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1971 Buick Skylark

The '71 Buick Skylark: a comfy cruiser embodying 70s cool! Smooth styling, often sporting those iconic porthole windows, made it a popular choice. A slice of American automotive history, it reflected the era's relaxed vibe and represented accessible luxury. Think family road trips and good times.

History of the 1971 Buick Skylark

Rising through the ranks in the evolving automotive industry, the 1971 Buick Skylark blossomed during a time when cars were starting to face stricter emissions standards and a push for more fuel-efficient designs. This car stood its ground, offering a balance of performance and refinement that resonated with a burgeoning middle-class【4:1†file】.

Photo of a 1971 Buick Skylark

1971 Buick Skylark Models:

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

How Much is Buick Skylark Worth?

Original MSRP :$2,846.00

Outstanding

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$22,400

Clean

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$15,700

Average

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$10,700*

Rough

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$5,000

1971 Buick Skylark Specs

Body Maker: Fisher
No. Of Doors: 2
Model Number: 43327
Length: 203.2 inches
Width: 77.3 inches
Height: 53.3 inches
Wheelbase: 116 inches
Weight: 3,133lbs
Type: Inline 6, valve-in-head, Single downdraft, Fully synchronous 3-speed manual
Displacement: 250 cu. in.
Cylinders: 6
Bore And Stroke: 3 7/8 & 3 1/23 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 8.5 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 145@4000
Horsepower Rated: 36
Torque: 235@2400
Main Bearings: 7
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Block Material: Cast alloy iron
Engine Number Location: Between 2 front spark plugs.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Rochester
Type:
3.375 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
9.125 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
2.85 to 1
Gear Ratios Second:
1.68
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
2.95
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.08 to 1
Front: Independent ball joint with coil springs
Rear: Coil link
Service Type: Hydraulic, self-adjusting drums
Service Front Size: 9.5 inches
Service Rear Size: 9.5 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 9.5 inches
Type: Regular
Tire Size: F78 x 14
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 20 Gallons
Oil: 4 Quarts
Rear Differential: 2.9 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:433271-100001 and up
Total Digits:13
Digits 1:Make
Digits 2-3:Series
Digits 4-5:Body style
Digits 6:Model year
Digits 7:Assembly plant
Digits 8-13:Production number
All colors may not be available in all models., Regal Black, Stratomist Blue Metallic, Bamboo Cream, Cornet Gold Metallic, Fire Red, Rosewood Metallic, Arctic Whlite, Platinum Mist Metallic, Cascade Blue Metallic, Nocturne Blue Metallic, Twilight Turquoise Metallic, Silver Fern Metallic, Willowmist Green Metallic, Lime Mist Metallic, Verdemist Green Metallic, Cortez Gold Metallic, Sandpiper Beige, Bittersweet Mist Metallic, Copper Mist Metallic, Burnished Cinnamon Metallic, Deep Chestnut Metallic, Pearl Beige Metallic, Sunset Mist Metallic, Vintage Red Metallic
Coupe: Opt
Turbo Hydramatic Automatic Transmission: Opt
350 Cu. In. V8 Engine: Opt
Power Windows: Opt
Air Conditioning: Opt
Power Brakes: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Power Seats: Opt
Radio: Opt
Speed Control Device: Opt
Front Disc Rear Drum Brakes: Opt

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Development and Features

In the late 60s and early 70s, Buick faced challenges like stricter emission regulations. But this wasn't just about keeping up—it was about innovation. The 1971 Skylark, with its redesigned engine components, was a forerunner in accommodating unleaded gasoline—a serious nod to environmental consciousness, even back then. And who could forget the GSX package? A legit muscle car was hidden in this fine piece of machinery【4:3†file】.

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Market Position

By 1971, the Skylark found its sweet spot as a mid-range vehicle aimed squarely at the middle-class market. This wasn't just a fluke—Buick had mastered the balancing act between luxury and practicality. Even with the oil crisis looming in the early '70s, the Skylark held its ground, gaining a following that would see it through tougher times【4:3†file】.

Popular Figures Who Own the 1971 Buick Skylark

One car, many stories. The 1971 Buick Skylark has been in the garages of some truly famous people, making it even more desirable for collectors.

