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1962 Buick Skylark

The '62 Buick Skylark: a compact classic! Sleek, sporty, and surprisingly roomy for its time. It marked Buick's entry into the compact car market, a big deal then. Think sharp lines, iconic porthole vents—a stylish ride that helped define the era's automotive landscape. A true American icon.

Classic Car Enthusiast Corner: The 1962 Buick Skylark

Welcome to the world of classic cars, where nostalgia meets craftsmanship in one rolling art form. Today, we take a deep dive into the story, allure, and trivia about the legendary 1962 Buick Skylark. Buckle up, as we cruise down memory lane with this icon that resonates richly from the golden age of motoring.

Photo of a 1962 Buick Skylark

1962 Buick Skylark Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Buick Skylark Worth?

Original MSRP :$3,012.00

Outstanding

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$36,500

Clean

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$24,600

Average

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$15,000*

Rough

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$8,000

1962 Buick Skylark Specs

Body Maker: Fisher
No. Of Doors: 2
Model Number: 4367
Length: 188.4 inches
Width: 71.2 inches
Height: 52.4 inches
Wheelbase: 123 inches
Weight: 2,871lbs
Type: V8, Valve-in-head, Downdraft 4-barrel, Unknown at time of publication
Displacement: 215.27 cu. in.
Cylinders: 8
Bore And Stroke: 3 1/2 & 2 51/64 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 11.0 to 1
Compression Ratio Optional: Not applicable
Horsepower Brake: 190@4800
Horsepower Rated: 39.2
Torque: 235@3000
Main Bearings: 5
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Engine Number Location: On block forward of right cylinder head.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Rochester
Type:
2.25 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
9.5 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
2.57 to 1
Gear Ratios Second:
1.55
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
3.49
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.36 to 1
Front: Independent ball joint with coil springs
Rear: Coil springs
Service Type: 4 wheel hydraulic drum
Service Front Size: 9.5 inches
Service Rear Size: 9.5 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 9.5 inches
Tire Size: 6.5 x 13
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 16 Gallons
Oil: 4 Quarts
Rear Differential: 2 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:3Ia501001 & up
Total Digits:9
Digits 1:Series
Digits 2:Model year
Digits 3:Assembly plant
Digits 4-9:Production number
All colors may not be available in all models., Cardinal Red, Arctic White, Cameo Cream, Silver Cloud Metallic, Glacier Blue, Marlin Blue Metallic, Cadet Blue Metallic, Aquamarine, Teal Mist Metallic, Surf Green, Willow Mist Metallic, Desert Sand, Fawn Mist Metallic, Camelot Rose Metallic, Burgandy Metallic, Regal Black
Convertible: Opt
Power Windows: Opt
Air Conditioning: Opt
Power Brakes: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Radio: Opt
Heater And Defroster: Opt
Pushbutton Radio: Opt

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History of the 1962 Buick Skylark

The 1962 Buick Skylark is a shining example of American automotives during a time of transformation. Known for its sleek Y-body platform, this car's lightweight design enhanced both performance and fuel efficiency. The centerpiece, a Fireball 215 cu-in small-block V8 engine, was a marvel with its aluminum build, tipping the scales at only 318 lbs.. Not only was the Skylark a beauty, it was cleverly engineered to zip from 0 to 60 mph in under 12 seconds, offering top speeds of around 101 mph. Just to put that in perspective—while it wasn't quite a muscle car, it certainly held its own among the more luxurious compact vehicles, providing a decent mileage along the way.

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Famous Figures Who Own the 1962 Buick Skylark

When it comes to vintage cars, celebrity owners add a dash of intrigue and glamour. The 1962 Buick Skylark has garnered fans like Dick Clark, who was as much of a staple on television as he was in his classic Skylark. Let's not forget Bob Hope, known not only for his smooth comedy but also for his smooth rides in the Skylark. This association nodded to Buick's luxury and the brand's deep ties with golf during the era.

Dick Clark

It's hard to talk about American pop culture without mentioning Dick Clark. Known as the timeless host of "American Bandstand," he brought tunes to millions and subtly showcased the Skylark's allure. It wasn't just his halo effect that made the car famed, but it helped etch its place as a desirable piece of Americana.

