Houndstooth Hatchback: 1975 Buick Skyhawk 39K Survivor – SOLD!

July 6, 2023, Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we can now call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

The H-Body series of rear-wheel-drive compact cars was one of the more interesting cars to come out of General Motors (“GM”) during the Malaise Era (1972 to 1984). Originally designed to feature GM’s Wankel Rotary engine, the hatchback models were particularly attractive for the time.  Highlighting the fact was the four-place interior that gave the hatchbacks a sporty 2+2 seating configuration. The Chevrolet Monza is the most well-known of the H-Body compacts. A much less remembered badge-engineered variant was the first-generation Skyhawk.

In typical General Motors badge-engineering of the period, the Skyhawk offered a slightly more well-appointed experience over its Chevrolet Monza sibling.  This red 39K-Mile 1975 Buick Skyhawk for sale, last spotted in June 2023 on Craigslist near Pittsburgh, is a 39K-mile survivor example featuring factory air conditioning converted to R134A. The most striking feature about this Buick Skyhawk for sale is the like-new white vinyl interior set off by attractive houndstooth pattern seat inserts.

The  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $11,495 after factoring in a five percent premium for the factory air conditioning option.

In 1975 General Motors Corporation (“GM”) launched their H-Body rear-wheel-drive, subcompact line of cars as badge-engineered variants across all car divisions except Cadillac. Originally intended to feature GM’s stillborn Wankel Rotary engine, the company launched the cars with a choice of traditional piston-powered engines ranging from inline-fours to V8s.  Buick’s badge-engineered version of the H-Body platform was the Skyhawk.

The 1975 Buick Skyhawk hatchback was a compact car manufactured by Buick, a division of General Motors. It was part of the first generation of the Buick Skyhawk, which was produced from 1975 to 1980. The Skyhawk was Buick’s entry into the growing compact car segment during the 1970s.

The 1975 Skyhawk featured a sleek and sporty design that was typical of the era. It had a two-door hatchback body style, adding to its sporty appearance. The car had a relatively small footprint, with a length of approximately 174 inches, a width of about 66 inches, and a wheelbase of around 97 inches. The car’s front end was characterized by a wide grille and rectangular headlights, giving it a distinctive look. The rear end featured a large hatchback door, providing access to the cargo area.

Inside, the Skyhawk offered comfortable seating for up to four passengers. The car had a relatively spacious cabin considering its compact size. The interior featured high-back bucket seats in the front and a folding bench seat in the rear. The dashboard layout was simple and functional, with easy-to-read gauges and controls. Depending on the trim level and optional packages chosen, the car could be equipped with features like air conditioning, power windows, power locks, and an AM/FM radio.

The 1975 Buick Skyhawk was available solely with Buick’s “Even-Fire” 3.8-liter V6, which offered more power with around 110 horsepower. These engines were paired with a three-speed automatic transmission as standard, although a four-speed manual transmission was available as an option. The Skyhawk provided a smooth and comfortable ride, with its suspension system tuned for a balance between comfort and handling.

In terms of safety, the 1975 Skyhawk featured the standard safety equipment of the time, including seat belts, front disc brakes, and a dual-circuit master cylinder for improved braking performance. However, advanced safety features commonly found in modern vehicles were not available in the 1975 model.

The Buick Skyhawk hatchback was popular during its production years, offering a stylish and affordable compact car option. It appealed to buyers looking for a sporty vehicle that provided some luxury and comfort. While the first-generation Skyhawk was eventually discontinued after 1980, Buick continued to use the Skyhawk nameplate for later models, albeit in different body styles and configurations.

Overall, the 1975 Buick Skyhawk hatchback was a stylish and compact car that offered a comfortable interior, decent performance, and a distinctively sporty appearance.

The Osborne Tramain YouTube Channel features this 1976 Buick Skyhawk commercial:

Cars are only original once, and not only is this 39K-mile 1975 Buick Skyhawk hatchback for sale a great survivor-quality find, it’s a nicely optioned one at that.  As we went to post this car, the seller marked the listing as “Pending”, suggesting a buyer stepped up and agreed to the $17,500 asking price, or at least something close to it.

If you are serious about buying this Skyhawk hatchback, you can start the conversation by following the seller’s contact instructions found in their Craiglist ad.  When you connect, please remember to mention you saw their survivor-quality Buick here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

Show or go: What would you do with this survivor-quality 1975 Buick Skyhawk Hatchback for sale?  Please comment below and let us know!