Buick Skylark GS convertible 1971Coordinates 37.7841637,-122.4184484
Picture dated August 2014
Created to mark Buick's 50th anniversary, the Roadmaster Skylark was Buick's top-of-the-line, limited-production specialty convertible, introduced in 1953 by General Motors to promote its design leadership. There were six different cars marketed as Skylarks over 46 years, with the model occasionallt disappearing as other cars in the Buick line assumed its place in the line-up.
1968 was a year of significant change for the Buick Skylark. Although using the same basic chassis, all of GM’s mid-sized cars adopted a policy of using two different length wheelbases. Two-door models used a shorter wheelbase of 112 in, while four-door models used a longer wheelbase. Federally mandated safety features improved occupant protection and accident avoidance and all of GM's mid-sized cars received all-new sheet metal.
The Buick Gran Sport, previously an option package available on the Skylark, became a separate series. The basic Skylark was available as a two-door hardtop coupe or a four-door sedan, and the Skylark Custom came as a two-door convertible coupe, two-door hardtop coupe, four-door hardtop sedan, or four-door sedan.
In 1970 the mid-sized Buicks once again received new sheet metal and the Skylark became the entry-level Buick, available in two- and four-door sedans . Replacing the previous Buick Skylark was the Buick Skylark 350, available as a two-door hardtop coupe or four-door sedan with the 350-cubic-inch V8 as standard equipment. The Skylark Custom continued to be available, also using the 350-cubic-inch V8 as standard equipment and still available as a two-door convertible coupe, two-door hardtop coupe, four-door hardtop sedan, and four-door sedan.
In 1971 the base Skylark was available only with the inline-6, but in a two-door hardtop coupe body-style (in addition to the previous two- and four-door sedans). The Skylark 350 had a V8 engine and was now available as a two-door sedan in addition to the previous two-door hardtop coupe and four-door sedan.
1972 was the last year for the mid-sized Buick Skylark. The base Buick Skylark and Skylark 350 used the 350-cubic-inch V8. Skylark Customs were available with the same 350-cubic-inch V8 engines available in the basic Skylark and the Skylark 350. The Custom had an upgraded interior and dash with some extra chrome. Convertibles only came in the Skylark Customs and the Skylark 350s.
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