Buick Skylark

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Buick Skylark Series 70
Buick Skylark Series 100
Buick Skylark
Production period: 1953-1998
Class : Upper class (1953–1954)
Upper middle class (1961–1972)
Middle class (1975–1997)
Body versions : Sedan , station wagon , coupe , Combi Coupé , Cabriolet
Previous model: Buick Roadmaster

The Buick Skylark (German: " Sky Lark ", English name for the skylark ) was a passenger car model that was manufactured by Buick as the successor to the Roadmaster Cabriolet in the USA from 1953 to 1954 . In 1953 it was part of the 70 series as a Roadmaster, and in 1954 it formed the independent 100 series . From 1962 to 1972 Buick produced a series of mid-range cars called the Skylark . From 1975 Skylark models appeared again, which belonged to the lower middle class and were manufactured until 1998.

Model history

Skylark Series 70 and 100 (1953–1954)

Roadmaster Skylark Series 70 (1953)
Skylark Series 100 (1954)
Buick Skylark Series 100 Cabriolet (1954)

Buick Skylark Series 100 Cabriolet (1954)

Production period: 1953-1954
Body versions : Cabriolet
Engines: Petrol engines :
5.3 liters
(138–147 kW)
Length: 5240-5273 mm
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase : 3086-3099 mm
Empty weight : 1930-1955 kg
Buick Roadmaster Skylark Series 70 Model 76 X Cabriolet (1953)

The name Skylark was given for the first time in 1953 for a special convertible of the Roadmaster Series 70 . Like the other Roadmaster models, it had a V8 engine with a displacement of 5277 cm³ and an output of 188  bhp (138  kW ) at 4000  min −1 . The wheelbase of the particularly well-equipped convertible was 3,086 mm. Unlike the rest of this year's Roadmaster models, this 76X model didn't have the rear wheel arches covered and no ventilation openings on the side of the engine compartment, but Kaiser-Hayes wire-spoke wheels. At the height of the rear seats, the Skylarks' bodies had a roadster-like hip bend. The seats and steering column were lower than on the other Roadmaster models. As a result, the roof could also be set several centimeters lower, which gave the vehicles a racy appearance without restricting the headroom of the occupants. These changes meant that a number of sheet metal parts had to be manufactured in small series outside of normal series production. The Roadmaster Cabriolet Model 76C cost US $ 3,506, the Roadmaster Skylark Model 76X cost US $ 5,000.

In the following year, the Skylark became its own series with the number 100 and only one model version, which, however, was based on the "smaller" series 40 and 50 . The hip bend had been abolished, the wheelbase grew by ½ ″ to 3099 mm and the engine output increased to 200 hp (147 kW). The tail fins set themselves apart from the flat trunk lid more clearly than on the previous year's model.

In 1955 this special series was no longer produced. In 1953, 1690 Series 70 Skylark were made, and 836 Series 100 in 1954.

Skylark 4300 Series (1961–1963)

Special Skylark Series 4300 (1961)
Skylark Series 4300 (1962–1963)
Buick Skylark Series 4300 Hardtop Coupe (1963)

Buick Skylark Series 4300 Hardtop Coupe (1963)

Production period: 1961-1963
Body versions : Coupé , convertible
Engines: Petrol engines :
3.5 liters
(138–147 kW)
Length: 4785-4879 mm
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase : 2845-2847 mm
Empty weight : 1217-1301 kg

In the middle of the 1961 model year, a two-door coupe appeared as a Skylark special model within the 4300 series of the Special Deluxe . Its V8 engine with a displacement of 3523 cc and 185 bhp (138 kW) at 4800 rpm was also available as an option for the other Special Deluxe models.

In 1962 the Skylark series was again an independent series, which included a hardtop coupe and a convertible. The coupe with B-pillars was omitted. The engine output increased slightly to 190 bhp (140 kW). There were only minor changes in style.

In 1963, the Skylark had a more angular styling and increased dimensions. The engine output rose to 200 hp (147 kW).

12,683 units of the Skylark Coupé Special were built in 1961, and 85,294 of the Skylark in the following two years.

Skylark (1964–1972)

Skylark (1964–1972)
Skylark Gran Sport 340 (1967)
Skylark Gran Sport 400 (1966–1967)
Skylark Custom (1968–1972)
Skylark 350 (1970–1972)
Skylark GSX (1970–1972)
Buick Skylark Coupe (1969)

Buick Skylark Coupe (1969)

Production period: 1964-1972
Body versions : Sedan , station wagon , coupé , convertible
Engines:
Petrol engines : 3.7–6.6 liters
(114–250 kW)
Length: 5098-5265 mm
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase : 2485-2946 mm
Empty weight : 1387-1813 kg
Buick Skylark Series 4300 Cabriolet (1964)

In 1964, the Skylark's wheelbase was increased to 2921 mm. The vehicles offered as two-door coupé, two-door convertible and four-door sedan had been given clearer lines in terms of their styling. The base engine was a V6 engine with 3687 cc and 155 hp (114 kW). On request, there was a V8 engine with 4916 cc and 210 hp (154 kW). In the following year there were only a few cosmetic changes and a two-door sedan was also offered.

