The Buick Skylark is a passenger car formerly produced by Buick . The model was made in six production runs, during 46 years, over which the car's design varied dramatically due to changing technology, tastes, and new standards implemented over the years. It was named for the species of bird called skylark .
157-567: The Skylark name first appeared on a limited production luxury convertible using the Buick Roadmaster 's chassis for two years, then was reintroduced in 1961 as a higher luxury content alternative to the entry-level Buick Special on which the Skylark was based upon. It was then positioned as Buick's luxury performance model when the Buick GSX was offered. As GM began downsizing during the late 1970s,
314-455: A Gran Sport option became available in mid-1965, offered as a coupe, hardtop or convertible. The Gran Sport featured Buick's 401-cubic-inch V8 with a Carter 4-barrel carburetor that produced 325 hp (242 kW) at 4400 rpm, listed as 400 cubic inches in sales literature to elude a General Motors limit of 400 cubic inches in intermediate-sized cars. Unique Gran Sport badging, a heavy-duty radiator, and dual exhaust were also added. In
471-516: A Skylark option was released with special trim, optional bucket seats and a four-barrel version of the 215 that made 185 hp (138 kW). In 1962, the Special was the first American car to use a V6 engine in volume production; it earned Motor Trend ' s Car of the Year for 1962. This 198 cid Fireball was engineered down from the 215 and used many of the same design parameters, but
628-582: A Cadillac Series 61 . The 1950 restyling featured a "toothy" grille. The Sweepspear design was made standard on most body styles at the beginning of the 1950 model year, and on the station wagon and a new long-wheelbase sedan mid-year. The long-wheelbase sedan was lengthened by 4 inches (102 mm)). Like the convertibles, the Riviera and the long-wheelbase sedan came with power windows and seats as standard equipment. Roadmaster sales fell to 75,034, with Roadmaster's share of total Buick output plummeting to 12%. For
785-564: A "three on the tree" manual transmission , a floor-shifted Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed manual, or a two-speed automatic. The two-speed "Dual Path Turbine Drive" automatic was a Buick design and shared no common parts with the Chevrolet Power-Glide transmission. Instrument panel padding and a cigarette lighter was standard. Beginning with the 1964 model year, the Skylark trim level had enough sales to merit its own separate line. Along with
942-423: A 118 in (3.0 m) wheelbase, but for the next model year this was increased to 122 in (3.10 m) as all Buicks grew for that year. The eight cylinder engine was also new, and was now of 248 cu in (4.1 L) rather than 233 cu in (3.8 L). The Special (and all other Buicks as well) underwent a full restyling for 1939, with a more enclosed nose and a wider grille. The wheelbase
1099-451: A Rochester 2-barrel carburetor that generated 210 hp (160 kW) at 4600 rpm. A high performance version was offered with 11:1 compression and a 4-barrel carburetor, generating 250 hp (190 kW). The V6 and V8 were of similar design and shared the same bore and stroke. A long-throw Hurst shifter was available for the four-speed manual transmission. For the 1965 model, cast-iron blocks and heads were used for all engines. For
1256-414: A black version. This also matched the change from a two-tone woodgrain instrument panel to a two-tone gray instrument panel, with silver-finished instruments. A new optional custom trim option was offered: cloth upholstery with leather bolsters, robe cord cover, and lower door panels trimmed in leatherette. Convertibles included power operation for windows, seats, and the top. The Dynaflow was introduced,
1413-463: A core engine for GM for several decades and lived on in upgraded form until 2006. By 1970, Special was no longer offered as a standalone model but the name would later be used for the entry trim on 1975 to 1979 and 1991 to 1996 Century models. The entry level Buick can trace its heritage to the Buick Model 10 , a companion to Buick's first car, the Buick Model B . The Model 10 started out as one of
1570-595: A couple decades and eventually finding its way into the original Series/Defender Land Rover; and several other Land Rover Models including the Discovery and the Forward Control. The Skylark became a separate series for 1962. The Special, along with the upscale Skylark , were redesigned for the 1964 model year with separate body-on-frame construction—renamed the A-body —and marketed as an intermediate -sized car. The Skylark
1727-410: A divided grille with horizontal bars. The center section of the grille was painted to match the body of the car. Fenders became squared off and the headlight shells were streamlined. Overall height was reduced by 1.5 in (38 mm) while keeping the same interior space. A new carburetor and revised camshaft raised the engine rating to 130 hp (97 kW; 132 PS). The engine also received
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#17330859102361884-429: A four-inch-chop from the standard Roadmaster's windshield, the absence of VentiPorts, and a new Sweepspear that anticipated Buick's 1954 styling. Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels and a solid boot cover were standard. At US$ 5,000 ($ 56,940 in 2023 dollars ) only 1,690 units were produced. The following year, and for one year only, it would become separate series built on the all-new 122 in (3,100 mm) Century chassis. This
2041-511: A longer hood extending to a now nearly vertical grill, taller bumper guards, and redesigned hubcaps. Changes were made to both engine and chassis. The ride was improved by replacing the rear leaf springs with coil springs and incorporating double-acting shock absorbers four times the size of others. The frame X-member was changed from I-beam to channel construction, and all wood structural elements were replaced with steel. The engine combustion chambers were redesigned and new "turbulator" pistons raised
2198-543: A new intake manifold, oil pump, cooling system, and a quieter overhead valve mechanism. A Formal Sedan, featuring a roll-down glass partition between the front and rear compartments, was added to the Roadmaster line for US$ 1,641 ($ 34,780 in 2023 dollars ), of which 452 were sold. The price of the sedan was raised to US$ 1,518, and that of the phaeton to US$ 1,856 ($ 39,337 in 2023 dollars ). Overall Roadmaster sales increased to 16,129. Styling changes for 1938 were modest, with
2355-447: A notch to replace the previous Special Deluxe. The previous Skylark was replaced by a new Skylark Custom. The Special Deluxe was available as a pillared two-door coupe, a pillared four-door sedan, or a 2-row station wagon. The previous V6 was discontinued and the associated tooling was sold to Kaiser Industries, which used the V6 in its Jeep trucks and sport utility vehicles. The base engine in
2512-460: A one-piece design. All the significant gauges were relocated directly in front of the driver, and the gear shift was changed to a steering column mount. The four-door phaeton could now be ordered with the built-in trunk appearance or as a fastback, but only three of the latter were sold. Although prices were reduced to US$ 1,545 ($ 33,842 in 2023 dollars ), sales only rose to 6,097, with Roadmaster's share of Buick's total sales falling to 2.9%. In 1940,
2669-539: A patent application was filed on November 28, 1932. The patent was assigned to the Ternstedt Manufacturing Company, a GM subsidiary making components for Fisher Body . At the end of 1933, the 80 series was discontinued after 24,117 units were produced. In 1936, the model changed its name to "Series 80 Roadmaster". Body style choices were limited to a two-door coupe or four-door sedan in 1931 capable of seating five- or seven-passengers, then replacing
2826-617: A perceived step-down from the Roadmaster/Super series using the Century's chassis, slumping far enough to cause the model's cancellation at the end of the 1954 model year, with only 836 being manufactured. In the fall of 1960, General Motors introduced a trio of new compact cars for the 1961 model year that shared the same chassis, engines, and basic sheet metal: the Buick Special , Pontiac Tempest , and Oldsmobile F-85 . The Special's styling
2983-437: A senior Packard , 15 more than any Cadillac, and 25 more than the largest Chryslers , it was the most powerful engine available that year on an American car. A new body style for this year was a two-door convertible, which sold 1,845 units. There was also a Brunn-designed convertible, but no orders materialized because of the $ 3,500 price ($ 72,502 in 2023 dollars ). Overall, Roadmaster sales were 15,372. The 1942 Roadmaster
