the dash and its factory. The original looking dash has been preserved and even has the original Sonomatic radio with its Jetson-esque lettering across the top. The remainder of the dash keeps it original with an inward V design, some chromed vertical ribbing, and the standard speedometer and no clock for the driver's instrument cluster. Above is the new headliner. Nicely done with a few upgrades but still looking much like the original.

Drivetrain
Under the hood in a fully restored engine bay, is now a 401ci V8 from 1966. It has a 4-barrel on top and sports some red painted valve coverings to go along with the red painted black and red badged and black rimmed air cleaner covering. Hoses and wiring are all like new. On the back is a Borg Warner T10 4-speed manual transmission. 10 bolts hold the 3.36 gear ratio rear axle.

Undercarriage
Some slight surface rust is noted and it's very spotty and not seen in too many spaces underneath. Independent coil springs are upfront, and on the back a 4 link with coil springs is seen. Drum brakes are on all 4 corners, and a Turbo muffler gives this Skylark a healthy scream.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter and nice driver overall. Has nice power as we go through the gears, and braking is very good and bias free. The interior is beautiful to go along with the exterior paint and original trimmings.

A solid 10 year ago restoration, with some serious muscle under the hood, and remaining mostly original looking. We have just driven off of the factory line and it's off to the Classic Auto Mall. Eyes will be on this one no doubt!

VIN DECODE
446176B35605
4-Buick
46-Skylark GS
17-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
6-1966
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
135605-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
04A-1st Week April Build
STYLE 66 44417-1966 Buick Skylark GS 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BODY BAL1579-Baltimore Body #
TRIM 166-Aqua Vinyl
PAINT LL-Shadow Turquoise

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.