Buick Skylark Series 4300 (1961-1963)

Production period:	1961-1963
Type:	Motor Car
Body versions :	Coupe , convertible
Engines:	Gasoline :3.5 liters (138-147 kW)
Length:	4785-4879 mm
Wheelbase :	2845-2847 mm
Curb weight :	1217-1301 kg

In the middle of the model year 1961 a two-door coupe appeared as a special model Skylark within the series 4300 of the Special Deluxe . Its V8 engine with 3523 cc and 185 bhp (138 kW) at 4800 rpm was also available on request for the other special deluxe models.

The Skylark series, which included a hardtop coupe and a convertible in 1962, was once again an independent series. The coupe with B-pillars was left out of the mix. The engine's power was bumped up to 190 bhp (140 kW). Only minor stylistic alterations were made. The Skylark was given its own model for the 1962 model year. It used the same basic sheet metal as the previous year's Special and Special Deluxe models, but it had two new body styles: a two-door convertible coupe (shared with the Special and Special Deluxe models) and a two-door (pillarless) hardtop that was exclusive to it. The 215-cubic-inch V8 was tuned to produce 190 horsepower (140 kW) at 4800 rpm. The Skylark Special was also the first American car to use a V6 engine in mass production, debuting in 1962. This 198 cid Fireball was engineered down from the 215 and used many of the same design parameters, but was cast in iron. Output was 135 hp (gross) at 4600 rpm and 205 lb⋅ft (278 N⋅m) at 2400 rpm.

PERFORMANCE: 

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 17.6 m/imp gal, 14.7 m US gal, 16.0 1 x 100 km:
MAX SPEED: 105.6 mph, 170 km h
max speed in 1st gear: 43.5 mph, 70 km/h
max speed in 2nd gear: 71.4 mph, 115 km/h
max speed in 3rd gear: 105.6 mph, 170 km/h
power-weight ratio: 14.1 lb/hp, 6.4 kg/hp
useful load: 882 1b, 400 kg

acceleration: standing 1/4 mile 17.6 sec, 0 in direct drive at 1000 rpm: 20.2 mph, 32.5 km/h.

In 1963, the Skylark debuted with a more edgy design and larger size. The engine's output was raised to 200 horsepower (147 kW). The Special's body was restyled in 1963, and some interior alterations were made, mainly to the dash and instrument cluster. A two-door pillared hardtop coupe, a four-door sedan, a convertible, and a station waggon were all offered for the 1963 Special. A base 198 cu in (3.2 l) V6 with a twin-barrel carburetor was available, as well as an optional 215 cu in (3.5 l) V8 with 155 horsepower (116 kW) (two-barrel) or more powerful four-barrel (190 hp (140 kW) in 1962, and 200 hp (150 kW) in 1963).

Transmission choices were a 'three on the tree' manual transmission, a floor shift Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed manual, or a two-speed Turbine Drive automatic. The two speed "Dual Path Turbine Drive" automatic was a Buick design and shared no common parts with the better known Chevrolet Power-Glide transmission.

The Skylark Coupé Special built 12,683 units in 1961, and 85,294 vehicles from the Skylark in the following two years.