3140-471: A separate series, starting with the 340 hp/440 lbs torque 400 c.i.d. V8 1968 GS 400, using the 2 door Skylark body and chassis. In a reshuffling of models in the lineup, the Special Deluxe replaced the previous Special. The Skylark nameplate was shuffled down a notch to replace the previous Special Deluxe. The previous Skylark was replaced by a new Skylark Custom. The basic Skylark was available as
3297-514: A separate series. The Buick Sport Wagon name was now used on a conventional four-door station wagon that no longer featured a raised roof with glass panels over the cargo area, or a longer wheelbase, as in the past. It now used the same 116 in (2,946 mm) wheelbase as the Buick Skylark four-door sedan and the now-discontinued Buick Special four-door Station Wagon. It became, in effect, a Buick Skylark four-door station wagon in all respects but
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#17330859102363454-399: A separate upper bar was used. The Roadmaster name appeared in red-filled script on a chrome button within the bumper guard crossbars, front, and rear. All new was an Estate wagon body style. It sold 300 units and became the top line in the station wagon market. The 1948 models featured a series script on the front fenders, and the white Tenite steering wheel used previously was replaced with
3611-475: A shorter wheelbase of 112 in (2,845 mm), while four-door models used a longer wheelbase of 116 in (the Buick Sport Wagon and Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser used an even longer wheelbase of 121 in). All of GM's mid-sized cars received all-new sheet metal, incorporating a semi- fastback appearance, which was a revival of a streamlining on all GM products from 1942 until 1950 as demonstrated on
3768-416: A shorter wheelbase of 112 in (2,845 mm), while four-door models used a longer wheelbase of 116 in (the Buick Sport Wagon and Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser used an even longer wheelbase of 121 in). All of GM's mid-sized cars received all-new sheet metal, incorporating a semi- fastback appearance, which was a revival of a streamlining on all GM products from 1942 until 1950 as demonstrated on
3925-502: A single-barrel Rochester carburetor. Optional on the Skylark and standard on the Skylark Custom was a new 350-cubic-inch V8 derived from the 340, using a two-barrel Rochester carburetor that produced 230 hp (170 kW) at 4400 rpm. The Buick Special name was dropped after the 1969 model year. A locking steering column with a new, rectangular ignition key became standard on all 1969 GM cars (except Corvair ), one year ahead of
4082-535: A slight increase in the compression ratio. With the now-standard Dynaflow, this contributed to giving the new Buicks a top speed of 110 mph (177 km/h). In the middle of the year, the Riviera joined the body style lineup, selling 4,314 units. Featuring power windows as standard equipment, the two-door Buick Roadmaster Riviera , along with the Cadillac Series 62 Coupe de Ville and the Oldsmobile 98 Holiday,
4239-399: A standard 198 cu in (3.2 L) V6 with a twin-barrel carburetor and an optional 215 cu in (3.5 L) V8 with 155 hp (116 kW) (two-barrel) or more powerful four-barrel (190 hp (140 kW) in 1962, 200 hp (150 kW) in 1963). Transmission choices were a 'three on the tree' manual transmission , a floor shift Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed manual, or
4396-488: A three inches shorter wheelbase which shared its body with the 1941 Oldsmobile Series 70 . These two series, with a restyle reminiscent of the 1939 Y-Job , continued into the abbreviated 1942 model year. Production ended on 4 February 1942. The Special was now offered as the entry-level luxury vehicle that the LaSalle previously held. After production resumed, only the larger 1946 B-body Special range remained available, which
4553-474: A three speed column shift manual transmission , a floor shift Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed manual, or a two-speed Turbine Drive automatic . The two speed "Dual Path Turbine Drive" automatic was a Buick design and shared no common parts with the better known Chevrolet Power-Glide transmission. The 1962 model sold 153,763, including 42,973 Skylarks. The 1963 body was only produced for one year; it sold 148,750 copies, including 42,321 Skylarks. The entire car
4710-484: A three-speed automatic transaxle as an option. Buick Roadmaster The Buick Roadmaster is an automobile built by Buick from 1936 until 1942, from 1946 until 1958, and then again from 1991 until 1996. Roadmasters produced between 1936 and 1958 were built on Buick's longest non-limousine wheelbase and shared their basic structure with the entry-level Cadillac Series 65 , the Buick Limited , and after 1940,
4867-584: A two-door hardtop coupe or a four-door sedan. The Skylark Custom came as a two-door convertible coupe, two-door hardtop coupe, four-door hardtop sedan, or four-door sedan. The previous V6 was discontinued and the associated tooling was sold to Kaiser Industries, which used the V6 in its Jeep trucks and sport utility vehicles. The base engine in Buick Skylarks (and Buick Special sedans) became a 250-cubic-inch 250 cu in (4.1 L) Chevrolet I6 , that produced 155 hp (116 kW) at 4200 rpm using
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5024-400: A two-speed Turbine Drive automatic . The two speed "Dual Path Turbine Drive" automatic was a Buick design and shared no common parts with the better known Chevrolet Power-Glide transmission. Two prototypes were made for 1962, each with a unique body. One a convertible and the other a hardtop. The prototypes came directly from Buick Engineering, both had been given two 4-barrel carburetors by
5181-481: A version of the same V8 engine as the base Skylark, but with a 4-barrel Rochester carburetor that generated 180 hp (134 kW). Skylark Customs were available with the same 350-cubic-inch V8 engines available in the basic Skylark and the Skylark 350. The Custom had an upgraded interior and dash with some extra chrome. Convertibles only came in the Skylark Customs and the Skylark 350s. For 1973, GM redesigned
5338-533: A vinyl-covered roof. 1961 Skylarks featured three Ventiports on each fender. A plush " Cordaveen " all-vinyl interior was standard, with bucket seats available as an option. Instrumentation was minimal, consisting of only a speedometer and fuel gauge . The Skylark replaced the Special's standard aluminum block 215 cu in (3.5 L) two-barrel carburetor V8 with a higher compression ratio four-barrel version that boosted power from 155 hp (116 kW) at 4600 rpm to 185 hp (138 kW). For
5495-436: A war-inspired "bombsight" hood ornament was adopted. The instrument panel was two-toned with woodgrain facings except on convertibles, which used body-colored panels. Series identification was found on cloisonne emblems centered in the bumper guard front and rear. Compound Carburetion was discontinued, and the compression ratio was reduced to 6.60:1. The 1946 Roadmaster's horsepower rating went from 165 to 144. The torque rating
5652-536: A year later with a 180 hp (134 kW) 5.7 L L05 Chevrolet small-block V8 shared by both wagon and sedan. In 1994, both received a substantial power and performance boost with an upgrade to a modified version of the advanced 5.7 L sequential point fuel-injection LT1 V8 introduced two years earlier in the C4 Corvette . Coupled with standard dual exhaust, it increased output to 260 hp (194 kW). Buick Special#1961–1963 The Buick Special
5809-470: Is possible the convertible prototype still exists in the Sloan Museum collection. The 1963 Skylarks used the same chassis and wheelbase as the previous 1961 and 1962 models, but adopted new sheet metal that featured boxier styling. Length was increased by five inches (130 mm) to 193 in (4,900 mm), and the 215-cubic-inch V8 generated 200 hp (150 kW) at 5,000 rpm. The 1963 Skylark
5966-417: Is rare, representing less than two percent of Buick's production that year. The Special continued with minor changes until the prewar body was finally replaced halfway through the 1949 model year. Post-war Specials were only available as a four-door sedan or a two-door "sedanet", until the new 1949 models arrived. In the movie Mildred Pierce , Veda Pierce, Mildred's daughter, played by actress Ann Blyth ,
