USA vs USA — 1961 vs 1965
| Skylark GS 400 | Skylark GS Stage 1 400 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 340 hp | 345 hp |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft | 440 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,555 cc | 6,555 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.8 sec | 6.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 121 mph | 125 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.8 sec | 13.9 sec |
| Weight | 3,550 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,946 mm | 2,845 mm |
| Length | 5,156 mm | 5,067 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 10,743 |
| Original MSRP | $3,019 | $3,167 |
| Value (Excellent) | $55,000 | $95,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 7/10 |
Numbers favor the 1965 Buick Skylark GS Stage 1 400 with quicker acceleration, higher top speed, stronger collectibility. The 1961 Buick Skylark GS 400 offers its unique character, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Buick Skylark. The 1961 and 1965 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1961 Buick Skylark GS 400 producing 340 hp and the 1965 Buick Skylark GS Stage 1 400 delivering 345 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Buick Skylark uses a V8 OHV displacing 6,555 cc, while the Buick Skylark GS relies on a V8 OHV (Buick 400 Stage 1) with 6,555 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1965 Buick Skylark GS Stage 1 400 edges ahead at 6.0 seconds versus 6.8 seconds. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.