What is a muscle car? The term has been hotly debated, and some have very specific definitions and beliefs about what was the first car to earn the title. Generally, the 1964 Pontiac GTO is most often cited as the first — even though some would debate that, too. All arguments aside, most car lovers will admit the muscle car era was one of the best in automotive history.
So, what is a muscle car? Typically, it’s a two-door, American-made car with a powerful, performance-oriented V-8 engine, manufactured between 1964 and 1974. Though some cars before and after that timeframe have been loosely labeled muscle cars, those years are the most recognized.
Starting with the Pontiac GTO, other notable muscle cars include the Chevy Chevelle, Dodge Charger, Ford Torino, Plymouth Road Runner, AMC Rambler and Oldsmobile 442. In truth, most American automakers of the time were cranking out their own unique versions of muscle — even brands thought to be more luxury-oriented.
Case in point: Buick. A GM brand positioned between the more budget-friendly Chevrolet and the luxury Cadillac nameplate, Buick was popular but not really regarded as a performance brand — until…
The name Skylark was first introduced by Buick in 1953 as the Roadmaster Skylark convertible, commemorating the brand’s 50th anniversary. The name proved so popular that Buick created a new model with the namesake, separate from the larger Roadmaster line, just in time for the muscle car era to begin.
While not as popular as other GM muscle cars of the time, the Buick Skylark was still very much a muscle car in every sense — stylish, two-door and packing formidable power, from a 350-cubic-inch engine all the way up to a massive 455. Buick also added touches of elegance, proving a muscle car could feature luxury elements. Along the way, the Skylark developed its own cult-like following, keeping buyers loyal to the Buick brand for decades.
Colleen Carman has always liked older cars. Not content with driving the newest model off the lot, she chose a different path. In 1983, she spent $250 at a junkyard for a well-worn 1970 Buick Skylark. This wasn’t going to be a weekend toy — it was her daily driver. She rebuilt the Skylark and soon was cruising it to the grocery store, work and her kids’ school. Even though it was built with practicality in mind and powered by a moderate 350-cubic-inch engine, her son’s friends still referred to it as her “hot rod.”
In the 43 years since Carman bought the Skylark, it has seen several changes — color, interior and power mills among them. It’s traveled as far as Texas and California but has called Indiana home for the past 19 years. It even caught the eye of another car enthusiast named Michael, who fell in love with the car — and the owner. The two married, and 28 years later, they still enjoy showing the latest version of the Skylark at central Indiana car shows.
The Buick had been a steady companion for decades, so it was time for another transformation. The car began a 14-year, frame-off restoration in which every nut and bolt received attention. The body was stripped of multiple layers of Earl Scheib paint, and the mild powertrain was removed. After the frame and suspension were restored, the real fun began.
The flawless body was sprayed in 1985 Mazda Sunrise Red.
“I wanted the reddest red available,” Carman says.
A massive 455 Buick powerplant was shoehorned into the engine bay by builder John Osbourne, who also finished the black interior.
The couple stayed true to the Buick roots with Rally Magnum 500 wheels, though the rear wheels were custom-made at 10 inches wide to fit the fatter tires needed to handle the 526 horsepower. Power flows through a TH400 automatic transmission to a stout Buick 10-bolt rear differential with 3.73 gears. Long rear wheel studs give a subtle hint that this refined-looking Buick might not be as tame as it appears.
So, what is a muscle car? This beautiful 1970 Buick Skylark is an excellent example. You can see it in person at car shows almost every weekend, sitting behind the red Buick carpet Carman’s son had made for her — still combining Buick luxury with a big-block beast hiding in plain sight. You might even spot it at the Restoration Church Car Show on Oct. 4.
Until then … keep cruising!
Comments 1
That was a very good article John. The history of the car and lady that owns it.