1968 Buick Skylark
source: Wikimedia
Buick’s Skylark is stunning for a few reasons, but most notably, it’s one of the erstwhile manufacturer’s longest-running production. Introduced in 1953 as the Roadmaster Skylark, the sporty convertible was a top-of-the-line luxury vehicle with limited production and plenty of features.
It wasn’t until 1964 that the Skylark would assume the Buick moniker and receive plenty of V8 options. Although the first Buick Skylarks offered plenty of performance and a Gran Sports option, it wasn’t until 1968 that the Skylark would showcase a proper muscle car visage with performance to match.
With the roll-out of the 1968 Skylark came massive powerplants, a swooping fastback profile, muscly quad headlights, plenty of chrome, a wide grille, and deep dish street rod wheels. The Gran Sports trim remained and included a robust 400 ci motor boasting 340 horses and 440 torques.
What makes the second-generation Skylark stunning (in our humble opinion) is its model lineup: Buyers could opt for a sporty two-door coupe, or they could add two doors and spring for a longer wheelbase. In essence, the Skylark functioned as a bachelor’s hot rod and a family man’s secret muscle car.
source: Wikimedia
Visually stunning were the Skylark’s numerous design elements jammed into an otherwise homogenous body. Although the Skylark shared many similarities with the Chevelle, it sported some unique accouterments. Most notable (and to some, controversial) was its deep-cut body sweepline. A clear homage to the curvature and swooning bodies of decades past, the ’68 Skylark was a period-correct muscle car with some led sled heritage.
No less stunning was its concave rear end and pointy fenders, another nod to the big landboats of the 50’s. Although extreme and perhaps risky for the carmaker, the Skylark earned plenty of favor and sold record numbers in 1968. Other potent aesthetics drove home the Skylark’s masculine figure, including a Riviera-inspired grille, a longer hood that seemingly went for miles, and a shorter deck to compensate for the added front end length. Concealed windshield wipers kept appearances clean, and quad headlights with pointed front quarter panels made the Skylark look mean and fast standing still.
The Skylark didn’t set records at the track, nor did it come packed with monstrous 7.0L and up motors. It didn’t have to. It’s a 60’s piece of muscle that managed to set a standard of style while simultaneously breaking out from the pack with a nostalgic profile. For its ability to draw on the past and make space in the then-present, the Buick Skylark earns a spot on our list.
