1964 Buick Skylark Convertible

Working its way up through the AACA ranks to a Senior Grand National First Prize enhances the perception of any vintage vehicle, as it proves that the car has satisfied the rigorous requirements set by the Antique Automobile Club of America for that award. The seller achieved that goal in 2016 with this 1964 Buick Skylark Convertible. - I bought this Flint-built A-body new. Following a 20-year stint of being stored in a garage in Minnesota, she decided to ship it to Florida where she lived and she tried to enjoy it again, but drivability issues led to her and her husband offering it to the seller in 2005. I took a car trailer down from New York to Florida and brought it back home, the seller states. I did a body-off restoration on Skylark, completed it in 2008, and have driven it just 450 miles since. The Buick's 250-hp 300-cu.in. four-barrel V-8 engine is original to the car, the seller notes. He had it rebuilt to stock specs and installed a new single-outlet exhaust system. He instructs, to start it, press the gas pedal to the floor once, turn the key in the ignition, and it fires right up. - there is no smoke and are no leaks, and the Super Turbine-300 automatic transmission, which was also rebuilt, shifts smoothly. During the restoration, a new wiring harness was installed, and the gas tank, radiator, and heater were boiled out and resealed, the seller reveals. According to the 1964 Buick dealer brochure, the rear differential should have a 2.78:1 gearset in it. When the body was sandblasted, the seller realized, It had a lot of issues, such as some rust in the fenders, rocker panels, and doors. I was able to find good used parts in Texas. The quarter panels and passenger's side door were replaced, he recalls, and the other rusted areas were repaired. Priming and then painting the body in the factory code-F Marlin Blue using a modern basecoat/clearcoat system followed. There are no blemishes or swirls in the finish. A new convertible top, hydraulic pump and lines were put in, as were new glass and seals. All the chrome was re-plated, he adds. And the lights work - A new wiring harness, white vinyl seat upholstery and door panels, blue carpet, and trunk mat were installed. The heater and instruments operate correctly, but the automatic transmission gear indicator doesn't align exactly, and the original radio isn't working. - The frame was sandblasted, sealed, and re-coated, the seller shares. The suspension was also restored, as were the brakes, which received rebuilt wheel cylinders, and a new master cylinder, lines, drums, and shoes. New whitewall BFGoodrich Silvertown tires, including the spare, were mounted five years ago, but have very little mileage on them because the car has been trailered everywhere, the seller discloses. The Buick rides great and stops on a dime because everything is still new. He continues, I noticed one drop from the power steering underneath the Skylark after winter storage, so I will include the rebuild kit for the pump with the car. Additional paperwork includes the original owner's manual, repair manuals and documentation of restoration work, such as receipts. In the same family since new, this 1964 Buick Skylark Convertible was returned to its former glory, awarded for the quality of its restoration, and has been preserved well since then. It's ready to serve as a summertime suntan machine and show car for its next owner.