Buick Skylark History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
Start with a make and model. Add a year where a detailed guide is available.
Model history available. Detailed year guides are not published for this model.
Browse this model's history and yearsHistory
The Skylark name first appeared in 1953 as a limited-production luxury convertible marking Buick's 50th anniversary. It returned in 1961 as a compact, and through the 1960s grew into Buick's intermediate, becoming the platform for the brand's muscle-era performance cars.
From 1965 Buick offered the Gran Sport (GS) package on the Skylark, pairing big-block V8 power with Buick's refined, 'gentleman's muscle car' image. The high-water mark came in 1970, when GM lifted its mid-size engine-displacement cap and Buick fielded the 455-powered GS and the rare GSX — whose Stage 1 455 made a class-leading 510 lb-ft of torque.
After the muscle era the Skylark name moved to front-wheel-drive compacts, running in various forms through 1998 before being retired.
Body styles
- Coupe
- Convertible
- Sedan
- Hardtop
Notable special editions & performance variants
GSX (Stage 1)
A high-impact appearance-and-performance package on the GS 455; the 1970 GSX Stage 1's 455 V8 made a class-leading 510 lb-ft of torque. Only 678 GSXs were built for 1970.
Gran Sport (GS)
Buick's muscle-era performance package on the Skylark, offering big-block V8 power with Buick's more upscale image.
Related models
Collect the nameplate
Find a scale model of the Buick Skylark
Search Amazon across available years, colors, and scales. Exact releases vary, so confirm the listing before ordering.