Quentin Tarantino

Yes, the man who brought us Pulp Fiction reportedly has a passion for this classic. While he may be known for his eclectic taste in films, his appreciation for the iconic design and history of the Skylark speaks to its cultural cachet.

Jay Leno

It's no secret that Jay Leno is a car enthusiast with a sprawling collection. Among his many automotive gems, the Skylark holds a special place. Leno often praises its unique place in automotive history, something that resonates with fellow enthusiasts.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leo isn't just a fan of fast cars; he appreciates the classics as well. It's said that his collection includes a well-loved 1971 Skylark—a nod to both the past and his penchant for iconic memorabilia.

Ellen DeGeneres

Known for her humor and charm, DeGeneres also boasts an appreciation for vintage style. Her reported love for the Skylark highlights a surprising facet of her personal taste【4:3†file】.

Fun Facts about the 1971 Buick Skylark

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    Featured in films like Bullitt and The Fast and the Furious, the Skylark has more screen time than some actors!

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    Its design was a staple in many 1970s American households, symbolizing the prosperity of its owners.

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    The beloved Skylark even has dedicated car shows today thanks to its enduring popularity【4:2†file】.

Interested in Buying or Selling a Classic Car?

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For an accurate and comprehensive understanding, try a . You might also want to check out the and ensure your Skylark's history is crystal clear.

Did You Know?

You can perform a on vehicles from certain eras, even those with requirements. Plus, if you've ever been curious, try a for peace of mind or just for fun. Of course, for the real classics, ensure your pre-1981 models use the .

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Explore Buick Skylark from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, the '71 Skylark? Think curvy, kinda like a comfy armchair, you know? It had that signature Buick styling; those sweeping lines, a long hood, and a relatively short deck. They came in a bunch of variations—coupes, convertibles, and even station wagons, if you can believe it! Mechanically, they were pretty straightforward, pretty much the same kind of stuff Buick had been using for years. The engines ranged from pretty basic six-cylinders to, if you were lucky, more powerful V8s. But overall, they were solid, reliable cars – for their time, of course. You won't find anything too crazy or cutting-edge under the hood; it was pretty much business as usual for Buick back then.

The engine lineup was, shall we say, fairly diverse for its time. You had your standard inline-six, perfectly suitable for everyday driving; it wasn't flashy, but it got the job done. Then you climbed up the ladder to the V8s. Now those were something else! Different displacements, different horsepower ratings – there really was an engine for just about every taste, or at least every pocketbook. Picking the right one is really just a matter of deciding how much power you crave, and let's be honest, how deep your pockets are.

Oh boy, that's a tough one! Pricing a classic car, especially one as popular as a Skylark, is like trying to catch smoke. It really depends on so many things; condition is king, of course. Is it a pristine, showroom-ready beauty, or a bit more of a project car? A fully restored car might fetch a pretty penny, whereas one that needs some serious TLC will be significantly cheaper; that’s just the way it is. Location also plays a part. What’s popular in one area might not be as hot in another. So, unfortunately, there's no simple answer. Do your research; check online classifieds, auction sites and classic car price guides to get a clearer picture.

Like any car from that era, you’ve gotta expect a few quirks. Some common headaches? Electrical gremlins are notorious. These things are getting up there in age, so wiring can be brittle and prone to failure. Also, the braking systems; they’re often due for a refresh, even if the car seems to be in good condition. And let's not forget the ubiquitous rust; if you're looking at a Skylark from a region with harsh winters, you really need to check for rust carefully – it's a real bear to deal with. Honestly, it's always a good idea to have a mechanic take a look at any classic car before you buy, just to be on the safe side.

Finding parts for a '71 Skylark isn't as impossible as you might think; there are plenty of resources out there for classic car enthusiasts. Online retailers specializing in classic car parts are a great starting point. Plus, you can often find parts at swap meets or classic car shows. And don't underestimate the power of local Buick clubs or forums. Fellow enthusiasts are often a goldmine of information and can point you to parts suppliers or even offer parts themselves. The Buick community is pretty supportive; they'll help you out.