6123-592: The Apollo name for their four-door sedan, while their two-doors (hatchback and sedan) were both rechristened "Skylark". Both the Apollo and the Skylark were available in Base and S/R versions; the S/R (Sports/Rallye) being European-inspired and more upscale. The Skylark sedan was also available as a very plain, lower-priced Skylark "S" with minimal interior and exterior trim. Gone since 1968,
6280-482: The Buick Super Club Coupe (sedanette) , that showed influences from the restyled Riviera . More Federally mandated safety features improved occupant protection and accident avoidance, including side marker lights, shoulder belts (on all models built after January 1, 1968), and parking lights that illuminated with headlights. The Buick Gran Sport , previously an option package available on the Skylark, became
6437-412: The Buick Super Club Coupe (sedanette) . More Federally mandated safety features improved occupant protection and accident avoidance, including side marker lights, shoulder belts (on all models built after January 1, 1968), and parking lights that illuminated with headlights. In a reshuffling of models in the lineup, the Special Deluxe replaced the previous Special. The Skylark nameplate was shuffled down
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6594-637: The Buick Y-Job . The four-door phaeton was discontinued. Coupes adopted the Sedanet fastback style that was introduced in 1941 on the Century and Special . The new one-piece hood was double-hinged so that either side of the engine compartment could be opened, while in later updates, the hood would open at the front and extend up and towards the passenger compartment. At the beginning of 1942, new automobiles were available only to those in occupations deemed essential to
6751-623: The C-body Buick Park Avenue . It was also larger both in wheelbase (2 in (51 mm)) and overall length (6 in (152 mm)) than the K-body Cadillac DeVille . A Buick Roadmaster Estate station wagon was introduced in 1947 and was manufactured in several generations through 1996. The 1932 Series 80 was the first Buick with the 344.8 cu in (5,650 cc) OHV Buick Straight-8 engine developing 104 hp (78 kW; 105 PS) at 2,800 rpm. It
6908-621: The Marquette Model 30 and the Series 50 being repositioned as the Buick entry level product. The 1935 version returned with the 233.0 cu in (3,818 cc) Buick Straight-8 engine and 93 bhp. Starting with this generation, all GM cars shared a corporate appearance as a result of the Art and Color Section headed by Harley Earl and modest yearly changes were introduced to freshen the appearance. 1933
7065-464: The Oldsmobile 98 . Between 1946 and 1957, the Roadmaster served as Buick's flagship. It became the marque's largest vehicle when it was resurrected for the 1991 through 1996 model years. The Roadmaster sedan, a C-body vehicle over its eight previous generations, shared the B-body for the first time in its history. It was 10 in (254 mm) longer with a 5 in (127 mm) greater wheelbase than
7222-402: The " VentiPorts " design element reappeared, integrated into the front half of the rub strip that ran the length of the vehicle. The standard engine for the Buick Skylarks was Buick's own 231-cubic-inch (3.8 L) V6 engine with a 2-barrel carburetor creating 110 hp (82 kW) at 4000 rpm. Buick purchased back the tooling for the engine from American Motors, which acquired them when
7379-596: The "Sweepspear" moulding attached to the side of all models. GM renamed the Buick Special the LeSabre for the 1959 model year, taking the name from the 1951 Le Sabre concept car . In 1961, the car returned after a short absence of two years, but this time it was on the brand new unibody compact GM Y platform . The Special was powered by a 155 hp (116 kW) innovative aluminum-block 215 in³ V8 , and had Dual Path transmission and power steering. In mid-year
7536-537: The 1949 model year, the Specials received all-new bodywork to include a dramatically styled grille where nine grille bars also served as bumper guards and extended over the front bumper, and the first fully postwar design for the series. New was also the 40D-series, a better equipped version called the Special DeLuxe. The engine remained the 248 cu in (4.1 L) which had been used since 1937, but for 1951 this
7693-477: The 1951 model year, the long-wheelbase sedan was also called a Riviera, although it was not a hardtop. The Sedanet and regular wheelbase sedan were discontinued. Styling changes were minimal in 1951 and 1952. Power steering was added as an option in 1952, and the engine rating climbed to 170 hp (127 kW; 172 PS) primarily to a new four-barrel carburetor. Sales continued to decrease to about 66,000 in 1951 and totaled 51,000 units in 1952. A new V8 engine
7850-466: The 1954 model year, the Buick Roadmaster and Super shared with Cadillac and Oldsmobile 98 the new General Motors C-body , adopting the new " ponton " appearance, and the addition of " Dagmar bumpers " to the front. These were large, roomy cars, as much as five and a half inches longer in wheelbase and more than nine inches (229 mm) longer overall than in 1953. Roadmaster script was placed on
8007-469: The 1962 model year, the Skylark became a model in its own right. It used the previous year's basic sheet metal but was available in two new body styles: a two-door convertible coupe (shared with the Special and Special Deluxe models) and a two-door (pillarless) hardtop unique to it. Tuning of the 215-cubic-inch V8 increased power to 190 hp (140 kW) at 4800 rpm. In 1962, the Skylark Special
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#17330859102368164-418: The 1966 model year, the pillared four-door sedan was replaced by a four-door hardtop. The 1966 two-door Skylark was available with the optional 340-cubic-inch "Wildcat 375", engine which produced 260 hp (194 kW) and 365 lb⋅ft (495 N⋅m) torque with a 4-barrel Carter carb. The four-door sedan would rejoin the lineup for the 1967 model year, making a total of five Skylark body styles. The 225 V6
8321-479: The 1970 Chevelle , distinct from that of the shared Pontiac LeMans and Oldsmobile Cutlass . The two-door sedan was unique to Buick, sharing its roofline as the hardtop but having a thick "B" pillar , with Buick's traditional " Sweepspear " feature appearing as a crease running the length of the vehicle. Chevrolet did not offer a pillared coupe for the Chevelle from 1970 to 1972; all two-doors were hardtops. Replacing
8478-460: The 1978 model year, Chevrolet's 5.7 L (350-cubic-inch) V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, which produced 170 hp (130 kW) at 3,800 rpm, also was available. Also in that year, the Skylark Custom replaced the Skylark S/R as the most luxurious variant. The 1978s also received some very light cosmetic changes to the corner lights and grille. The 1979 model year saw the discontinuance of
8635-425: The 350-cubic-inch V8 with the 2-barrel Rochester carburetor (now putting out 145 horsepower) as standard equipment. A new federally mandated system to calculate power was put into effect that year, and the actual engine performance was probably comparable but slightly lower because of pollution controls in the 1972 model year to the 230 hp (172 kW) that was listed for the previous year. The Skylark 350 now used
8792-409: The 5.7 L V8 engines produced 140 hp (100 kW) at 3,200 rpm with the 2-barrel carburetor, and 155 hp (116 kW) at 3,400 rpm with the 4-barrel carburetor. Beginning with the 1976 model year, the four-door sedans used the Skylark and Skylark S/R names instead of the previous Apollo badge, and came with the 3.8 L V6 engine as standard. The 260-cubic-inch (4.3 L) V8
8949-578: The A-body platform, but Buick dropped the Skylark nameplate and revived one of its old ones for their mid-size: the " Century" . The Century Estate replaced the Buick Sport Wagon. The Century inherited the Gran Sport performance option, but the Gran Sport name was once again reduced to being an option package. When GM's compact X-body platform was extensively restyled for the 1975 model year, Buick retained
9106-546: The British manufacturer Rover, who produced it as the Rover V8 engine until 2006). In its place was a new 225-cubic-inch (3.7 L) all-cast-iron V6 with a Rochester 1-barrel carburetor that generated 155 hp (116 kW) at 4400 rpm. It is an enlarged version of the prior 198 cubic inches (3,240 cm) V6 introduced for the 1962 model year. The basic V8 option was a 300-cubic-inch, with cast-iron block, aluminum heads, and