Bob Hope

Bob Hope was another prominent Skylark aficionado. As a face frequently associated with Buick advertisements, Hope lent his charisma to the car, making it synonymous with luxury and style. His involvement with Buick, and therefore the Skylark, helped to cross-promote the vehicle and raise its profile.

The Skylark in Pop Culture

You know what? This car doesn't just exist in the garages of their famous owners. The 1962 Buick Skylark has strutted its stuff on the silver screen too! Most memorably, it rolled into the spotlight in the film "My Cousin Vinny," becoming a pivotal plot device. Talk about versatility; the Skylark's cinematic cameo only cements its status as an icon.

Fun Facts about the 1962 Buick Skylark

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    Fuel Economy: Quite exemplary for its day, achieving approximately 20 mpg on highways.

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    Rarity Increases Value: Thanks to its limited production, it's become a valuable asset in auctions, with the highest selling price reaching $14,883.

Interested in Buying or Selling a Classic Car?

Before diving into the world of classic car trade, there are essentials you shouldn't overlook—like the vehicle history report and car build sheet. Not only do these documents validate the car's authenticity, but they also reveal any narratives embedded within the VIN.

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If you're serious about the pedigree of a classic vehicle, it's crucial to explore resources like and to ensure you're making informed decisions.

In your quest, a can unveil a car's storied past, touching on everything from ownership history to technical specifics.

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Naturally, if you're encountering vehicles with less common VIN lengths, tools like the or a are indispensable.

In conclusion, whether you're a buyer, seller, or simply a classic car aficionado, understanding the rich narratives and contemporary values of automobiles like the 1962 Buick Skylark brings unrivaled depth to your journey. So, go ahead—revel in the ride!

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Explore Buick Skylark from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, let's see... The '62 Skylark, a real head-turner back in the day, is pretty distinctive. You'll notice its sleek, compact body style; it's a bit smaller than its bigger Buick siblings. Look for the unique, somewhat aggressive, front grille design— it's got these cool, swept-back lines. The taillights are another giveaway; they're pretty unmistakable. Plus, many '62 Skylarks sported the optional, but oh-so-cool, bucket seats – totally groovy, right? So keep an eye out for those features; they’ll help you spot a genuine '62 Skylark from a mile away, or at least from across a crowded car show. You know, it's like finding a needle in a haystack, but with more chrome and a V8 engine.

The '62 Skylark offered a couple of engine choices. The most common was the trusty 215 cubic inch aluminum V8 – a real lightweight champ! This engine, man, it was like the Ferrari of its time—well, maybe not exactly, but it was pretty darn impressive for its day, you know? Then there was a slightly larger option, though less common, a 230-cubic inch V8; this provided a bit more oomph under the hood. Basically, you could get one that was zippy and efficient, or you could opt for a little more muscle.

Ah, the million-dollar question! The price of a '62 Skylark can vary wildly, depending on its condition, originality, and how well it's been restored or maintained. A barn find, for example, could be a steal, but it'll need a lot of love. A beautifully restored show-stopper, on the other hand, could command a hefty price. Generally speaking, though, you're looking at anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the specifics. Think of it like buying a house; location, location, location and then condition, condition, condition!

Like any classic car, the '62 Skylark has its quirks. Electrical systems can be finicky; those old wires can get brittle and prone to shorts or corrosion. The braking system, frankly, needs some special attention too, as it's a bit different from modern braking systems. And you'll want to keep a close eye on the carburetor, those things can be temperamental. It's not unlike an old friend— reliable usually, but it might need a little extra TLC now and again. Regular maintenance, including fluid changes and keeping an eye on those little things, is really key.

Finding parts for a '62 Skylark isn't impossible, but it does require a little bit of legwork. Online retailers specializing in classic car parts are a good starting point. You might also find some luck at swap meets and classic car shows; that's where the real treasures are sometimes found. And don't underestimate local auto parts stores; they might have some surprises in stock! It's kind of like a treasure hunt, but for car parts. It can be a fun challenge, actually.