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The Buick Skylark is a passenger car made by Buick, a premium division of General Motors (GM). For many years, the American automobile manufacturer marketed Buick as an entry level luxury car positioned between mainstream Chevrolet models and the flagship Cadillac brand. Although the first Skylark was a limited-production car, the Skylark line had six production runs. The design evolved through the years due to changing tastes, technologies and standards.
The Early 1950s Skylark
Buick is the oldest active American automotive brand. Called the Buick Auto-Vim and Power Company in 1899, it became the Buick Motor Company in 1903. General Motors introduced the Buick Roadmaster Skylark in 1953 to mark the brand’s 50th anniversary. The car was one of three specialty convertibles GM produced that year to promote its design leadership.
The 1953 Skylark was based on the Buick Roadmaster convertible. It featured two firsts for the auto brand: a V8 engine and a 12-volt electrical system. Power steering and power brakes were standard on the Skylark. True wire wheels were high style for the era but heavier than standard steel wheels.
The initial design featured cutout wheels and cut-down doors, two styling details that stayed with Buick for many years. The stampings for the hood, trunk, fenders, doors and convertible tub were unique to the Buick Skylark. The car was restyled for 1954. Buick elongated the wheel cutouts and contrasted the interior with the body color. The new trunk resembled a barrel shape, and fins housed the taillights.
The Compact 1960s Skylark
The early 1960s saw a more compact Skylark. It featured unique emblems, taillight housings, side moldings, wheel covers and a vinyl-covered roof. A sub-model of the Buick Special, the car had an aluminum block V8 engine.
By the mid 1960s, the Skylark had enough sales to merit its own line. GM replaced the aluminum block with cast iron, and a V6 engine had two less cylinders. The car changed significantly in 1968 with two different wheelbases, and a new six-cylinder engine replaced the previous V6 engine.
The Restyled 1970s Skylark
In 1970, the Buick Skylark was an entry level Buick with an optional V8 engine. 1972 was the last model year for the mid-size design. Buick returned to a compact market the next year. However, the car was extensively restyled in the mid-1970s. It was available as a two-door coupe, four-door sedan and hatchback. Buick discontinued the hatchback in 1979 and introduced the 1980 model mid-year.
The Mid-Size 1980s Skylark
In the early 1980s, Buick Skylark shared the same body with Chevrolet, Oldsmobile and Pontiac models. It resembled other mid-size GM cars. In 1982, the base model received fuel injection and a new grille. The late 1980s saw more upscale Buicks with an aerodynamic design that featured long hoods and short decks. The Skylark was also available as a sporty, T-top model.
The Aerodynamic 1990s Skylark
Radical styling changes appeared in the early 1990s. The Skylark featured a sharp, pointed grille reminiscent of 1940s Buick models. It also had a new, aerodynamic body. Custom and limited trims replaced the base model in 1993, and 1995 featured mechanical changes and upgrades.
A late 1990s facelift gave the Skylark a conventional grille and body style, and an on-board diagnostic system was standard. Production ended for the Buick Skylark in 1997, and the production line was retooled for the new Chevy Malibu.
The Early 1950s Skylark
Buick is the oldest active American automotive brand. Called the Buick Auto-Vim and Power Company in 1899, it became the Buick Motor Company in 1903. General Motors introduced the Buick Roadmaster Skylark in 1953 to mark the brand’s 50th anniversary. The car was one of three specialty convertibles GM produced that year to promote its design leadership.
The 1953 Skylark was based on the Buick Roadmaster convertible. It featured two firsts for the auto brand: a V8 engine and a 12-volt electrical system. Power steering and power brakes were standard on the Skylark. True wire wheels were high style for the era but heavier than standard steel wheels.
The initial design featured cutout wheels and cut-down doors, two styling details that stayed with Buick for many years. The stampings for the hood, trunk, fenders, doors and convertible tub were unique to the Buick Skylark. The car was restyled for 1954. Buick elongated the wheel cutouts and contrasted the interior with the body color. The new trunk resembled a barrel shape, and fins housed the taillights.
The Compact 1960s Skylark
The early 1960s saw a more compact Skylark. It featured unique emblems, taillight housings, side moldings, wheel covers and a vinyl-covered roof. A sub-model of the Buick Special, the car had an aluminum block V8 engine.
By the mid 1960s, the Skylark had enough sales to merit its own line. GM replaced the aluminum block with cast iron, and a V6 engine had two less cylinders. The car changed significantly in 1968 with two different wheelbases, and a new six-cylinder engine replaced the previous V6 engine.
The Restyled 1970s Skylark
In 1970, the Buick Skylark was an entry level Buick with an optional V8 engine. 1972 was the last model year for the mid-size design. Buick returned to a compact market the next year. However, the car was extensively restyled in the mid-1970s. It was available as a two-door coupe, four-door sedan and hatchback. Buick discontinued the hatchback in 1979 and introduced the 1980 model mid-year.
The Mid-Size 1980s Skylark
In the early 1980s, Buick Skylark shared the same body with Chevrolet, Oldsmobile and Pontiac models. It resembled other mid-size GM cars. In 1982, the base model received fuel injection and a new grille. The late 1980s saw more upscale Buicks with an aerodynamic design that featured long hoods and short decks. The Skylark was also available as a sporty, T-top model.
The Aerodynamic 1990s Skylark
Radical styling changes appeared in the early 1990s. The Skylark featured a sharp, pointed grille reminiscent of 1940s Buick models. It also had a new, aerodynamic body. Custom and limited trims replaced the base model in 1993, and 1995 featured mechanical changes and upgrades.
A late 1990s facelift gave the Skylark a conventional grille and body style, and an on-board diagnostic system was standard. Production ended for the Buick Skylark in 1997, and the production line was retooled for the new Chevy Malibu.