In 1966 there were only a few changes in style. The sedan was discontinued and a four-door hardtop sedan was introduced. The V6 engine now developed 160 hp (118 kW). A Gran Sport was introduced as an additional version . The vehicles available as a coupe and convertible had a V8 engine with 6571 cc and had a power output of 325 hp (239 kW) at 4,400 min -1 .

In 1967 the V6 was only available as a two-door coupé. A two-door hardtop coupé and a four-door sedan were added to the V8 models. In addition to the 4.9 l V8, there was also a V8 engine with 5571 cc and 220 hp (162 kW) on request. With this engine - boosted to 260 PS (191 kW) - the Gran Sport 340 was also available, which was only offered in a coupé version. Above this was the Gran Sport 400 with the engine known from the previous year, which now developed 340 hp (250 kW).

In 1968 the Gran Sport models became a separate series. The bodies of the other Skylark models had been redesigned. The two-door models had a wheelbase of just 2,845 mm; the four-door models had a wheelbase of 2946 mm.

For the Skylark, which this year was available as a two-door hardtop coupé and a four-door sedan, there was a new in-line six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 4097 cc and 155 hp (114 kW). The optionally available V8 engine had increased output to 5735 cm³ and 230 hp (169 kW).

The more luxurious model was the Skylark Custom , which was available as a four-door sedan, four-door hardtop sedan, two-door coupe and a two-door convertible. In these model versions, the V8 engine was part of the basic equipment. In the following year, little changed in the range of models.

In 1970 the Skylark was revised. The lines were streamlined and the wheel cutouts were more pronounced. The in-line six-cylinder engines were available for the two-door coupé and the 4-door sedan, while the V8 models, now called Skylark 350 , with their output increased to 260 hp (191 kW), had a two-door hardtop coupé in addition to the four-door sedan was. The Skylark Custom was available in all these body styles and also as a 4-door hardtop sedan.

The most powerful model and limited to 678 vehicles for 1970 was the Skylark GSX , which was offered until 1972 . It differed little from the GS455 . The GSX was equipped with a tachometer on the bonnet, received a rally steering wheel and disc brakes at the front. The only transmission used was a 4-speed manual gearshift with a Hurst gear lever. "Saturn Yellow" (491 pieces) and "Apollo White" (187 pieces) could be selected as exterior colors. The interior was covered with black vinyl. The standard engine was the 315 hp 455 in 3 V8 or with the Stage 1 option with 345 hp.

In 1971 only the radiator grille was redesigned. All engines lost power; the R6 only produced 145 hp (107 kW), and the V8 again developed 230 hp (169 kW). The Skylark was now available again in the three body variants of the previous year as R6 and V8, while nothing changed with regard to the four variants of the Skylark Custom .

Buick Skylark Coupe (1972)

In 1972 the six-cylinder engine was discontinued. The front bumper was a bit more massive than last year. The significantly reduced power 5.7-liter V8 engine was available with 150 hp (110 kW) or 175 hp (129 kW). In connection with the latter, the car was renamed as Skylark 350. The Skylark Custom there was for the first time as a five-door station wagon, since the separate Combi Series Sport Wagon had been abandoned.

The following year the Skylark was no longer offered. 1,188,153 copies were produced in these nine years.

Skylark (1975-1979)

Skylark (1975–1979)
Skylark S (1975–1979)
Skylark S / R (1975–1977)
Skylark Custom (1978–1979)
Buick Skylark Coupé (1978/1979)

Buick Skylark Coupé (1978/1979)

Production period: 1975-1979
Body versions : Sedan , coupé , station wagon coupé
Engines:
Petrol engines : 3.8-5.7 liters
(77-125 kW)
Length: 5085-5088 mm
Width: 1845 mm
Height: 1325-1350 mm
Wheelbase : 2819 mm
Empty weight : 1406-1625 kg

In 1975 a new Skylark model appeared, which was based on the small Apollo series and thus on the GM-X platform.

The simple Skylark S version only had a two-door coupé, while the medium-sized Skylark version and the luxurious Skylark S / R series offered a two- and three-door station wagon coupé .

Motorized vehicles cm³ with a V6 3785 with displacement and 110 hp (81 kW) were at 4000 min -1 or cm³ an equally powerful V8 with 4261st On request, there was also a V8 with 5735 cc and 140 hp (103 kW). In the front of the vehicle with a wide radiator grille sat individual, square-framed, round main headlights with separately attached indicators and parking lights.