9263-492: The Buick Special (and Buick Skylark) coupes & sedans) became a 250-cubic-inch 250 cu in (4.1 L) Chevrolet I6 , that produced 155 hp (116 kW) at 4200 rpm using a single-barrel Rochester carburetor. Optional on the Special Deluxe coupe & sedan and standard on the Special Deluxe station wagon was a new 350-cubic-inch V8 derived from the 340, using a two-barrel Rochester carburetor that produced 230 hp (170 kW) at 4400 rpm. Optional on
9420-444: The Buick Special was dropped and only Special Deluxes were manufactured. In 1970, the end of the Special came about when the Special Deluxe was dropped too in favor of the slightly upscale Buick Skylark. The 1968 model year was one of significant change for the Buick Special and Skylark. Although still using the same basic chassis, all of GM's mid-sized cars adopted a policy of using two different length wheelbases. Two-door models used
9577-490: The Dynaflow transmission. A brand new four-door Riviera hardtop, proved to be the most popular Roadmaster, with 24,770 units sold and beating the pillared sedan by more than two-to-one. Overall sales were 53,427 (which was 9% of model year production). A padded dash became standard. The 1957 Roadmaster featured a lowered body style with an even more panoramic windshield with reverse slanted pillars. A red-filled Sweepspear lined
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#17330859102369734-456: The Federal requirement. For 1970, the mid-sized Buicks once again received new sheet metal and the Buick Skylark name was moved down another notch, replacing the previous entry-level Buick Special. It was available in two- and four-door sedans with the 250-cubic-inch inline-six as standard and the optional 350-cubic-inch V8 (260 horsepower at 4600 rpm). Two-door models shared their roofline with
9891-549: The GM C-body and D-body chassis reserved for top of the line Buicks and Cadillacs. It rode on the same 115.9 in (2,944 mm) wheelbase since the wagon series was downsized from the C-body in 1977, yet it was three inches shorter than the 1990 model. The Roadmaster sedan, a C-body vehicle over its eight previous generations, shared the B-body for the first time. It stood not only as
10048-498: The Roadmaster Convertible replaced the exclusive Roadmaster Skylark convertible. In 1956, Roadmaster had a shallower Sweepspear that did not dip down to the rocker panel as on other models. Twin chrome strips were on the decklid, and Roadmaster was spelled between them. Roadmaster script was positioned on the doors beneath the vent windows. Fender tip dual bombsights were standard. Two stator wheels were adopted to improve
10205-578: The Series 80 was renamed Buick Limited . The Roadmaster name was transferred to the new Series 70, which was introduced simultaneously as a brand new Series 50 Super . The Roadmaster featured a cutting-edge "torpedo" C-body . The new C-body that the 1940 Buick Roadmaster shared with the Super, the Cadillac Series 62 , the Oldsmobile Series 90 , and the Pontiac Torpedo featured shoulder and hip room that
10362-501: The Skylark Custom two-door hatchback coupe (the base V6 produced 10 hp (7.5 kW) more than 1978's version). The 1979 model year was short because, midway through it, the all-new 1980 models were introduced early. Buick Skylarks were assembled in Iran (four-door sedans only) from 1977 to 1981 and again from 1986 to 1988 under the brand name of "Buick Iran". The first generations were known as B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, from 1977 until 1981, and
10519-574: The Skylark became the entry-level model when the Special nameplate was used as a trim package designation, then in the 1980s was offered as a front-wheel-drive vehicle where it was both a coupe and sedan for three different generations. Created to mark Buick's 50th anniversary, the Roadmaster Skylark joined the Oldsmobile 98 Fiesta and Cadillac Series 62 Eldorado as top-of-the-line, limited-production specialty convertibles introduced in 1953 by General Motors to promote its design leadership. Of
10676-400: The Special Deluxe was a 350-cubic-inch V8 using a four-barrel Rochester carburetor that produced 280 hp (210 kW) at 4600 rpm. The Buick Special name was dropped after the 1969 model year. A locking steering column with a new, rectangular ignition key became standard on all 1969 GM cars (except Corvair ), one year ahead of the Federal requirement. For 1970, the Buick Skylark name
10833-567: The V8 engine enabled Buick to reduce Roadmaster's wheelbase by 4.75 in (121 mm) across the line. However, styling differences behind the engine cowl, apart from the new V8 emblem hubcaps, were nonexistent. Buick also introduced a new "Twin-Turbine" Dynaflow as a companion for the V8 engine. Estimated to increase torque at the wheels by 10 percent, the new transmission provided faster and quieter acceleration at reduced engine speeds. Both power steering and power brakes were made standard. Air conditioning
10990-464: The basis for GM's A-body mid-size cars that would be introduced as 1982 models. The new Skylark was introduced in the spring of 1979 as an early 1980 model featuring front-wheel drive , MacPherson strut front suspension and transversely mounted engine, items that had never appeared on Buick products. The new optional 60 degree 2.8 L V6 engine was developed specifically for the X-cars. This platform became
11147-456: The basis for nearly all following GM front-wheel drive vehicles, but like the other X-body cars was noted for numerous reports of a tendency to lock the rear wheels upon emergency braking , potentially causing the driver to lose control and crash (1980 models only). It was the first post-World War II Buick to offer a four-cylinder engine since the Buick Four was discontinued in 1918. The Skylark
11304-399: The bodyside, and a chromed rear fender lower panel filled the area between the wheelhouse and the bumper end, continuing to offer " Dagmar bumpers " at the front. A new centered fuel filler was located in the rear bumper, the ends of which the single or optional dual exhaust passed through. Roadmaster script was placed within the deck and grille emblems. Two-door models had a trio of chevrons on
11461-404: The bodywork was again all new, with the front fenders now very closely integrated into the cars overall design. The Estate Wagon migrated from being a Super into the Special lineup. A fastback was offered in Century and 40 Special trim as a four-door touring sedan and two-door business coupe and the 46S sedanette. Also new was the 40-A series (the regular Special now being the 40-B), a version on
11618-511: The company purchased the Kaiser Jeep division from Kaiser Industries. The Apollo used Chevrolet's 250-cubic-inch (4.1 L) inline 6-cylinder engine . Optional engines included the Oldsmobile 260-cubic-inch (4.3 L) V8 with a two-barrel carburetor producing 110 hp (82 kW) at 4,000 rpm, and the Buick 350-cubic-inch (5.7 L) V8 with either a 2- or 4-barrel carburetor. In 1976,
11775-450: The compression ratio from 5.9 to 6.5:1, resulting in an increase to 141 hp (105 kW; 143 PS). The four-door convertible phaeton changed from the built-in trunk design to a "fastback" rear appearance. The Limited continued to be offered, and a new fastback sedan was added to the line with 466 being sold. The Roadmaster sedan price was increased to US$ 1,645 ($ 35,607 in 2023 dollars ). The overall automobile market decreased for
11932-441: The control of an imaginary fighter airplane. Upon seeing this, Buick chief Harlow Curtice was so delighted that he ordered that (non-lighting) VentiPorts be installed on all 1949 Buicks, with the number of VentiPorts (three or four) corresponding to the relative displacement of the straight-eight engine installed. Dynaflow was now standard equipment, and engine output was increased to 150 hp (112 kW; 152 PS) through
12089-468: The convertible and optional on the hardtop coupe. The Skylark Coupe had a lower, more road-hugging profile than the other models. Buick's traditional VentiPorts were integrated into the front half rub strip that ran the entire length of the vehicle, with later versions appearing vertically stacked as on the Buick Wildcat . Inspired by the sales success of the 1964 Pontiac Tempest , LeMans , and GTO ,
12246-486: The coupe with a Victoria five-passenger coupe in 1932. The 1933 model year saw convertibles for both the coupe and four-door sedan convertible reviving the "phaeton" nameplate again, and additional manufacturing locations opened across the country under the Buick-Oldsmobile-Pontiac Assembly Division . The equipment levels and refinement of materials used were on par with the top-level Limited and
