1961-1963 Buick Special Skylark
The 1961-1963 Buick Special Skylark is credited with being a highly underrated pioneer of the sporty compact idea. It's ideal transportation now for those collectors who'd prefer to drive a pleasant everyday car that can be sold later for more than they paid for it. Values should keep pace with the rate of inflation, and may even exceed it slightly.
 1962 Buick Special Skylark convertible. See more pictures of Buick cars. |
Convertibles are naturally more desirable than the coupes, and more expensive. Buick's aluminum V-8 gives decent go. An efficient V-6 was available for 1962-1963, and delivers good economy. Quality and luxury are surprisingly good, with great attention paid to soundproofing for that big-car feel so beloved by Detroit. It's still quite contemporary compared to much newer designs.
Pluses of the 1961-1963 Buick Special Skylark:
- Attractive, if busy, styling
- Good gas mileage
- Compact size
- Posh -- look for optional leather bucket seats
Minuses of the 1961-1963 Buick Special Skylark:
- Just beginning to be recognized as collectible
- Some susceptibility to body rot
- Body parts now scarce
Production of the 1961-1963 Buick Special Skylark:
- 1961: sport coupe 12,683
- 1962: sport coupe 34,060; convertible 8,913
- 1963: sport coupe 32,109; convertible 10,212
Specifications of the 1961-1963 Buick Special Skylark:
Wheelbase, inches: 112.0 (1961) 112.1 (1962-1963)
Length, inches: 188.4 (1961-1962) 192.1 (1963)
Weight, pounds: 2,687-2,871
Price, new: $2,621-$3,012
Engine for the 1961-1963 Buick Special Skylark:
| Type | Size |
Horsepower |
Years |
| ohv V-8 | 215 cid |
155/185/200 | 1961-1963 |
For more 1961-1963 Buick Special Skylark specifications, go on to the next page.
Want more information about classic cars? See:
- Classic Cars
- Buick Muscle Cars
- Muscle Cars
- Sports Cars
- Consumer Guide Auto
- Consumer Guide Auto Used Car Search
1961, 1962, 1963 Buick Special Skylark Specifications
The 1961, 1962, and 1963 Buick Special Skylark pioneered the sporty compact car and delivered good gas mileage. However, quality, luxury details, and soundproofing maintained that beloved big-car feel. ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. Styling of the 1961-1963 Buick Special Skylark was attractive and posh -- and still quite contemporary. |
Specifications
Engines: ohv V-6, 1962-1963 Special 198 cid (3.63 × 3.20), 135 bhp; ohv V-8, 1961-1963 Special 215 cid (3.50 × 2.80), 155 bhp, 1961 Skylark 185 bhp, 1962 Skylark 190 bhp, 1963 Skylark 200 bhp
Transmissions: 3-speed manual; 4-speed manual (1962-1963) 2-speed Dual-Path Turbine Drive automatic optional
Suspension, front: upper and lower A-arms, coil springs
Suspension, rear: 4-link live axle, coil springs
Brakes: front/rear drums
Wheelbase (in.): 112.1
Weight (lbs.): 2,579-2,896
Top speed (mph): 95-107
0-60 mph (sec): V-6 14.4-15.0, V-8 10.2-14.0
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