Mr. Anderson Posted August 22, 2015 Share Posted August 22, 2015 Hello everyone! I normally frequent the reatta forums but I have a question that is best asked here. I have stumbled upon a 1965 Buick Skylark 4D Sedan down the road from me that is being offered for sale. It is a two-owner car that has original paint,interior, and has a numbers matching drivetrain. It has 32000 original miles and was shut up in a garage for years. The person who last owned it recently passed away in March, and his neighbors are taking care of his estate and possessions. It has PS and PB with no A/C. The engine is a Wildcat 310 with a 1bbl carb. (I thought the 310 came with a 2bbl but I'm not sure.) I was also told that it had the 3 speed auto in it (possibly a Turbo 300 trans.) It runs pretty well and nothing leaks. Almost all of the lights work with the exception of a turn signal bulb. Here are a few pictures: (sorry, some do not orient like they should) My main question is: What is something like this actually worth? They are asking $3500 for the car. I think that it is a really neat car, but I don't know anything about the market for these mid 60's 4 door sedans. Thanks for your input. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Phillips Posted August 22, 2015 Share Posted August 22, 2015 Well, the upholstery is incorrect, the paint is bad, and despite the low mileage, it is a four-door sedan. The transmission is most likely a two-speed automatic and the carburetor should be a two-barrel. It looks like a $1500 car to me. It's a great car to drive every day, with low insurance costs, not too bad on gasoline, and easy to work on, but it has very little resale value. On the positive side, you could probably drive this car for the next ten years and not have to do much of anything to it other than tires, brakes, and battery. Pete Phillips, BCA #7338 Leonard, Texas 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ol' yeller Posted August 22, 2015 Share Posted August 22, 2015 (edited) I have owned several 65 Skylarks, 2 doors, 4 doors and even a convertible. The 310 engine designation shows the car has a 300 cubic inch V8 with a 2 barrel carb. Buick never put a one barrel on the 300. It is a very small 2 barrel carb. Things to look for are rot in the lower rear quarters, rot around the front or rear windshield and rust in the trunk floor. Rust also happens in the lower rear of the front fenders. Judging from appearances in the pics, that car probably has 100,000 more miles than you have been led to believe. There is virtually no market for these cars unless they are perfect, low mileage cars. Even then they may only bring the price the seller is asking. While these are great cars and well built, generally ones in this condition are sold as parts cars for their more collectable 2 doors and convertibles. If the lower rear quarters are in good shape you might get $500-$1,000 each for them. The car is most likely a $1,000-$1,500 car and the seller would be lucky to get that.Also that is not an original interior and the Switch Pitch Super Turbine 300 trans is a 2 speed trans with variable vanes in the torque converter. In 1965 Buick did not offer a 3 speed automatic in the A body cars. Edited August 22, 2015 by ol' yeller (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ol' yeller Posted August 22, 2015 Share Posted August 22, 2015 A couple of nice options if they are in good shape are the remote side view mirror and the wheel opening stainless. No tilt wheel though. Does it come with correct hub caps? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 (edited) From what I can tell it very well may be 32k miles that just needs a good cleaning. Many of the telltale signs of a high mileage car are not there, such as under the hood. It looks like it has spent some time outside at some point and is worth rescuing. Also, I would check to see if those are removable seat covers and if they hide a pristine upholstery.If this is a very solid car with original paint and nice original upholstery under seat covers, and looks like a good chrome polish and paint buff will bting it largely back then I think it would be a great car at $2k and even $2500 if you really like it.One of the things that makes this car may is that it IS a sedan. I almost never see these in sedan form anymore as so many have been tossed in favor of the 2 doors. Edited August 23, 2015 by lancemb (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest my3buicks Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 I thought the same thing about the seats, I wondered if they may be covers over original good seats. It may clean up to look decent. I wouldn't want to go any more the $1500-$1850 on it (the higher amount if you can verify that it is not 100K plus) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michel88 Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 I had a 65 Skylark that I drove in the late 80's as a daily driver. It was a great car and very dependable. It had the same 300 cu in with a 2 barrel carb. If it runs good and really does have 32k it may be worth $1500 to $2000 max. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barney Eaton Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 When considering what to pay.........you will want new tires ($400-500), change the engine oil, filter, air cleaner and change the transmission fluid, if you pay someone that is another $150.It may need brakes and will definitely need the brake fluid flushed. You may need to flush the fuel line and replace the fuel filter.... all this before it is even drivable. The paint may buff out and look ok for a driver.... the bumper look great along with the grill...... I would be prepared to spend another $1000 once it is purchased, who knows the water pump could go, the radiator may need repair, starter, generator, etc.... the low mileage does not exempt it from needing thing fixed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 When considering what to pay...the low mileage does not exempt it from needing thing fixed.True - basic mechanical refreshing is a given. However, if it it true low miles unrestored you are far less likely to find hidden surprises such as poor and hidden body work and rust issues, major engine wear, and other amateur repairs that will cost you much more incremental time and money. Don't underestimate this! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avgwarhawk Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 Owner/estate handler is asking $3500.00. Probably looking for $2500.00. As others said, getting it safe and road worthy is an expense and should be considered when haggling with the current owner. Looking at your pictures the car looks like it would clean up very well and be a nice driver. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 Go to your local Buick/GM dealership with 35 crisp one hundred dollar bills, fan them out, and say "I've got cash to spend". Or a plain old second rate used car lot. There's the value thing. Buying a 50 year old car had one of two motivators; either it rings the bell for you and you have to have it, or you buy it to impress someone else. This one is an example of the former. And since you took the time to post to the Forum you are not suffering heart palpitations in fear of someone grabbing the car first. You can buy it and have a safe driver for about $7,000 after replacing the consumables. Fresh paint is going to get you well over 10 grand. If you wait until spring (it will still be there) the entry fee might be less, however all the other costs stay the same. If it was down the street from me I would have looked at it, figured I could pretty it up, and sell it for $4500. There are a lot easier ways to make a thousand bucks. I would have passed.Bernie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted "Wildcat65" Nagel Posted August 27, 2015 Share Posted August 27, 2015 I just sold mine for $1000. That was a friendly price, I would have asked 1500 from a stranger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Anderson Posted August 27, 2015 Author Share Posted August 27, 2015 Thank you all so much for your responses, they are really appreciated and helpful!! I tried today to go pick up the car for $1000 or $1500 and was turned down. The owner insists that it is worth the $3500 she is asking (and apparently that is down from the $6000 she originally wanted!!!!) Needless to say, I will not be pursuing the car unless a miracle happens with the price. Too bad though, it would've been a nice driver... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest my3buicks Posted August 28, 2015 Share Posted August 28, 2015 Keep and eye on it, she won't be getting the $3500 and eventually if she wants it gone will come to realize that it's not worth that. Patience will be the key for this one. You could also print out this forum thread and show her what her car is worth. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhclark Posted August 28, 2015 Share Posted August 28, 2015 I just sold mine for $1000. That was a friendly price, I would have asked 1500 from a stranger. Can I be your friend? lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted August 28, 2015 Share Posted August 28, 2015 Too bad she did not take the deal. But if that happens I always figure that's the way it was meant to be. Maybe the car is intended for someone else? Maybe someone just saved you not only the $3500, but a lot more too. Of course the big problem is what is shown on tv car shows. At last nights weekly cruise in some woman showed up with a 65 Pontiac Catalina convertible. Two of the 3 factory gauge pods in the center of the dash contained aftermarket gauges, installed in an amateurish way. The radio was missing, and both sides of the car looked like someone with the skills of my 9 month old grandson "repaired" numerous rust holes. Then the paint was pealing off in big blotches on the trunk lid too. Of course the dual exhaust from the 389 engine were chromed and sticking straight out from the rear bumper by about a foot. beginning price? $12,500.... OMG! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted sweet Posted August 28, 2015 Share Posted August 28, 2015 john I saw that car, they wouldn't get 5000 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted August 28, 2015 Share Posted August 28, 2015 John, you watched the show and remembered what it was about. They scored! There is a good movie called "The Evocateur" about Morton Downey Jr. that gives some great insight into the TV sideshow stars and their shows. To the topic, my motivation has always been to buy the vehicle because I really want it. If I don't want a car for $3500 I'm pretty sure I won't want it for $1500 or $1000. I just don't see money as the motivator when it comes to old cars. I don't want this car for this much money, but if it was less I'd want it? Yeah.... don't work that way.Bernie 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted August 28, 2015 Share Posted August 28, 2015 Yes, I have watched some of those shows. I am certain all of them are scripted. The problem for the hobby is people are encouraged to believe those shows are reality. This is a car in point. That little Buick may well be worth $3500...done. But the owner thinks the customer is trying to steal the car out from under them when a reasonable price is offered because of what they see in these silly shows. It's too bad. This little Buick may be fairly solid now. In 3 months it will be setting into the ground and the rust mites will attack. Then in a few years it will tear in half as a tow truck operator tries to wrench it up out of the mud. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Schramm Posted August 29, 2015 Share Posted August 29, 2015 John, you watched the show and remembered what it was about. They scored! There is a good movie called "The Evocateur" about Morton Downey Jr. that gives some great insight into the TV sideshow stars and their shows. To the topic, my motivation has always been to buy the vehicle because I really want it. If I don't want a car for $3500 I'm pretty sure I won't want it for $1500 or $1000. I just don't see money as the motivator when it comes to old cars. I don't want this car for this much money, but if it was less I'd want it? Yeah.... don't work that way.Bernie I agree. If I do not really like it, then I will not buy it for almost any price unless I just plan to flip it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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