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1963 Buick Skylark

The '63 Buick Skylark: a compact classic! Sleek, sporty, and a bit luxurious for its size. Part of Buick's mid-60s boom, it captured the era's optimism. Think curvy lines, a relatively low profile, and that signature Buick grille—a stylish ride for the times.

History of the Buick Skylark

Initially part of Buick's Special line, the Skylark made its debut in 1953. It wasn't until 1964, however, that the car carved out a distinct identity in the automotive world. Born out of the competitive spirit of the 1960s' compact car market, the Skylark was a brainchild of ingenuity, blending elegance with sporty styling—a design influence reminiscent of larger Buick models like the LeSabre.

By 1966, the sleek Skylark adapted to market demands with enhancements such as a fender-skirted four-door hardtop variant. While luxury and style were its hallmark, its compact nature occasionally lost out to more spacious rivals, prompting Buick to refine its approach.

Photo of a 1963 Buick Skylark

1963 Buick Skylark Models:

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

How Much is Buick Skylark Worth?

Original MSRP :$3,011.00

Outstanding

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$32,500

Clean

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$23,700

Average

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$14,800*

Rough

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$7,200

1963 Buick Skylark Specs

Body Maker: Fisher
No. Of Doors: 2
Model Number: 4367
Length: 192.1 inches
Width: 70.2 inches
Height: 54.2 inches
Wheelbase: 112 inches
Weight: 2,810lbs
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: 200@5000
Horsepower Rated: 39.2
Torque: 240@3200
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: 3.23 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:3Ja501001 & 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., Regal Black, Arctic White, Silver Cloud, Spruce Green, Marlin Blue, Willow Mist, Burgandy, Teal Mist, Twilight Aqua, Desert Sand, Bronze Mist, Fawn Mist, Granada Red, Diplomat Blue, Rose Mist
Convertible: Opt
Turbine Drive Automatic Transmission: Opt
Power Brakes: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Heater And Defroster: Opt
Pushbutton Radio: Opt

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Performance that Stood Out

One can't speak of the Skylark without tipping a hat to its performance pedigree. The pinnacle of its engineering, the GS400—introduced in the 1970s—boasted a formidable 455ci motor, a V8 engine with dramatic horsepower and torque designed for speed enthusiasts. This muscle car era darling could accelerate from 0-60 mph in under six seconds; such feats enabled it to imprint on the competitive quarter-mile scene.

For those interested in exploring the specs of their own Skylark, a might just reveal the hidden stories of their beloved vehicle.

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Cultural Imprint: Pop Culture and Beyond

The Buick Skylark carved niches in more than just roads; it sped into the hearts of movie-goers and TV watchers alike. Notably, actress Cameron Diaz drove the 1970 Skylark in Vanilla Sky, cementing its status in Hollywood circles and making it a beloved symbol of sophistication.

Symbolism and Representation

In cinema, cars like the Skylark are more than transport; they symbolize rebellion, freedom, and personal identity. These elements are often central in road trip films, reflecting narratives of self-discovery and the open road's allure.

Famous Figures Who Own Classic Cars

In the realm of notable owners, Cameron Diaz takes center stage. Her on-screen romance with the Skylark reflected its status shift from an original utilitarian purpose to a badge of personal expression and high-profile allure.

Interested in the car's DNA? Conduct a to trace back to its conception days.

Legacy: The Enduring Appeal

The Buick Skylark's legacy isn't confined to its heyday—it thrives today in the hands of collectors and enthusiasts drawn to its historical significance. With a market value that reflects its esteemed status, the 1963 Skylark remains a sought-after gem in #1 Concours condition.

For those intrigued, diving into a can offer insights into past owners, accidents, and other vital specifics.

Specifications and Trivia

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    Engine options evolved to include an automatic "Dual Path Turbine Drive," showcasing the era's innovative engineering.

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    Some models featured manual transmissions without synchromesh on the first gear, a quirk by today's standards.

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Explore Buick Skylark from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

The '63 Skylark? Oh man, it was a real looker! Think sleek, sporty lines; that's the essence of it. It had a distinctive, almost elegant profile, you know, unlike some of the boxier cars of the era. Key features included its relatively compact size for a Buick – it was considered a sporty option, not quite a full-size behemoth like some of its siblings – and of course, those iconic tailfins. They weren't as huge as some of the earlier models, but they were still a significant design element. Plus, the interiors were pretty swanky for the time; it's hard to find one that hasn't been messed with, to be honest. You'll often find that they've been customized to some degree.

Under the hood, you had a few choices, depending on how much get-up-and-go you craved. The base engine was usually a 215 cubic inch aluminum V8; kinda unusual for the time, right? It was lightweight and relatively powerful for its size, perfect for a sporty cruiser. You could also step up to a larger displacement V8. I think there was a 250 or maybe even a 300-cubic-inch V8 option available that year; those were real powerhouses compared to the base engine. It all depended on the buyer’s preferences, you see. It's important to check build sheets to determine exactly what you're dealing with on any particular car; parts swappage was pretty common back then!

Generally speaking, you'd find either a two-speed Jetaway automatic or a three-speed manual transmission. The automatic was, naturally, far more common; those manuals are super rare now! The automatics were pretty smooth for their day, though they weren't exactly lightning-fast – it's not a modern-day automatic by any means. Still, they got the job done. If you find a three-speed stick shift version, you’ve found something pretty special, I'll tell you what. Those are real collector's items today.

The value of a '63 Skylark varies wildly depending on condition, originality, and options. Let's just say you're looking at a pretty wide range. A barn find needing total restoration would be super cheap, comparatively; a fully restored, concours-quality car could sell for many times that amount. So, a pristine, untouched example would certainly fetch a pretty penny, it's not like buying a used Honda. It’s best to consult recent auction results and classic car appraisal guides to get a realistic estimate; they're pretty handy resources. And it never hurts to chat with someone who knows classic Buicks, those guys have an ear to the ground.

Finding parts can be a bit of an adventure, but it's not the end of the world. You've got a few avenues to explore. There are specialized classic car parts suppliers, many online, who cater to these older cars. Plus, there are always online forums and communities dedicated to Buick Skylarks – those are gold mines for part info and advice. And don't forget about those local swap meets and car shows; sometimes, you stumble upon exactly what you need in the most unexpected places. You might even find a hidden gem in someone's garage or shed! It's a bit of a hunt, but it's part of the fun, isn't it?