Image of 1979 Buick Skyhawk, Note: These illustrations use artistic license and may differ from actual historical models.

1979 Buick Skyhawk: A Compact Marvel of Its Era

The 1979 Buick Skyhawk glimmers as a testament to the era of disco and bell-bottoms, a time capsule on wheels that encapsulates the late 70s automotive landscape. Born from the stables of General Motors, the Skyhawk was Buick's answer to the growing demand for compact and efficient vehicles during a period of fuel crises and changing consumer tastes. Notably, it was part of GM's H-body lineup, sharing its platform with siblings like the Chevrolet Monza and Oldsmobile Starfire. A unique fact that might pique your interest is that the Skyhawk was one of the first American cars to adopt a hatchback body style, which was more commonly seen in European models at the time.

Design and Innovation

The exterior styling of the 1979 Buick Skyhawk boasted a sporty yet elegant silhouette, with its long hood and short rear deck hinting at performance while maintaining compact dimensions. The interior was a blend of comfort and simplicity, with an emphasis on ergonomics. Materials ranged from standard vinyl to optional plush velour, catering to various tastes and preferences. Technologically, it featured innovations like electronic ignition and an available four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. Color options for the Skyhawk were diverse, with shades like 'Bright Blue Metallic' and 'Fire Red' being popular choices that stood out in any crowd. The car came in several body styles, but it was the two-door hatchback coupe that became emblematic of the model's identity.

Historical Significance

The 1979 Buick Skyhawk carved its niche by offering a blend of luxury and economy in a segment dominated by utilitarian options. It set itself apart with its upscale branding and design cues borrowed from higher-end Buicks, which helped elevate the perception of smaller cars within the American market. Its legacy is seen in how automakers perceived compact cars moving forward—no longer just as economy choices but as platforms for innovation and style.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its hood, the Skyhawk housed a 3.8-liter V6 engine capable of delivering modest performance figures for its time. While top speed and acceleration numbers were not groundbreaking—with 0-60 mph times not typically published—the car offered adequate power for daily driving. Handling characteristics were typical for compact cars of the era; it managed bumps reasonably well and remained composed on windy roads. Drivers often praised the car for its smooth ride quality and manageable power delivery.

Ownership Experience

The 1979 Buick Skyhawk served various roles ranging from a practical daily driver to an occasional showpiece at local car meets. Its maintenance profile was generally straightforward, benefiting from GM's extensive parts network and shared components with other models. Reliability was on par with expectations of the time, with ease of repair making it an accessible classic for enthusiasts today.

Fun Facts

A fun tidbit about this model is that it occasionally found itself in celebrity garages, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to its resume. Although not known for setting records in speed or sales, its endurance as a beloved classic speaks volumes about its appeal. Common criticisms often revolved around its modest power output compared to some sportier contemporaries.

Collector's Information

Today, collectors find themselves drawn to the 1979 Buick Skyhawk for its nostalgic charm and relative rarity. While production numbers were not exceptionally low (exact figures are elusive), finding one in pristine condition can be a challenge. The value range varies widely based on condition, but enthusiasts could expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 for well-maintained examples. Price trends suggest a slow appreciation as interest in 70s-era classics continues to grow.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the 1979 Buick Skyhawk stands as a symbol of transition within the automotive world—ushering in an era where compact didn't equate to compromise. It bridged gaps between efficiency, luxury, and style in ways that influenced future generations of vehicles. Whether you're an enthusiast seeking a slice of late-70s Americana or a collector looking for an understated gem, the Skyhawk offers both in spades.

1979 Buick Skyhawk Front coil-spring insulator-BN 110Front coil-spring insulator. Fits '41-'60 Oldsmobile and '50-'83 GM passenger models. 5-3/8 in. OD x 3-3/4 in. ID x 3/4 in. high with 13/16 in. wide bottom flange 1/4" thick, 12 flutes. Each.

1979 Buick Skyhawk Hood to Cowl Seal, 71-80 GM H Body, Each-CS 13-HHood to Cowl Seal, 71-80 GM H Body, Each. Replaces OEM # 9829415. 50" Long. Comes with five mounting clips.

1979 Buick Skyhawk Molded Door Seals for Hatchbacks. 151-1/2" long each-LM 13-MMolded Door Seals for Hatchbacks. 151-1/2" long each. Pair R&L

1979 Buick Skyhawk Molded Door Seals for Coupes. 151" Long. Pair R&L-LM 13-NMolded Door Seals for Coupes. 151" Long. Pair R&L

1979 Buick Skyhawk Trunk Liner. Loose weave, jet black. 50" wide-M 30Trunk Liner. Loose weave, jet black. 50" wide. Sold by the foot

1979 Buick Skyhawk Brake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861-RP 2-EBrake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861. 5" X 2-1/2". Each

1979 Buick Skyhawk Hole Plug for Front Door Inner Panel Access Hole-SM 81Hole Plug for Front Door Inner Panel Access Hole. 1-1/2" X 1". Each

1979 Buick Skyhawk Quarter Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of Steel-WF 205Quarter Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of Steel. 1-3/8" X 11/16". Each

1979 Buick Skyhawk Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 13/16" x 1"-WF 209Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 13/16" x 1". Each

1979 Buick Skyhawk Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 211Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 15/16" X 3/4". Each

1979 Buick Skyhawk Lower Side Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of nylon-WF 214Lower Side Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of nylon. 1-1/4" x 3/4". Each