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1979 Buick Skylark: A Nostalgic Slice of Americana

The 1979 Buick Skylark represents a fascinating chapter in the story of American automotive design. Born from the stables of General Motors, this model year marked the end of an era for the Skylark nameplate, which had been a fixture in Buick's lineup since the early 1950s. As the automotive landscape was shifting towards smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, the '79 Skylark blended traditional Buick luxury with a downsized form factor. Notably, it was part of GM's X-body platform, which it shared with siblings like the Chevrolet Citation and Pontiac Phoenix.

Design and Innovation

The exterior of the 1979 Buick Skylark exuded a sense of understated elegance, with its straight lines and formal roofline hinting at its upscale aspirations. The front grille was unmistakably Buick, featuring the brand's signature waterfall design flanked by quad rectangular headlamps. Inside, passengers were greeted with a cabin that prioritized comfort and practicality. Materials ranged from plush fabrics to vinyl, depending on trim levels, with woodgrain accents adorning the dashboard and door panels. Technologically, it boasted features like an available AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player—a nod to the era's evolving entertainment options.

Color options for the '79 Skylark were diverse, including classic hues like "Camelot Rose" and "Colonial Yellow." Among these, "Platinum Mist" and "Cinnabar Red" were particularly popular choices that captured the spirit of the late '70s. Body styles included a two-door coupe, four-door sedan, and a more uncommon three-door hatchback version. The coupe, with its sleek profile and sporty appeal, was often seen as the most iconic representation of this model year.

Historical Significance

The 1979 Skylark's historical footprint is marked by its role in transitioning Buick into an era where luxury had to meet efficiency. It stood out from competitors by offering a downsized vehicle without sacrificing the brand's hallmark comfort and style. This approach would influence future generations of cars that sought to balance these seemingly conflicting qualities.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its hood, the '79 Skylark could be equipped with several engine options, including a thrifty 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a more robust 3.8-liter V6. Performance figures were modest by today's standards; however, they were competitive for the time. Handling was characterized by a smooth ride—a priority for Buick's target demographic—with enough agility to manage everyday driving scenarios comfortably.

Ownership Experience

Owners of the 1979 Buick Skylark often used their vehicles as daily drivers due to their reliability and practicality. Maintenance was relatively straightforward for those familiar with GM products of that era, making it accessible for average owners to keep their Skylarks on the road.

Fun Facts

The '79 Skylark might not have been known for breaking records or celebrity ownerships; however, it did feature in various forms of media and was a common sight on American roads during its heyday. Criticisms typically centered around performance limitations compared to more powerful contemporaries.

Collector's Information

Today, collectors might find a well-preserved 1979 Buick Skylark valued within a range from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on condition and originality (values are speculative). While not as rare as some classic cars—with production numbers in tens of thousands—finding one in excellent condition can be challenging due to their age and use as everyday vehicles.

Conclusion

The 1979 Buick Skylark stands as a testament to an era when American automakers began adapting to new consumer demands without losing sight of their heritage. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, it offers a glimpse into an evolutionary period in automotive history that set the stage for future innovations.

1979 Buick Skylark Door Seals, with Clips and Molded Ends. For 2-Door Sedan-LM 20-ODoor Seals, with Clips and Molded Ends. For 2-Door Sedan. Pair R&L

1979 Buick Skylark Front Molded Door Seals with Clips. For 4-Door Sedan-LM 20-PFront Molded Door Seals with Clips. For 4-Door Sedan. Pair R&L

1979 Buick Skylark Rear Molded Door Seals, with Clips. For 4-door sedan-LM 20-P/RRear Molded Door Seals, with Clips. For 4-door sedan. Pair R&L

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

1979 Buick Skylark Trunk seal-MW00101Trunk seal. Also replaces '75-'79 Buick Skylark hatchback seal. Made with steel cores. 1-3/8 in. x 3/4 in. x 17 ft. L. Each.

1979 Buick Skylark 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 Skylark Rear Quarter Window Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 204Rear Quarter Window Molding Clip. Made of steel. 3/4" x 1-3/8". Each

1979 Buick Skylark 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 Skylark 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 Skylark Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. For models with vinyl top-WF 210Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. For models with vinyl top. 3/4" x 1-1/16". Each

1979 Buick Skylark 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 Skylark 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