1965 Buick Skylark Gran Sport

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In 2007, Publications International, Ltd. highlighted the 1965 Buick Skylark Gran Sport as the foundation of Buick's muscle car legacy. For just $253, the Gran Sport package transformed any Skylark model—whether a pillared coupe, convertible, or hardtop—into a high-performance vehicle. Explore more images of classic muscle cars.

Buick took advantage of General Motors' decision to allow 400 cid engines in intermediate cars, leading to the creation of its inaugural muscle car, the 1965 Buick Skylark Gran Sport.

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Despite its actual displacement of 401 cubic inches, Buick rebranded its big-block V-8 as the "400." Paired with a heavy-duty radiator and dual-exhaust systems, the engine delivered 325 brake horsepower, matching the output of Buick's larger models. (The "Wildcat 445" label on the air cleaner denoted the engine's torque rating.)

©2007 Publications International, Ltd. The Gran Sport package featured Buick's powerful 325-horsepower 401-cid V-8 engine. The "Wildcat 445" label on the air cleaner highlighted its impressive torque performance.

Buick went beyond a simple engine upgrade with the 1965 Skylark Gran Sport. Whether in hardtop, pillared coupe, or convertible form, each model received the convertible's reinforced frame for enhanced stability, along with specially tuned shocks and heavy-duty springs. Additional upgrades included a robust front anti-roll bar and an improved rear suspension with extra links to minimize axle windup and differential twist. Braking performance was also boosted with larger front-wheel cylinders.

The Gran Sport package added $253 to the base price of a standard Skylark when paired with the three-speed manual transmission. Opting for the four-speed manual increased the cost to $420, while the two-speed Super Turbine 300 automatic pushed it to $457. The highest available axle ratio was 3.73:1.

Bucket seats were a required $72 option for all 1965 Buick Skylark Gran Sports. Positraction should have been mandatory as well, given the issue of wheel spin during acceleration, a common challenge among high-performance intermediates.

However, buyers were satisfied. The car offered a reliable build, a smooth and agile engine, a comfortable ride, and impressive handling. Motor Trend even noted that its 12.3 mpg in urban driving conditions was "quite respectable."

Close to 70,000 units of the 1965 Buick Skylark Gran Sport were sold, and enthusiasts didn't seem to mind that it wasn't a full-fledged muscle car—that evolution was just around the corner.

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The 1965 Buick Skylark Gran Sport

Specifications

Wheelbase, inches: 115.0

Weight, lbs: 3,200

Number built: 69,367

Base price: $2,040

Standard Engine

Type: ohv V-8

Displacement, cid: 401

Fuel system: 1 x 4bbl.

Compression ratio: 10.25:1

Horsepower @ rpm: 325 @ 4400