1969 Buick Skylark – the Hemi Killer! This beauty of a Buick hides a secret under the hood. Originally equipped with Buick’s own 350 V8, during restoration in 2022 the high compression and high output Buick 455 was dropped in making this a “Gran Sport” style sleeper! Bored 0.030 over, blue printed and balanced, with high performance Edelbrock B4B aluminum intake, compete Edelbrock high performance aluminum heads, HEI Ingnition, Cera coated long tube headers, high performance cam and rebuilt Holley carb, this thing dynos at 600 HP! It doesn’t stop there! A TA performance oil pump means excellent lubrication (original pumps had low flow in high performance applications) and the engine gets a bit of bling with finned aluminum valve covers, an electric fuel pump and mini hi-torque starter. A new aluminum radiator and dual electric fans keeps things cool. Underneath new 2.5 inch exhaust with H pipe brings out the perfect Buick burble. The original Turbo-hydramatic transmission has been upgraded to a modern 700R4 with over drive that’s built to handle all the Big Block power with Art Carr internals, and high-performance torque converter. Putting all that performance to the ground required new drive shaft U-joints, transmission mounts and completely new rear 12-bolt posi-traction differential with TA rear diff support cover and a new rear anti-sway bar. Stopping power now comes from a GM front disc brake conversion kit complete with proportioning valve and master cylinder set up. This street brawler runs strong and pulls hard. But the previous owner didn’t want it to just drive well, he wanted it to look good too.
Restoration started in 2009 with replacement rear quarters and professional repair of any rust found. Sprayed in the factory colors, the new paint is glossy and gleaming. Front and rear bumpers were re-chromed, and a new windshield installed. Completing the look are a new set of 17-inch magnum 500 wheels with correct Buick center caps. The interior remains largely original with factory vinyl seats, door panels and dash in excellent condition. The headliner is damage free. A set of extra gauges added below the dash monitor engine vitals and the column shifter has been replaced by a floor shift unit to go along with the new transmission. A wooden steering wheel with Buick horn button completes the look.
This ‘69 was restored to replicate the famous Gran Sports and GSX models from the 70’s that dominated the streets with a bit of that Buick flair! It’s got great street manors, runs great, and is a blast to drive. It won’t be here long.