12403-506: The distributor was located in front of the engine (typical of Buick), the oil pump was external and mounted in the front of the engine, the rocker arm assembly had all rocker arms mounted on a single rod and were not adjustable. The Skylark Custom continued to be available, also using the 350-cubic-inch V8 as standard equipment and still available as a two-door convertible coupe, two-door hardtop coupe, four-door hardtop sedan, and four-door sedan. Buick Gran Sport models continued to be available as
12560-405: The division's lineup. The 1954 Skylark once again had unique sheet metal stampings for its elongated wheel cutouts and new semi-barrel trunk, though fabrication was done without hand labor. The hood ornament was unique, adopted the following year across the Buick product line. Sales proved to be poor, reflecting the Skylark's continued high price of US$ 4,843 ($ 54,947 in 2023 dollars ) coupled with
12717-497: The engineers thus increasing the prototype's horsepower a little more than 80 hp. They had features from the '61, '62, and the '63 production models. Some features, such as the two 4-barrel carburetors, were left out of the production-line Skylarks. The prototypes were also two inches (51 mm) longer, and wider than the production models. Of the two prototypes, only the hardtop still exists and resides with its owner in Michigan. It
12874-430: The first passenger car torque converter transmission. Optional on Roadmaster in its first year, it became standard equipment for 1949. Overall sales were just under 80,000 in both 1947 and 1948, over four times greater than in any prewar year. The Roadmaster received its first major postwar restyling in 1949. Its wheelbase and overall length were reduced, but its weight was marginally increased. The most significant change
13031-471: The first time, a four-door sedan was offered in addition to the two-door convertible, two-door sedan, and hardtop coupe. Specials and Special Deluxes only came in pillared coupe versions. All Skylarks would have higher levels of exterior and interior trim than the Special and Special Deluxe from which they were derived. The sedan would come with cloth-and-vinyl seats standard, with an all-vinyl " Cordaveen " interior optional. All-vinyl bucket seats were standard on
13188-463: The front fenders. On the rear deck, the Roadmaster name was spelled out in block lettering beneath a Buick emblem housing the trunk lock keyway. Wheelhouses had bright moldings, rocker panels had an ebbed molding, and a large rear fender bright flash with ribbed inserts replaced the previous year's chromed rear fender lower panel. Four headlamps were standard. New brakes featured cast-iron liners in aluminum drums. Sales fell further to about 14,000. There
13345-408: The front. The Roadmaster sedan weighed 4,098 pounds, about 88 pounds more than Cadillac's new Series 60 . The sedan sold for $ 1,255 ($ 27,556 in 2023 dollars ), $ 440 ($ 9,661 in 2023 dollars ) less than the least expensive Cadillac. The only other body style was a four-door convertible phaeton, priced at $ 1,565 ($ 34,362 in 2023 dollars ) (a total of 1,064 were produced), at a time when a Cadillac in
13502-447: The independent brands merged into Buick, called the Janney . When the Series 40 was introduced, it had the 257.5 cu in (4,220 cc) overhead valve Buick Straight-6 engine that produced 80.5 bhp of power at 2,800 rpm, and 74,257 examples were made, being the highest number of Buicks for 1930. For the year 1931, the Series 40 was temporarily discontinued, with the introduction of
13659-415: The instrument panel. The Gran Sport became the Gran Sport 400 to reflect its engine. A Gran Sport 340 was added, using the 340-cubic-inch V8, available only as a two-door hardtop coupe. The 1968 model year was one of significant change for the Buick Skylark. Although still using the same basic chassis, all of GM's mid-sized cars adopted a policy of using two different length wheelbases. Two-door models used
13816-406: The larger series 60 Roadmaster/ Super chassis, also all-new for 1954. Once again, all Skylarks were built as 2-door convertibles and carried the same luxury equipment as before, but front leg room dropped 2.4 inches (6.1 cm). While smaller and lighter, the Skylark received a performance boost by retaining the big Buicks' powertrain, an evolutionary improvement of 1953's with the highest output in
13973-473: The largest Buick, 10 in (254 mm) longer with a 5 in (127 mm) greater wheelbase than the apparent top-of-the-line C-bodied Buick Park Avenue , but larger both in wheelbase (2 inches) and overall length (6 inches) than the K-body Cadillac Sedan de Ville . The standard engine for the 1991 wagon was a 170 hp (127 kW) 5.0 L L03 Chevrolet small-block V8. It was replaced
14130-478: The lower-priced Special from which it was derived, the model would move to a new 115 in (2,921 mm) wheelbase intermediate-size chassis shared with the Oldsmobile F-85 , Pontiac Tempest , and new Chevrolet Chevelle . Both Buicks had a length of 203.5 in (5,169 mm). The standard 215-cubic-inch displacement, aluminum-block V8 engine was discontinued (and the associated tooling eventually sold to
14287-423: The model 76R two-door Roadmaster convertible, the 1953 Skylark (designated model 76X) had identical dimensions (except height), almost identical appearance, shared its drive train, and had all its standard equipment, plus its few remaining options, including power windows, power brakes, full carpeting, and a "Selectronic" AM radio. Only air conditioning was not offered, unnecessary in either convertible. Importantly,
14444-407: The model year. The idea for VentiPorts grew out of a modification Buick styling chief Ned Nickles had added to his own 1948 Roadmaster. He had installed four amber lights on each side of his car's hood wired to the distributor to flash on and off as each cylinder fired, simulating the flames from the exhaust stack of a fighter airplane. Combined with the bombsight mascot, VentiPorts put the driver in
14601-457: The most chrome yet and twin headlights, as the car grew longer and wider, albeit on an unchanged chassis. 1949-1957 Buick Specials had three VentiPorts on each side while more senior Buicks (with the partial exception of the Buick Super , which switched from three to four in 1955) had four. Earlier versions had a " Sweepspear " inspired character line alongside the body, while later versions had
14758-406: The name. For the 1971 model year, the base Skylark was available only with the inline-6 , now only putting out 145 hp (108 kW) due to emission control devices, but in a two-door hardtop coupe body-style (in addition to the previous two- and four-door sedans). The Skylark 350 had a V8 engine that put out only 230 hp (170 kW). It was now available as a two-door sedan in addition to
14915-416: The new Skylark featured Buick's new 322 in (5.3 L) Fireball V8 in place of the automaker's longstanding straight 8 , and a 12-volt electrical system, both division firsts. It debuted full-cutout wheel openings, a styling cue that spread to the main 1954 Buick line. Accenting its lowered, notched beltline was a new " Sweepspear " running almost the entire length of the vehicle, a styling cue that
15072-476: The pieces back together at an angle to produce the rakish door dip. An overall more streamlined look was reinforced by cutting the windshield almost 3 inches (7.6 cm) shorter and lowering the side windows and convertible top frame proportionately. Seat frames and steering column were then dropped to provide proper headroom and driving position. Front legroom was 44.7 inches (114 cm). Authentic wire wheels were produced by Kelsey-Hayes, chromed everywhere except
15229-563: The pillared coupe and the Estate wagon were no longer offered as body styles. Overall sales dropped to 50,571 (which was 11% of model year production). and the Roadmaster Convertible was listed at US$ 3,521 ($ 39,948 in 2023 dollars ). Air conditioning was provided by Frigidaire optionally on sedans and hardtops, which consisted of a self-contained unit that was retrofitted at the customers' request. In 1955, broad lower rear fender bands, gold-colored Roadmaster deck script and hood ornament, bars on
15386-458: The plated and painted "Skylark" center emblem. The Skylark returned in 1954 with radically restyled styling unique to the Buick line, which included wheel cutouts that could be painted in a contrasting color to the body's. The trunk was sloped into a semi-barrel, and tail lights moved to large chromed fins projecting atop the rear fenders. Re-designated model 100, the car was based on the all-new shorter Century / Special series 40 chassis and not
