Restored 1968 Buick Skylark Custom blends classic design with muscular performance in a standout hardtop tribute to GM’s golden era.
In a resurgent era for American muscle and design innovation, the 1968 Buick Skylark Custom Hardtop has emerged as a collector’s gem, turning heads with its distinctive styling, upgraded mechanics, and careful restoration.
Originally launched as part of Buick’s midsize lineup overhaul, the 1968 Skylark adopted General Motors' newly standardized dual wheelbase design and took on a bold semi-fastback silhouette. This redesign ushered in what many enthusiasts call the “Coke Bottle” profile, marked by flowing body lines and aggressive stance—both evident in this standout custom example.
Finished in a rich Burnished Saddle brown with a contrasting tan vinyl roof, this Skylark Custom sports a modern two-stage paint application that accentuates its dramatic side sweep and sculpted contours. Buick Rally 14-inch wheels lend a touch of sportiness, while stainless trim and signature tri-shield badging reinforce its luxury pedigree. Minor imperfections like minor paint bubbling and wheel rim dents remind viewers of the car’s lived history, even as it gleams with pride.
Inside, the cabin showcases two-tone vinyl and ivory upholstery in remarkable condition, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and an updated AM/FM/CD head unit nestled into an otherwise vintage dash layout. The overall aesthetic reflects the era's upscale aspirations—functional yet stylish, with gold carpeting and a clean perforated headliner adding retro charm.
Powering this hardtop is a cleanly presented 350-cubic-inch V8 rated at 230 horsepower, paired with the original ST300 two-speed automatic transmission. A Holley 4-barrel carburetor and Hooker headers enhance performance, while power brakes and a dual exhaust system ensure both sound and stopping power.
Driving impressions confirm its street credentials: strong acceleration, stable handling, and throaty exhaust notes make it more than a pretty face. With just over 91,000 miles on the odometer—though the true mileage remains unknown—this Skylark Custom serves as a powerful reminder that Buick once built cars that thrilled as much as they pampered.
For collectors and weekend drivers alike, the 1968 Buick Skylark Custom Hardtop offers a distinctive blend of elegance and raw power—hallmarks of an unforgettable era in American motoring. See it here.
