1962 Buick Skylark in Lithia Springs, Georgia

Vehicle Description

The color is called Camelot Rose, and it's not only an authentic 1962 Buick color, but according to the cowl tag, it's also THIS Buick's authentic color, making it quite rare indeed. A nice combination of restored and original bits, this Skylark delivers pure 1960s fun that's surprisingly economical to run and you'll never get tired of the attention the color combination attracts.

While these rose-colored Skylarks are rather rare, we've featured several in the past few months, perhaps owing to their warm weather looks-can you imagine this in the middle of a New England blizzard? The styling is pure '60s jet-age cool, with Buick portholes and sharp body lines that make Buick's compact look bigger than it is and ties it to its bigger brothers in the showroom. The paint work is quite nicely done, and you can see the quality in the sharply defined creases and the deep gloss of the finish. The contrasting code C Arctic White hardtop shows an equally brilliant shine, but isn't too harsh, giving it just the right look. Gaps are good all around, and someone spent big on the chrome to get it into its current condition. Even the brushed stainless panel between the taillights is in great shape, a piece that is virtually impossible to restore and unavailable as a reproduction.

The compact Buick is actually fairly spacious inside, and Buick was careful to build-in traditional comfort in the sporty Skylark. The interior is probably an acquired taste with its two-tone upholstery, but what else would you choose with the Camelot Rose paint? The materials and patterns look quite authentic, with textured fabric and pink vinyl on the seats and door panels, and slightly darker carpets to help keep it anchored. Buick gave you a matching steering wheel, and I can only guess at the challenges involved in restoring it today as such a rare piece. The instrument panel and all the gauges have been restored, and the factory AM radio still works. There's also an auxiliary oil pressure gauge stashed under the dash where nobody will see it but the driver. The trunk looks fairly original, with factory-issued mat, a full-sized spare, and even a wheel protector as it was when new.

Buick's 215 cubic inch all-aluminum V8 was an interesting experiment that went on to fame overseas powering a myriad of vehicles for Land Rover. Making a stout 185 horsepower, it's certainly no slouch in the lightweight Skylark, and thanks to its modern aluminum construction, it definitely helps tighten up the handling. The engine bay is tidy, although not detailed for competition, but shows off a lot of correct details like the oversized air cleaner with bright red decals, bellows-type power brake booster, and mini Nailhead valve covers. A 3-speed automatic handles gear changes, and the chassis is almost entirely rust-free, particularly the floors which are remarkably well preserved thanks to easy living down south. And for cruising, this one is a breeze with power steering & brakes (just serviced), and there's a new exhaust system that gives the little V8 just the right voice. New whitewall radials have been fitted at all four corners and cover brand new 15" alloys.

With unexpected V8 power under hood and that wild color combination, this Skylark will always attract a crowd. Call today!