In 1976 the appearance was changed only slightly, but a four-door sedan was added as an additional body variant. The V6 engine lost a little power and now achieved 105 hp (77 kW). The small V8 engine was omitted; instead, there was an option of a variant of the 5.7-liter V8 that had been upgraded to 155 hp (114 kW).

In 1977 there was a new Mercedes-style radiator grille with fine, vertical chrome bars and a revised engine selection: In addition to the well-known V6 engine, there were four V8 engines to choose from: 4933 cc with 135 PS (99 kW), 4998 cc with 145 PS ( 107 kW), 5735 cm³ with 155 PS (114 kW) and 5735 cm³ with 170 PS (125 kW). In the following year there were no stylistic changes; only the 4.9-liter V8 was omitted. The Skylark S / R has been renamed Skylark Custom .

In 1979 the front of the vehicle was redesigned: the radiator grille was now divided into four elements, and the indicators and parking lights encompassed the corners of the body. The V6 now developed 115 PS (85 kW), the 5.0-l V8 130 PS (96 kW) and the 5.7-l V8 165 PS (121 kW).

In four years, 390,790 Buick Skylarks were made.

Production in Iran

From 1976 to 1980 the Skylark was also assembled in Iran . This was the model generation from the USA described above, equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 engine and luxurious equipment. At the same time, GM also built the Cadillac Civil and Chevrolet Nova models there, but stopped all production in December 1987. Iran General Motors was the manufacturer of the Iranian GM models .

Skylark (1980–1985)

Skylark (1980–1982)
Skylark Custom (1983–1985)
Skylark Limited (1980–1985)
Skylark Sport (1980–1982)
Skylark T-Type (1983–1984)
Buick Skylark Sedan (1985)

Buick Skylark Sedan (1985)

Production period: 1980-1985
Body versions : Limousine , coupe
Engines:
Petrol engines : 2.5-2.8 liters
(62-99 kW)
Length: 4597-4620 mm
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase : 2664 mm
Empty weight : 1098-1181 kg

In 1980 a completely new front-wheel drive Skylark model appeared . In terms of its dimensions, the car was much smaller than its predecessor. It was available as a four-door sedan and as a two-door coupé.

The angularly shaped vehicle had safety bumpers at the front and rear, a radiator grille with horizontal and vertical bars that was popular in the USA and based on Mercedes models, a small hood ornament and rectangularly framed headlights. The standard drive was a four-cylinder in-line engine with a displacement of 2474 cm³ and an output of 90 hp (66 kW). A V6 engine with 2835 cm³ and 115 hp (85 kW) was also available on request. The basic equipment was simply called Skylark , the medium-sized Skylark Limited and the most extensive and sporty equipment Skylark Sport .

In 1981, the Skylark received a new grille with vertical chrome bars and new taillights. The output of both engines fell slightly to 84 hp (62 kW) in the four-cylinder version and to 110 hp (81 kW) in the six-cylinder.

A newly shaped radiator grille with a frame in body color and 2 × 3 horizontal inlets was introduced in 1982. The engines almost had their previous output of 90 hp (66 kW) for the four-cylinder and 112 hp (82 kW) for the six-cylinder. A V6 injection engine with 135 hp (99 kW) was also available on request.

In 1983 there were neither technical nor stylistic changes, but the standard model was replaced by the Skylark Custom , the Skylark Sport was discontinued, and the Coupé was also available as a Skylark T-Type with a black radiator grille, black headlight frames and door handles.

In 1984 the Skylark received a new front section with a radiator grille with a black grid structure and rectangular headlights with internal indicators. The output of the four-cylinder engine increased to 92 hp (68 kW).

In 1985 the coupe was no longer offered. The sedan received a radiator grille with vertical chrome strips that reached to the bumper. The injection engine only developed 125 hp (92 kW).

In these six years 981,537 copies of the Skylark were built.

The Skylark, like its sister models Chevrolet Citation , Pontiac Phoenix and Oldsmobile Omega, was available from German Opel / GM dealers.

Skylark (1986-1991)

Skylark Custom (1986–1991)
Skylark Limited (1986–1989)
Skylark (1990–1991)
Skylark Gran Sport (1990–1991)
Skylark Luxury Edition (1990–1991)
Buick Skylark sedan (1986-1991)

Buick Skylark sedan (1986-1991)

Production period: 1986-1991
Body versions : Limousine , coupe
Engines:
Petrol engines : 2.3–3.3 liters
(68–118 kW)
Length: 4572-4600 mm
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase : 2626 mm
Empty weight : 1133-1248 kg

In 1986 a completely new Skylark model series came out, the chassis of which, like that of the Somerset, was built on the GM-N platform. Accordingly, there was initially only a four-door sedan with a further reduced wheelbase. The body shapes were now softer, and the rectangular twin headlights flanked a centrally split grille with vertical chrome bars.

