1968 Buick Skylark

1968 Buick Skylark Custom Hardtop The 1968 model year was one of significant changes for the Buick Special and Skylark. All of GM's mid sized cars now used two different length wheelbases and received all new sheet metal, incorporating a semi fastback look and what would later be called Coke Bottle siding. Federally mandated safety features included side marker lights, shoulder belts on all built after January 1, 1968, and parking lights that illuminated with headlights. A locking steering column with a new, rectangular ignition key became standard on all 1969 GM cars, one year ahead of the Federal requirement. Thx over-drive-magazine.com For consignment, a 1968 Buick Skylark custom hardtop showing 91,969 miles, but the true miles are unknown. Newer paint and a vinyl top cap this fantastic 1968, varying body styles including wagons, convertibles, and four door versions. And of course, the basis for the high performance GS models.  Exterior Twenty exterior colors were available on the Skylark in 1968, most of which were understated or earth toned hues popular at the time. One such color is the Burnished Saddle brown that covers our car, now in two stage application which accentuates the body lines and trim. In profile, the car is dramatic with a sweeping trim piece that flows downward from the fender, meets trim on the fender skirt which continues to the back over the rocker panel. The rear windows come to a point and are framed by the tan vinyl top that covers the C-pillar. A trio of ornamental fender trim pieces sit low while the Buick tri-shield tops the rear side marker light. Out back, stainless runs in tandem down the middle of the decklid leading to a large chrome bumper that seamlessly absorbs the taillights. 14-inch Buick Rally wheels add some sportiness to this common commuter and along with the rest of the metal trim, are in great shape, although we note the rim of one wheel is dented. Imperfections include bubbling in the paint, touched up chips, and chipping paint in a seam.  Interior Handsome door panels are configured with ivory inserts framed in saddle vinyl on top which connects with the gold carpeted kick panels below, and separate window cranks are available for both the vent window and the main window. The split bench takes on the same matching colors with ivory vinyl panels bordered by saddle sides and piping, mirrored in the back, and both in immaculate condition. A wood rimmed steering wheel with polished spokes and a Buick shield fronts a horizontal speedometer over an aluminum panel holding thumb wheel adjustments for wipers, washer, and the A/C. Other than some fading to the black plastic framing, the dash is in great shape. Recessed in a center cove is an aftermarket head unit with AM/FM/CD. The brownish gold loop carpet is protected by vintage style rubber mats and the ivory, perforated headliner above is also clean. The trunk wears a fitted plaid mat and matching material covers the spare.  Drivetrain Under the hood is a clean 350ci V8, rated at 230 horsepower and fed fuel via a Holley 4-barrel carburetor. An ST300 backs it up as a 2-speed automatic and sends power to the 10 bolt out rear with 2.56 gears  Power brakes are supplied and fluid goes to discs in front and drums in the back.  Undercarriage Relatively clean underneath showing some typical patina and surface rust that first shows up on the Hooker headers on board. The dual exhaust leads to TotalFlow stainless mufflers and eventually chrome tips out back, one extending under the bumper and the other set further back. There's some residual oil on the pan and rear differential and some sling from the U-joint, but the knuckles are clear and floorboards are clean. Suspension layout is coil springs up front and a 4 link with coil spring in back.  Drive-Ability This is not your grandmother's Skylark and that's first apparent when we turn the key. The headers throw some soundwaves down twin pipes and mufflers do a n