Buzz
In 2007, Publications International, Ltd. noted that the 1966 Buick Skylark featured sloping sail panels extending from the rear roof, a design update that failed to boost its declining sales. Explore more muscle car images.The 1966 Buick Skylark received a new exterior design and increased power for the Gran Sport model. However, facing fierce competition, sales of this premium muscle car plummeted significantly compared to its debut year in 1965.
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Key design elements included the sloping sail panels that elongated the roofline past the rear window. The Gran Sport stood out with a blacked-out grille, updated GS badges, non-operational hood scoops, and faux front-fender vents.
The standard 401-cubic-inch 'Wildcat 445' four-barrel engine maintained its 325 horsepower, but a more powerful 340-horsepower variant was introduced mid-year. Both engine options came equipped with dual exhaust systems and a robust suspension as standard. Additional features like metallic brake linings and a rear stabilizer bar were available as optional upgrades.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd. The Gran Sport's 401-cubic-inch engine, known as the Wildcat 445, was capable of producing up to 340 horsepower.Both versions of the 401-cubic-inch engine were paired with a three-speed manual transmission, while a four-speed manual was an extra $184 and the Super Turbine automatic transmission cost $205. A range of axle ratios from 2.78:1 to 4.30:1 were available, with a Positive Traction differential required for performance-oriented setups. Popular add-ons included $74 chrome-plated wheels, power steering for $95, and power brakes for $42. Buyers could even opt to remove the heater for a $71 credit.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd. The 1966 Buick Gran Sport's interior design was somewhat conservative.The 340-horsepower engine was optimized for performance, reaching its redline at 4600 rpm and delivering a maximum torque of 445 lb-ft at 3200 rpm. It accelerated to 60 mph nearly a second faster than the base engine and completed the quarter-mile about half a second quicker. With a 3.36:1 axle ratio, the 340-horsepower GS could hit 60 mph in 6.8 seconds and achieve a quarter-mile time of 14.9 seconds at 95 mph.
While not the quickest in its class of large-displacement intermediates, the Gran Sport earned praise for its well-rounded performance. The base prices, starting at $2,956 for the pillared coupe, $3,019 for the Sport Coupe, and $3,167 for the convertible, were notably higher than those of the 4-4-2 and GTO. In 1966, Buick produced 106,217 Skylarks, with only 13,816 being Gran Sports.
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Specifications
Wheelbase, inches: 115.0
Weight, lbs: 3,150
Number built: 12,816
Base price: $2,960
Top Available Engine
Type: ohv V-8
Displacement, cid: 401
Fuel system: 1 x 4bbl.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1
Horsepower @ rpm: 340 @ 4600
Torque @ rpm: 445 @ 2800
Representative Performance
0-60 mph, sec: 7.6
1/4 mile, sec. @ mph: 15.47 @ 90.5
