The Skylark: One Man’s Dream, Another Man’s Treasure

When the Skylark received a major facelift to a more conventional style in 1963, sales skyrocketed and Buick sold over 42,000. In 1964 Buick increased the Skylark from a compact to the new GM intermediate A-body platform, with a wheelbase of 115 inches. A cast iron V6 replaced the aluminum 215ci V8, and more performance options like a manual four-speed started creeping into the Skylark. In 1964 the Gran Sport “GS” performance package was available on different Buick lines, including Skylark. Buick’s 401ci V8 packing 325hp came with the GS, plus badging to signify what you had. With minor upgrades, this body lasted through 1967.

The 1967 Buick Skylark was the ride that got away for OPGI Customer Steve Firkins who drove one back in high school. So when he found another 1967 in the little town of Mist Oregon, years and years later he had to have it. It took several years to convince the owner to sell it to him, but he finally did on one condition; Steve had to promise the owner that he would restore it as he wanted to himself but never had the time to.

The agreement was made, and After seven years of spare time, with help from a fleet of friends and relatives, Steve brought the Skylark back to life. During its restoration process, he learned OPGI had almost everything he needed to restore one.

The engine is a 340 V8 with a Super turbine 300. Steve replaced the bearings, oil pump, timing gears, and chain, and water pump. All the wiring from the fuse box and throughout the car are new. “Every wire from OPGI was exact in color and length and the connections were perfect”, said Steve.

The Interior consists of new floor pans a right and left side section and center trunk pans, carpet, floor mats, door panels, side panels, front seats, and a stereo all from OPGI. The rear seat was recovered to match the front buckets and a new dash pad from Dash Pads Pros was installed. Check out some, but not all of the RESTOPARTS® branded parts installed on Steve’s Skylark.

While Steve is greatly satisfied with how OPGI has made the restoration of his car come together perfectly, we look forward to bringing you satisfaction with your Restoration process!