Our featured automobile is a fine looking 1962 Buick Skylark Convertible.
The First Skylark
For a special commemoration the first Buick Skylark came to life in 1953. This was a limited run Buick model produced to celebrate Buick’s 50th Anniversary.
This first Skylark was built along the Buick Roadmaster line and this particular limited production model was designed by General Motors famous Harley Earl. Earl’s career at GM went all the way back to the 1920’s. Many consider Earl as being the father of modern automotive design.
General Motors also produced two additional specialty convertibles for the 50th Anniversary. These were the Oldsmobile Fiesta and Cadillac Eldorado. Out of all three, the Skylark was the most successful with almost 1,700 examples built.
The 1962 Buick Skylark
For the 1961 model year General Motors introduced a trio of new compact cars. The brands were Buick, Pontiac and Oldsmobile. These automobiles shared the same chassis, engines, with some styling and sheet metal differences between the three models.
With this being said though each had unique front and rear styling along with differences in exterior and interior trim.These models used the same chassis as the Pontiac Tempest and the Oldsmobile F-85. In the case of Buick, and their Special and Skylark, they still used the word “midsize” rather than compact to describe these offerings.
During mid production for the 1961 model year the Buick Special Skylark was introduced. This was the first time since 1953 that the Skylark name was used. The Skylark came with a wide choice of body designs from the 2-door convertible, 2-door hardtop, 2-door coupe, and the 4-door station wagon.The Skylark represents a fine example of the early compact sporty offerings.
This Skylark sub series represented a luxury trim level.for the Special. The Buick Special was the base model series and the Skylarks were the “upgraded” series. The Skylarks typically offered more exterior trim, a more upgraded interior, and more available options. Options included power steering, power brakes, power windows, power convertible top and a three speed automatic.
Skylark Becomes It’s Own Unique Model
Engine choices for the 1962 Buick Skylark included the standard 198 cubic inch V6 with a two barrel carburetor. Also an optional 215 cubic inch V8. The two barrel V-8 produced 155 hp and the more powerful four barrel V-8 produced 190 hp.
In 1963 this four barrel V-8 was upped to 200 hp. These smaller V-8’s had a higher compression and delivered more power than those found in the Buick Special.
Transmission choices were a ‘three on the tree’ manual transmission, a floor-shifted Borg-Warner T-10 4-speed manual, and a two-speed automatic. This was the two speed “Dual Path Turbine Drive” automatic.
Brakes were four wheel hydraulic drums.
Dimensions include a 112.1 inch wheelbase, 188.4 inch outside overall length..70.9 inch width. Curb weight was 2,700 lbs.
Total 1962 Skylark production was 34,000 vehicles with 8,100 being convertibles. The Hardtops were the best selling models.
Related Auto Museum Online articles are found on the links below…
Reference material for this article includes..The Buick: A Complete History (90th Anniversary Edition) (Automobile Quarterly Library Series) by Terry B. Dunham..The Hemmings Book of Buicks (Hemmings Motor News Collector-Car Books) by Terry Ehrich..Standard Catalog of Buick 1903-2004 by John Gunnell.
The 1962 Buick Skylark Collector Car
The Buick Special Skylark gained popularity enough with buyers that for the 1962 model year it became it’s own distinct model. This made the 62 Skylarks milestone cars for Buick. The Buick Skylark was also used in several motion pictures. As the model evolved it was available as a muscle car during the last half of the 1960’s.
Very nice examples of the 1962 models appear reasonably priced. Current listings for 1962 Buick Skylark Convertibles in excellent condition are typically found in a price range of about $18,000 to $30,000. Mileage, restoration age and originality are determining factors.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)