The Skylark Gran Sport came into the scene in 1965 as Buick‘s answer to the Pontiac GTO, but it was saddled with the “Nailhead” 401 that paled in comparison to Pontiac’s 389. Whereas the base motor for the Goat was 335 horsepower (with 360 optional), Buick made do with 325 horsepower. And while the big Buicks had an available 425 (even with dual quads), an edict at General Motors said that the Skylark couldn’t use that engine. It wasn’t until 1967 that Buick fielded a competitive motor for its rechristened GS400. This one on eBay may be the nicest there is.
The brand-new 400ci V-8 for the GS400 was rated at 340 horsepower – still lower than some other brands, but on the street, the GS400 was competitive. Sitting on top of the 400 was what Buick fans now call the “Star Wars” air cleaner. Made of red plastic, it may be the most impressive air cleaner out of the muscle car era. Standard transmission was a floor-mounted three-speed manual, with a four-speed or automatic being optional. The automatic also was new for 1967: General Motors’ three-speed TH400, replacing  the old two-speed unit. Overall, Buick may have had the most improved muscle car in GM’s portfolio.
According to this eBay ad, the original owner ordered this black GS400 to impress a woman, even ordering it with the unique-for-1967 yellow interior to match her blonde hair. Alas, his overtures were not met, so the owner was without girl. Dejected, he drove the Buick sparingly. As far as GS400s go, this one is equipped quite nicely: 4-speed manual, Positraction, trailer towing package, chrome-plated mags, and bucket seats, among other items. A black Gran Sport with a 4-speed, nifty yellow interior, and ultra-low miles? It doesn’t get much better for Buick fans.
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