15543-585: The previous Buick Skylark was the Buick Skylark 350, available as a two-door hardtop coupe or four-door sedan with the 350-cubic-inch V8 as standard equipment. This 350-cubic-inch engine was a different design than the Chevy's 350 CID engine (4.000 in × 3.48 in) the Buick design had a longer stroke and smaller bore (3.80 X 3.85 in) allowing for lower-end torque, deep-skirt block construction, higher nickel-content cast iron, 3.0 in (76 mm) crank main journals, and 6.5 in (165 mm) connecting rods,
15700-419: The previous two-door hardtop coupe and four-door sedan. 1972 was the last model year for the mid-sized Buick Skylark. During this model year many pollution controls were added to the engines, Compression was lowered, engines had to accept leaded and unleaded gas, and spark timing was retarded (no vacuum advance in lower gears) while driving in lower gears to reduce emissions. For 1972, the base Buick Skylark used
15857-409: The previous year so that the pillared sedan was dropped from the model lineup. Also, new was a mid-year production (March 1957) Roadmaster designated as Model 75 that featured standard power seats and windows, carpeted lower doors, a one-piece rear window (instead of a three-piece that was a design feature of the smaller Special and Century models), Deluxe hubcaps, and a Series 75 script identification on
16014-411: The rear quarter body panel of the Roadmaster coupes and the rear door panels on the Roadmaster four-door body styles, thus replacing the standard three chevrons found in the same location on the standard full model year Roadmaster model lines. Overall, Roadmaster sales dropped to about 33,000. The overall economy was in a recession starting in late 1956 and extending into 1958. For the 1958 model year, GM
16171-430: The rear quarter panels and within the rear deck ornament. Rear fenders had a blunted fin at the rear edge, with dual "bullet" taillamps below. A new panoramic windshield with vertical side pillars was used. Seats had chrome bands on two-door models, and rear seats had an armrest on four-door models. The front suspension was refined, and Roadmaster's engine output was increased to 200 hp (149 kW; 203 PS), while
16328-528: The rear quarters, while the four-door models had a Roadmaster emblem nestled within the Sweepspear dip. Interiors featured a padded dashboard, broadcloth and nylon in four-door models, nylon in two-door versions, and leather in convertibles. Front hip room was 65.3-in. A new 364 cu in (6.0 L) engine was rated at 300 hp (224 kW; 304 PS). A new ball-joint suspension system improved handling. The four-door Riviera hardtop proved popular
16485-441: The rocker panel just before the rear wheel, and then curved around the rear wheel in a quarter of a circle to go straight back to the taillight. The "Riviera trim", as it was initially called, was also made available on the Roadmaster convertible late in the model year. With 88,130 sold, the all-time annual record for Roadmaster, the model accounted for 27% of all Buick sales, a high proportion despite its price being slightly less than
16642-611: The same body style sold was priced from $ 2,745 ($ 60,272 in 2023 dollars ). Buick sales went from just over 48,000 to nearly 158,000, with the new Series 80 Roadmaster contributing 16,049 units to that total. Buick was the only GM car, along with the Chevrolet Standard, to retain the basic 1934 styling for 1935, thus the 1936 re-style brought Buick up with the rest of the GM marques. For the 1937 model year, Buick moved to newly re-styled bodies along with all other GM cars. The Roadmaster gained
16799-471: The same period. A total of 40,000 GM cars were produced between 1977 and 1987 in Iran. These models were basically the same as those built in the U.S. from 1975 to 1979 (Islamic Revolution). GM Iran changed its name to Pars Khodro (meaning "Pars Automobile" in Iranian, "Pars" being the ancient, original name of Persia) after 1979. The production continued from 1979 to 1987 on a part-time, occasional basis. Since
16956-563: The second and last generation was known as the B2 and B3 from 1986 until 1988. The later models were made after GM released the kits and parts to Iran following the GM's debt to Iran General Motors. These cars were equipped with a 5.7L engine (SB 350 Chevrolet, L engine, 4BBL), and were fully equipped (power door locks, power window, power steering, automatic transmission, a/c, vinyl top). The Cadillac Seville and Chevrolet Nova were manufactured in Iran during
17113-485: The spare parts and the assembly-line equipment were not used between 1979 and 1986. GM ceased the production of all vehicles in Iran in 1987. The 1980–1985 Skylark was Buick's badge engineered version of GM's new X-body architecture, shared with the Chevrolet Citation , Pontiac Phoenix , and Oldsmobile Omega and would bear some resemblance to the larger G-body mid-size cars . GM's X-body would also become
17270-410: The styling of all Buicks was updated with a new, corporate "streamlined" appearance shared with all GM cars for that year as influenced by GM's Art and Color Studio headed by Harley Earl . The 1933 models were the first year all GM vehicles were installed with optional vent windows that were initially called "No Draft Individually Controlled Ventilation" that was later renamed "Ventiplanes" for which
17427-450: The three, the Skylark's run of 1,690 units proved the most successful, and an amazing sales feat considering the car's 1953 list price of slightly in excess of US$ 5,000 ($ 56,940 in 2023 dollars ) was over 50% more than the well-equipped US$ 3,200 Roadmaster convertible on which it was based ($ 36,442 in 2023 dollars ). It was comparable in price to the 1953 Packard Caribbean with a similar retail price. Production ran for two years. Based on
17584-404: The war effort. By mid-January, cars with no exterior chrome trim apart from the bumpers were being produced. By February passenger car production was shut down completely. Despite the abbreviated model year, a total of about 8,400 were sold. When postwar automobile production resumed in the 1946 model year, chrome was more sparingly applied, swept-back fenders were fitted to sedans and coupes, and
17741-409: The wheel covers, and a gold-accented grille were added to distinguish Roadmaster. The engine rating was increased to 236 hp (176 kW; 239 PS), and a new variable-pitch Dynaflow , in which the stator blades changed pitch under hard acceleration, provided quicker off-the-line getaway. Back-up lights were now standard. Overall sales were 64,527 (which was 8% of the model year production). and
17898-404: The year, but Buick's share increased even with Roadmaster sales falling to 5,568 and now making up 3.3% of Buick's total output from its previous 7.3%. Styling for 1939 featured a new two-piece “waterfall” grille with thin vertical bars. The hood was narrower, the front door pillars were narrower, and the hubcaps were larger. The window area increased substantially with the rear window changing to
18055-417: Was a 301-cubic-inch (4.9 L) V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor, which produced 135 hp (101 kW) at 4000 rpm (supplied by Pontiac). Also available was a 305-cubic-inch (5.0 L) V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor, which produced 145 hp (108 kW) at 3800 rpm (supplied by Chevrolet). The Buick-built 5.7 L V8 was still available, but only with the 4-barrel carburetor. Beginning with
18212-528: Was a complete restyling for 1959, but this time, the names of the various series were changed. Not until 1991 would there again be a big Buick known as the Roadmaster; the biggest Buick models were renamed the Electra . The Roadmaster name returned to the Buick line for the 1991 model year after a 33-year absence, with the third generation Buick Estate wagon becoming the Roadmaster Estate . A four-door sedan
18369-564: Was a contender with the Packard Eight . The origins of the Roadmaster name date to 1936, when Buick added names to its entire model lineup to celebrate the engineering improvements and design advancements over their 1935 models. Buick's Series 40 was named the Special , the Series 50 became the Super , the Series 60 was named the Century and the Series 90 — Buick's largest and most luxurious vehicle —
18526-537: Was a dashboard mounted selector handle that would alter spark timing and allow either low grade or premium fuel to be used. In 1936 the name changed to "Special". Starting with 1936, the Buick Special Series 40 model range represented the marque's entry level full-size automobile. The '36 was a very successful year for Buick and also marked the first time of using names rather than the simple serial numbers which had been in use before. The first Specials rode on
