350ci Ram Air 4-Barrel/Azure Blue Respray/Original Clean Interior

1969 Buick Skylark GS

Ram Air hoods are a key ingredient to any muscle car recipe, and Buick scored massive performance credibility by making ram air standard on all GS models between 1969 and 1972. This ram air was not just for the top guns, as every entry level 1969 GS350 and California GS got the cold air induction system.

This 1969 350ci GS California donning dual chrome inserts for the cold air induction (AKA Ram Air) designed to restrict leaves and kittens, is one of the nicest designs for the history of GS models. This car comes with a fresh factory matching paint job, some engine key replacements (timing chain, pushrods and lifters) and a fresh oil change and tune up as of May 2020. The original interior still resides inside and has held up swimmingly in its original blue vinyl. A fantastic driver, some snappy eye opening power you may not be expecting, and all buttoned up for a turnkey classic in this GS California.

Exterior
Azure blue coats this exterior steel body which is starting to show what will be come to be known as the "Coke bottle body." The paint is nicely applied with a few inclusions and slight overspray, but overall good. Chrome trimmings and bumpers are nice and shiny, and a slight dent in the rear bumper is the only frown seen on this car. Gaps are well minded, and trimmings also include wheel well surrounds, and chromed window surrounds, which border a nice black vinyl top. From the front quarter through the door and beginning of the rear quarter there is a small cove which swoops downward, and magically emulates the line of the rear pointed design. Speaking of which Buick inserted the taillights into the bumper below the trunkline, and along with the gracefully sloping B pillars the line is just magnificent. Buick rally wheel covers are on all 4 corners and are wrapped with deep treaded radials.

Interior
More blue inside wrapping the door panels which have their original door pulls which show a bit of chipping of the plastic molded part, however vinyl remains pristine. Same for the front split bench with only a small area of repair in the center of the bench. The rear bench appears to have never been used! The original dash is very clean and shows just a bit of yellowing with age. All functions are working well. An original radio is installed, and a trio of aftermarket gauges hang below the dash in a chromed panel. Deep blue carpet is flooding the floors and above is a blue headliner, also presenting in vinyl, nice and tight, and stain free. A word out to the trunk which has been sprayed with textured gray trunk liner paint and is nearly factory with its spare tire.

Drivetrain
A consigner stated matching numbers drivetrain, this 350ci has the original dual ram air inlets which feed a 4-barrel Rochester carburetor setup. There is a mild cam installed, and headers can be seen. This year used the TH350 3-speed transmission, and this pushes power rearward to a now 3.90 rear with posi-traction. Noted electronic ignition has been put on, and the A/C compressor has been removed. Also, a great looking engine bay with the original foam dual air intake baffles which match up perfectly with the hood intake holes creating an airtight seal allowing only outside cool air to rush in.

Undercarriage
All very nicely coated, no rust, and new air shocks and springs put on. Floorpans are original and show slight surface rust but remain structurally very sound. Unibody is straight and rust free particularly at the rockers, and wheel wells are clean. Drum brakes are noted all around, and a clean exhaust still provides a great sound when you push this car.

Drive-Ability
My grandfather has a Skylark and I remember getting in as a 16 year old driver and experiencing my first 4-barrel acceleration. It was exhilarating and I never forgot that Buick power. This car with the ram air actually has more power, and it accelerates at surprising speed and smoothness. The transmission shifts smoothly, and there are no rattles. A slam of the brakes yields a straight stop with no pulling, and handling was well within the test track's challenges. The radio works, but the A/C does not, all other functions were in working order.

A new respray, ram air, and original interior, this great example of the 1969 California GS 350ci version is a truly wonderful car. A turn-key driver, recent maintenance work, a smooth ride, and a muscle car to boot. (or put your boot into!) Either way you'll get a kick in your butt, and an emotional kick when you drive around in this wonderful restoration/preservation example.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.