1. Photos
  2. Buick
  3. Buick Skylark
  4. II (Y-body)

Buick Skylark II (Y-body) gallery (1961–1963)

The second generation revived the Skylark nameplate as a premium compact built on the lightweight Y-body platform.

All photos 19 I 0 1953–1954 II (Y-body) 0 1961–1963 III (A-body) 0 1964–1967 IV (A-body) 7 1968–1972 V (X-body) 0 1975–1979 VI (X-body) 0 1980–1985 VII (N-body) 0 1986–1991 VIII (N-body) 0 1992–1998

The second generation Buick Skylark debuted for the 1961 model year as a luxury-oriented compact car based on General Motors' lightweight unibody Y-body platform. It was powered by an advanced all-aluminum 215 cubic inch (3.5L) Fireball V8 engine, delivering between 155 and 200 horsepower depending on carburetion and compression ratios. Transmission options included a two-speed Dual-Path Turbine Drive automatic and three- or four-speed floor-shifted manual transmissions. The model lineup expanded from a sport coupe to include a convertible, four-door sedan, and station wagon. Exterior styling updates in 1962 and 1963 brought redesigned front grilles, updated side trim, and revised tail lamps along with luxurious interior appointments like vinyl bucket seats and center consoles. The vehicle was sold across North America, proving highly influential in popularizing sporty compact luxury cars.