1968 Buick Skylark Special 350 V8
Summary:
Decent car for its time, but not a daily for today's traffic
Faults:
Timing chain and gear stripped when accelerated hard due to no upshift with gas pedal held to floor.
Cooling system is inadequate to cope with heavy summer traffic, resulting in overheating.
Engine knocks and runs-on after shutoff with modern gasoline.
General Comments:
Generally reliable car with a powerful engine. However, that engine is hampered by the two-speed automatic transmission. The car can be driven moderately hard, but when pushed harder it is obvious that this is not a performance car.
Front seats are reasonably comfortable for the era, but lack headrests which can be tiring on long trips and result in neck injury if the car is rear-ended.
Suspension is soft, which has fairly smooth ride, but feels floaty and has much body roll.
Four-wheel drum brakes are inadequate for modern traffic. Slamming on the brakes will send the car's nose diving to the ground and caused its tail to rise dramatically. A heavy forward weight bias makes this car difficult in wet, snowy, or icy conditions, although this can be improved by placing weight in the trunk and using snow tires.
Speaking of tires, the car's original tires were bias-ply, not radials. Much improvement in traction can be had by upgrading the wheel and tires.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd December, 2017
8th Dec 2017, 09:34
Classic and collectible vintage cars are a nice compliment to the daily new driver. It has its merits. Very refined, swift and great amenities. I really enjoy putting the top down on a fully restored classic vehicle. Admire the design, performance and heritage. Both my dad and my grandfather had a passion as well for both new and vintage. All of us have worked very hard and find the car hobby enjoyable and relaxing. My wife sometimes shares your sentiment. She would much rather drive newer vehicles. But recognizes it as a healthy outlet. Most everyone I know has newer cars if they have an older classic. Even driving a lot with work, I still think of taking my older ones out during the day. I even still enjoy opening the garage doors to admire and enjoy just looking at them if I don’t have time after work. After working all day it’s nice to see and enjoy both a home and vehicles you worked hard for. It’s nice to look at your paper investments, but nothing like having really fine, earlier era vehicles to actually take out. And are escalating in value.
Everybody likes the newest greatest thing. If that’s your passion, drive what you like. Buying older, I would rather wait and buy a desirable collectible model. My one son started out on Mustangs. Bought, restored and flipped 5 of them. Plentiful, popular, easy to work on, fun to drive, and great parts and club support. Obviously not this review car, but the comment came up on older cars being undesirable. They can are fun. They provide a lot of personal satisfaction, especially if you have done a nice restoration. Winning a first place trophy on your first showing after completion is really a great feeling.
8th Dec 2017, 14:49
"2017 Lexus LS 4.6 The grass wasn't greener on the other side"
This review was recently posted a few days ago. Did you read it?
8th Dec 2017, 21:34
How many classics do you own? Must be a few if you open the garage door just to admire them.
9th Dec 2017, 23:23
Right, they are stacked. If you do the same, go 220V to raise and lower lift(s) quicker; a tip I wish that I had done.
26th Oct 2023, 22:38
Cars like this are bought and made better though, I've fixed many a manufacturer's bad design ;)
29th Oct 2023, 18:05
So, you buy old cars and make them "better" as in, improvements like in modern cars?
30th Oct 2023, 16:11
The manufacturer's bad designs on these old Buick V8s were timing chains and oil pumps. Both of which can be upgraded for the life of the engine. After that they can virtually run for a very long time.
30th Oct 2023, 20:10
Yeah, by adding touch screens and cup holders.
7th Dec 2017, 21:53
This review, along with the one below it titled "not a good one", should be required reading for the "all older cars are better" crowd.