Over the past 20 years, station wagons have received much more collector interest than in the past. Is it due to the fact that wagons have been supplanted by minivans, then SUVs? I don’t know but, among station wagons, some stand higher than others. When it comes to the 1960s, the Buick Sportwagon is one of the more unique examples. Our Pick of the Day, a 1969 Buick Custom Sportwagon, is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Downers Grove, Illinois.
The Skylark Sports Wagon debuted in 1964, right when the Special and Skylark grew into a proper mid-size car. Buick offered a conventional Special station wagon on a 115-inch wheelbase, but the Skylark Sport Wagon was distinctive in several ways: first, it rode on a wheelbase five inches longer. While the Special was available with a standard Fireball V6, the Sport Wagon began with the 300ci, 210-horsepower Wildcat 310 V8, with the 250-horse Wildcat 355 as the top option. Standard was a three-speed manual on the column, with most being built with the Super Turbine 300 automatic (interestingly, the Special Station Wagon being available with a four-speed, but not the Sports Wagon).
Of course, the Sports Wagon featured the distinction of the Skyroof feature, consisting of special shaded glass panels that “lend distinction to the appearance [and] increases the riding enjoyment of rear-seat passengers.” There were four versions of the Sports Wagon, either two- or three-seaters (with the latter facing forward), and base or Custom trim levels, the latter with more interior features including sunshades for middle-seat passengers.
For 1968, Buick’s A-body series was redesigned. The Sportwagon (as it was called since ’65) now rode on a 121-inch wheelbase and was powered by a standard 230-horsepower 350 two-barrel; optional was a 280-horse 350 four-barrel or a 340-horse 400 four-barrel, the latter two poached from the GS series. Technically, these were Custom Sportwagons as there was only one trim level, though the choice of 2- or 3-seats remained. A three-speed column-shifted manual was standard, with the Super Turbine automatic being a popular option.
The Custom Sportwagon returned for 1969, much the same aside of little model-year tweaks. The automatic was updated to a three-speed TH-350, with the TH-400 when the 400 was ordered. New was a one-piece skylight, as was a dual-action tailgate (optional on two-seaters, standard on three) that was hinged at the bottom and the side, offering two ways to open. After 1969, the Sportwagon lost its roof glass but remained the top mid-size wagon through 1971.
It’s possible you noticed this 1969 Buick Custom Sportwagon has received several upgrades borrowed from the GS, such as the grille, ram air hood, and several badges. Though inauthentic, it wouldn’t be out of character since this 28,631-mile wagon is equipped with the same engine as the GS 400. “Vehicle looks like it has been restored some time back, actual date of restoration is unknown,” says the seller. “It has been repainted in its correct color [of] Lime Green Poly.” Other features include air conditioning, power steering and brakes, chrome road wheels, luggage rack, and third-row seating.
Many of today’s SUVs have panoramic glass on the roof, but Buick tried an earlier incarnation than that over 60 years ago. This Sportwagon offers sunny commutes combined with one of the best power/weight ratios for a family hauler. Let’s call it a Flint Flyer? For $24,998, let’s find out.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