18683-494: Was a much larger two-piece, curved glass windshield that the sales brochure described as like an “ observation car .” It was also in 1949 that Buick introduced " VentiPorts ." Four were displayed on each of the Roadmaster and Century's front fenders, with three on the fenders of the Super and Special to denote junior level products. The sales brochure noted that VentiPorts helped ventilate the engine compartment, possibly true in early 1949, but they became non-functional sometime during
18840-413: Was a new option, and a 12-volt electrical system was adopted years before many other makes. A new body style for 1953 was the Skylark convertible. The Buick Roadmaster Skylark was one of three specialty convertibles produced in 1953 by General Motors, the other two being the Oldsmobile 98 Fiesta and the Cadillac Series 62 Eldorado . The Skylark featured open wheel wells, a drastically lowered beltline,
18997-459: Was added to the Roadmaster line for the 1992 model year, the first rear-wheel drive Buick sedan since 1985. Combined sales showed an over tenfold increase over 1991 thanks in part to an extended production run which had 1992 models going on sale in March 1991. As with its precursor, the new Roadmaster Estate wagon was based on GM's full-size rear-wheel drive B platform , which was closely related to
19154-416: Was also the first American car to use a V6 engine in volume production; it earned Motor Trend ' s Car of the Year for 1962. This 198 cid Fireball V6 was engineered down from the 215 and used many of the same design parameters, but was cast in iron. Output was 135 hp (gross) at 4600 rpm and 205 lb⋅ft (278 N⋅m) at 2400 rpm. In their test that year, Road & Track
19311-538: Was also some minor interior restyling, particularly to the dash and instrument cluster. The 1963 Special was available as a 2-door pillared hardtop coupe , a four dour sedan , a convertible , and a station wagon . Engine choices were a standard 198 cu in (3.2 L) V6 with a twin-barrel carburetor and optional 215 cu in (3.5 L) V8 with 155 hp (116 kW) (two-barrel) or more powerful four-barrel (190 hp (140 kW) in 1962, 200 hp (150 kW) in 1963). Transmission choices were
19468-483: Was also two inches shorter. For 1940, there was the usual restyle and the wheelbase increased by an inch. This was also the only model year that a four-door convertible Special ("Sport Phaeton") was offered, although only 552 were built. Prices started at US$ 795 ($ 17,456 in 2023 dollars ) for the Business Coupe to US$ 925 ($ 20,310 in 2023 dollars ) for either the 4-door Touring Sedan or 2-door Convertible. For 1941
19625-427: Was among the first hardtop coupes produced. The Riviera Hardtop was conceived by taking the convertible and welding a steel roof, which simplified manufacture and improved the car's appearance. The Riviera was also notable for its popular optional " Sweepspear " chrome body side molding, which would soon become a Buick trademark. This chrome-plated strip started above the front wheel, then gently curved down nearly to
19782-410: Was an automobile produced by Buick . It was usually Buick's lowest-priced model, starting out as a full-size car in 1936 and returning in 1961 (after a two-year hiatus) as a mid-size. The Special was built for several decades and was offered as a coupe, sedan and later as a station wagon. When GM modernized their entry level products in the 1960s, the Special introduced the modern Buick V6 that became
19939-435: Was available as a two-door convertible coupe or a two-door (pillarless) hardtop coupe. The 1963 Special shared most sheet metal with the Skylark, but was available as a convertible, station wagon as well as two- and four-door sedans. Engine choices included a 198 cu in (3.2 L) V6 with two-barrel carburetor, the 215 cu in (3.5 L) V8 with two-barrel or a four-barrel carburetor. Transmission choices were
20096-401: Was available in the well-equipped "75" version, and the body was adorned with bulkier and more heavily chromed styling while the top trim package Limited was the most expensive and fully optioned vehicle. A new "drawer pull" grille was used that Buick called "Fashion-Aire Dynastar", made up of rectangular chrome squares. For the first time since 1948, there were no distinguishing VentiPorts on
20253-401: Was available in two- or four-door sedan bodystyles, and in base, Sport, or Limited trims. The standard 2.5 L Iron Duke 4 used a 2-barrel Rochester carburetor and produced 90 hp (67 kW) at 4000 rpm. The optional 2.8 L V6 also used a 2-barrel Rochester carburetor and produced 115 hp (86 kW) at 4800 rpm. A four-speed manual overdrive transaxle was standard with
20410-403: Was cast in iron. Output was 135 hp (gross) at 4600 rpm and 205 lb⋅ft (278 N⋅m) at 2400 rpm. In their test that year, Road & Track was impressed with Buick's "practical" new V6, saying it "sounds and performs exactly like the aluminum V8 in most respects." In 1963, the Special's body was restyled. Mechanically, however, the car was identical to the 1962 model. There
20567-837: Was discontinued after the 1976 model year. For the 1977 model year, it was replaced by a pair of V8 engines. The grille was also modified lightly for 1977, without the horizontal division and with a somewhat heavier appearance. To commemorate the Bicentennial of the United States, the standard colors available on all Buicks were Judicial Black, Liberty White, Pewter Gray, Potomac Blue, Continental Blue, Concord Green, Constitution Green, Mount Vernon Cream, Buckskin Tan, Musket Brown, Boston Red and Independence Red, with specially available colors on select models Congressional Cream, Revere Red, Colonial Yellow and Firecracker Orange. Available as an option in 1977
20724-411: Was expanded to a full top-line series that now included two- and four-door sedans, two-door hardtop coupe and convertible, along with a station wagon. The other series models included the base Special and the slightly fancier Special Deluxe, in a more limited range of bodystyles. Also new for 1964 were engines. The capacity of the V6 engine was increased from 198 to 225 cubic inches, while the aluminum V8
20881-510: Was given a 1940 Buick Special convertible as a gift, valued at US$ 1,077 for the Model 46C ($ 23,423 in 2023 dollars ). The movie Small Town Conspiracy features a 1939 Buick Special 8 that the main character of the film John Haleran ( Zen Gesner ) drives as his official police car. The car remained the property of director Ralph Clemente and was untouched for many years until sold to Florida restorer and car collector Axel Caravias . Halfway into
21038-407: Was impressed with Buick's "practical" new V6, saying it "sounds and performs exactly like the aluminum V8 in most respects." In 1963, the Special's body was restyled and minor changes made to the interior, particularly to the dash and instrument cluster. The 1963 Special was available as a two-door pillared hardtop coupe, a four dour sedan , a convertible, and a station wagon . Engine choices were
21195-589: Was introduced for 1953, Buick's Golden Anniversary year. Although the Nailhead (as it was popularly called) was nearly identical in displacement to the straight-eight Fireball (322 versus 320 cubic inches), it was 13.5 inches (340 mm) shorter, four inches (102 mm) lower, and 180 lb (82 kg) lighter, but with 188 hp (140 kW), it was 11% more powerful. The compression ratio increased from 7.50:1 to 8.50:1 and torque increased from 280 to 300 lb⋅ft (380 to 407 N⋅m). The compact dimensions of
21352-422: Was introduced in 1935. Additional manufacturing locations also opened across the country under the Buick-Oldsmobile-Pontiac Assembly Division . The Series 40 was the most affordable Buick offered, with 6 body styles offered, and the five passenger Sedan Model 41 was US$ 925 ($ 20,557 in 2023 dollars ), while a LaSalle Series 50 was US$ 1,000 ($ 22,776 in 2023 dollars ) more. A standard feature offered on all Buicks
21509-458: Was introduced in a year when Buick's overhead valve straight-eight engines were heavily revised. Buick reduced the number of engines from four sizes to two: a 233 cu in (3.8 L), 93 hp (69 kW; 94 PS) version for the Special, and a 320.2 cu in (5.2 L), 120 hp (89 kW; 122 PS) engine for the other series. Buick also adopted an all-steel "turret top" and hydraulic brakes. Coil springs were used in