The four-cylinder engine with 92 hp (approx. 68 kW) known from the predecessor continued to be used. A new V6 had a displacement of 2966 cm³ and, like its smaller predecessor, developed 125 hp (92 kW). As before, there were two trim levels, Custom and Limited. There were no changes in the following year.

In 1988, a two-door coupé was added as a second body variant, which had a radiator grille that was only slightly different from the sedan. The 2.5-liter R4 had an increased output of 135 PS (99 kW), on request there was also a slightly smaller four-cylinder with 2261 cm³ displacement, two overhead camshafts ( DOHC ) and an output of 150 PS (110 kW). A V6 engine with a displacement of 3342 cc was also new and developed 160 hp (118 kW). In the following year there were again only a few changes, only the output of the 2.5-liter R4 fell to 110 hp (81 kW).

In 1990 the series was revised again. A new radiator grille and a continuous strip of lights on the rear of the vehicle were part of it. The basic equipment was again the Skylark (without additional designation). The Limited sub-series was abandoned in favor of the Skylark Gran Sport (Coupé) and the Skylark Luxury Edition (Sedan). There were only technical changes in 1991: the output of the DOHC four-cylinder was increased to 160 hp (118 kW).

Within five years, 373,626 Skylark were built.

Skylark (1992-1997)

Skylark (1992)
Skylark Custom (1993–1997)
Skylark Limited (1993–1997)
Skylark Gran Sport (1992–1997)
Buick Skylark Coupe (1992-1996)

Buick Skylark Coupe (1992-1996)

Production period: 1992-1997
Body versions : Limousine , coupe
Engines:
Petrol engines : 2.3–3.3 liters
(85–118 kW)
Length: 4788-4808 mm
Width: 1714-1745 mm
Height: 1326-1359 mm
Wheelbase : 2626 mm
Empty weight : 1260-1385 kg

Dark plastic bumpers and a strip of lights around the corners of the vehicle at the front and rear were the hallmarks of the new Skylark, which was available from the beginning of 1992.

The base engine was a four-cylinder OHC engine with 2.3 l displacement and only 120 hp (88 kW). Above that was the well-known V6 with 160  nhp (118 kW). The basic version was simply called Skylark , the better-equipped vehicles were called Skylark Gran Sport - each as a four-door sedan and a two-door coupé.

In 1993 there were few changes. The four-cylinder only achieved 115 hp (85 kW). Instead of the simple Skylark version, there was now a Skylark Custom as the basic model and a Skylark Limited in the medium version. The adjustable ride control was not available as an optional feature on the Gran Sport.

In 1994 there was a new V6 engine that produced the same output as its predecessor with a displacement of just 3130 cm³. The limited version was only available for the sedan.

In 1995, a coupé was introduced again within the Limited series, and the four-cylinder engine again received two overhead camshafts, which gave it 150 hp (110 kW).

In 1996 the styling was revised again. The Skylark received a new dashboard and a new grille, the upper half of which was covered with a panel painted in body color. The displacement of the four-cylinder was increased to 2393 cm³ while maintaining the same output.

Buick Skylark (1996-1997)

In the last year of production, the Skylark received a new radiator grille with fine vertical chrome bars. In technical terms, the 1997 model range remained unchanged.

In 1998, the Century took over the role as the entry-level model at Buick. In the past six years, 321,698 copies of the Skylark have been produced. The production facility in Lansing was then set up for the construction of the Chevrolet Malibu .

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Gunnell, John, 1947-: Standard guide to American muscle cars: [a supercar source book, 1960-2005] . 4th ed. KP Books, Iola, Wis. 2005, ISBN 0-87349-988-3 .
  2. Jim Mateja: 1992 Buick Skylark - chicagotribune.com Review - Cars.com. In: cars.com. September 22, 1991, accessed June 24, 2018 .
  3. 1992-97 Buick Skylark - Consumer Guide Auto. In: consumerguide.com. Consumer Guide, accessed June 24, 2018 (American English).

Web links

Commons : Buick Skylark Series 70  - Collection of images, videos and audio files
Commons : Buick Series 100  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files
Commons : Buick Skylark  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files

swell

  • John Gunnell (Ed.): Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975. Krause Publications, Iola 2002, ISBN 0-87349-461-X .
  • James M. Flammang, Ron Kowalke: Standard Catalog of American Cars 1976-1999 . Krause Publications, Iola 1999, ISBN 0-87341-755-0 .