AJ’s Car of the Day: 1961 Buick Special Skylark Convertible

AJ’s Car of the Day: 1961 Buick Special Skylark Convertible

Car: Buick Special Skylark Convertible

Year: 1961

What makes it special: For the 1961 model year, GM debuted three new compacts that would share the same chassis, engine and most sheet metal. Those were the Buick Special, Pontiac Tempest and Oldsmobile F85. The Special was influenced by Buick’s LeSabre, Invicta and Electra’s styling.

What made it famous: The Skylark had three Ventiports on each fender, and was powered by an aluminum block 155hp, 2-barrel 215 cu in V8, or a higher compression 185hp, 4-barrel version. It had a standard plush all-vinyl interior, optional bucket seats and very minimal dashboard instrumentation. Just a speedometer and gas gauge.

Why I would want one: Love the style, and the 4-barrel aluminum block 185hp V8 made it perform very well.

Fun fact: The Skylark was produced in six runs over a period of 46 years.