Pick Of The Day: 1971 Buick Skylark Custom Convertible

The first Skylark was a limited-production convertible created to celebrate Buick’s 50^th anniversary. Our Pick of the Day is a Skylark that was a regular-production model mainstreamed into the Buick lineup, yet its low production numbers almost make it feel like it too was a limited-production convertible. This 1971 Buick Skylark Custom convertible is currently listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Elkhart, Wisconsin. 

When the Skylark nameplate was first introduced in 1953, it was a semi-custom convertible based on the Roadmaster, one of three limited-production specialty ragtops introduced by General Motors (the others being the Oldsmobile 98 Fiesta and Cadillac Series 62 Eldorado) to promote itself as the industry’s design leader.

Fast forward to 1971, and the Skylark was a conventional mid-size model. Skylark series trim levels included the base Skylark, Skylark Custom, and GS. The latter was revamped for 1971, now being one model with three engine options. In addition, the striped GSX package was expanded to those engines and several more color choices.

If you wanted a convertible, you could opt for the Skylark Custom or GS, as Buick and its customers preferred a nicely trimmed ragtop over a bare-bones one. This 68,613-mile Skylark Custom convertible features a repaint of the reportedly stock Bamboo Cream — a Riviera color that was special-ordered (note the “SCO” on the data plate) — paired with a tan convertible top. The exterior is complemented with stock Buick wheel covers.

Inside, you’ll find a Saddle Tan vinyl interior with a front bench seat that includes a fold-down armrest. Other interior features include a Deluxe Steering Wheel, column-shifted shifter, remote driver-side mirror, and air conditioning. When driving this Buick (a breeze thanks to the power steering and brakes), you will feel like a time traveler to more than one era thanks to the aftermarket AM/FM/cassette stereo with upgraded speakers.

Power comes from a 230-horsepower 350ci V-8 mated to a three-speed Turbo Hydra-matic 350 automatic transmission. Nineteen seventy-one was the first year for lowered compression across the board at General Motors, but there’s enough power for endless highway cruising while being able to use modern fuel without the need for an octane booster.

Buick built only 3,993 examples like this 1971 Buick Skylark Custom convertible, which is somewhat low for a mainstream model that was seen on Everystreet, USA. At $29,900, it’s like you can have rarity and top-down fun like the original 1953 Skylark, drive it every day without worry, and not have to mortgage your house.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com