21666-413: Was longer, lower, wider, and roomier than before (a Harley Earl trademark), due in part to a longer wheelbase. There was also a new vertical-bar grille and "Airfoil" fenders that swept back to the rear fenders, which in subsequent generations became the chromed " Sweepspear ". Both features became a Buick icon exhibited in one way or another for years to come, and were influenced by the concept car called
21823-535: Was moved down another notch, replacing the previous entry-level Buick Special. The Special returned briefly to the GM A platform as an entry level subseries of the Buick Century . Although officially sold as the Buick Century Special, it was sometimes also referred to as just the Buick Special. Century Specials were usually powered by Buick's own 231 V6; a V8 (from either Buick, Oldsmobile, or Chevrolet)
21980-465: Was named the Limited . The Series 50 was retired, but new for the model year was the Series 80 Roadmaster. The 1936 Buick sales brochure describes, "It literally named itself the first time a test model leveled out on the open highway." The terminology "Series 60" and "Series 70" were shared with Cadillac, while "Series 60", "Series 70", "Series 80", and "Series 90" were shared with Oldsmobile. The Roadmaster
22137-415: Was newly introduced, and 3,991 units were sold. The coach-building firm of Brunn designed several custom-bodied Buicks for the Series 70, 80, and 90. Only one Roadmaster example is known to have been produced in 1940, an open-front town car, that was dubbed "Townmaster". Overall sales more than tripled to 18,345. Styling updates for 1941 were modest, but there were mechanical changes. The compression ratio
22294-418: Was not affected. Nevertheless, The Roadmaster's I-8 still produced more horsepower than a top-of-the-line Chrysler's. Due to wartime inflation, prices were substantially higher than pre-war models. The most significant change was in sales proportions. Roadmaster increased its share of Buick sales from 4% in 1941 to 20% in 1946, with a total of about 31,400 sold. For the 1947 model year, a new stamped grille with
22451-402: Was offered but rarely optioned. It used the "colonnade" roofline but was fitted with a landau roof that covered most of the rear quarter windows. The opening that was left was the same shape as the windows on the higher series formal-roof cars. In 1978 and 1979, the Special trim continued on the redesigned Century fastback and wagon models. Special returned once again as the entry level trim on
22608-460: Was one of the sponsors. Introduced in the middle of the 1955 model year the four-door Buick Special Riviera (along with the Century Riviera , the Oldsmobile 98 Holiday , and the 88 Holiday ) were the first four-door pillarless hardtops ever produced. By then, the Buick Special was one of America's best selling automotive series. For 1956 the larger 322 cu in (5.3 L) V8 engine
22765-413: Was over 5-inch (127 mm) wider, the elimination of running boards and exterior styling that was streamlined and 2-3" lower. When combined with a column-mounted shift lever the cars offered room for six-passengers. The 1940 Roadmaster had a shorter wheelbase, weighed less, and was less expensive than the previous year's model. The formal and fastback sedans were discontinued. A two-door coupe body style
22922-560: Was positioned as an upper category trim package and shared with the Series 90 . The Series 80 was a new approach for Buick by marketing a luxury sedan with an eight-cylinder engine - that became expected from luxury brands - comparably as the Oldsmobile L-Series on the GM C platform . The 1932 models introduced a new high-performance engine developing 113 hp (84 kW; 115 PS). In 1933,
23079-402: Was promoting their fiftieth year of production, and introduced anniversary models for each brand; Cadillac, Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Chevrolet. The 1958 models shared a common appearance on the top models for each brand; Cadillac Eldorado Seville, Buick Roadmaster Riviera, Oldsmobile Holiday 88, Pontiac Bonneville Catalina, and the all-new Chevrolet Bel-Air Impala. In 1958, the Roadmaster
23236-476: Was raised from 6.6:1 to 7.0:1, the "turbulator" pistons were redesigned, smaller spark plugs were new, and "Compound Carburetion" was introduced. This Compound Carburetion was the forerunner of the modern four-barrel carburetor and consisted of twin two-barrel carburetors. One unit operated all of the time, while the other operated only under hard acceleration. The new engine was rated at 165 hp (123 kW; 167 PS). This made it have five more horsepower than
23393-625: Was redesigned for 1964. After that, the 215 found its way into the Rover P6 3500S in 1968, but was never sold in North America in any great numbers. It was also employed in other British cars, including the Morgan Plus 8 , MG MGB GTV8 , Land Rover , and Triumph TR8 , as well as retrofits into MGAs and MGBs. The engine had really earned its stripes as being the sole engine powering the Range Rover for
23550-411: Was replaced by a new cast iron-block 300 cubic inch V8 with aluminum cylinder heads. In 1965, cast iron heads replaced the problematic aluminum ones. This reliable engine, produced until 1967, was based on the aluminum V8, and many parts (such as the cylinder heads) were interchangeable. The Special nameplate was used on lower-priced intermediate-sized Buicks through the 1969 model year. In 1968 and 1969,
23707-443: Was replaced by the larger "Fireball" straight-eight. A two-door hardtop coupe was also new for 1951, but the unusual grille was revised with the grill bars shortened. The 1954 Specials had an all-new body and chassis, much wider and lower, and were now equipped with the all-new, more powerful "Fireball" V8 engines. In 1953 The Buick-Berle Show introduced product placement commercials on TV, and later in 1955 The Honeymooners
23864-704: Was shared with the rest of the range, although it was replaced by the bigger, 250 hp (186 kW) 364 V8 for 1957. This year also brought all-new bodywork, as well as a four-door hardtop station wagon called the Buick Riviera Estate. The 1957 wheelbase remained 122 inches. In the June, 1957 issue of Popular Mechanics , the Special was rated with a 0-60 mph time of 11.6 seconds, fuel economy of 17.4 mpg ‑US (13.5 L/100 km; 20.9 mpg ‑imp ) at 50 mph (80 km/h), and ground clearance of 6.9 in (175 mm). 1958 brought
24021-644: Was standard on the two-door sedan, the 300-cubic-inch V8 on all other models, but the four-door hardtop sedan, which came with a 340-cubic-inch V8 engine using a Rochester 2-barrel carburetor and producing 220 hp (160 kW) at 4400 rpm. In 1967 Skylarks included the Federally-mandated safety equipment as other U.S. market passenger cars, including a dual-circuit hydraulic brake system, energy-absorbing steering column and wheel, 4-way hazard flashers, shoulder belt mounting points for outboard front passengers, softer interior surfaces, and recessed controls on
24178-484: Was strongly influenced by the new corporate look shared with the larger LeSabre , Invicta , and Electra also introduced in 1961. In the middle of the 1961 model year the Buick Special Skylark made its debut. Effectively a luxury trim level, it was based on a two-door sedan (also referred to as a coupe), it featured unique Skylark emblems, taillight housings, lower-body side moldings, turbine wheel covers, and
24335-400: Was the first year all GM vehicles were installed with optional vent windows which were initially called “No Draft Individually Controlled Ventilation” later renamed "Ventiplanes" which the patent application was filed on Nov. 28, 1932. It was assigned to the Ternstedt Manufacturing Company, a GM subsidiary that manufactured components for Fisher Body and they were added to the Special when it
24492-472: Was the last year for the Roadmaster Estate , and it was the last wood-bodied station wagon mass-produced in the United States . Its body was a product of Ionia Manufacturing, which built all Buick station wagon bodies between 1946 and 1964. Priced at US$ 4,031 ($ 45,905 in 2023 dollars ), the Estate was second in price only to the Skylark, with 670 being sold. Overall, Roadmaster sales went up to 79,137. For
24649-399: Was to appear in various forms on many Buick models over the years. The 1953 Skylark was handmade in many respects. Only stampings for the hood, trunk lid, and a portion of the convertible tub were shared with the Roadmaster and Super convertibles. All Skylark tubs were finished with various amounts of lead filler. The inner doors were made by cutting the 2-door Roadmaster's in two then welding
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