1968 Buick Mid-Size Cars Fact Sheet
1968 Buick Mid-Size Cars Facts, Figures, and Specifications.
The radically redesigned 1968 models had a whole new look and 2-doors sat on a very short 112 inch wheelbase. The redesigned 350 CID V-8 replaced the 340. In a surprise move, the V-6 tooling was sold to Kaiser Industries.
1968 Buick Mid-Size Cars:
All New Bodies
The Buick Special was upgraded to “DeLuxe” this year, with more brightwork on the restyled bodies, which now featured a version of Buick’s sculpted Sweepspear, missing from the slab-sided ’67 models.
1968 Buick Mid-Size Car Resources
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1968 Buick Mid-Size Cars Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
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1968 Buick Mid-Size
1968 Buick Mid-Size Cars – What’s It Worth?
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1968 Buick Mid-Size Cars Facts – Current Market Values
NOTE: Buick GS 350 and California GS values included in Skylark and Special models respectively.
1968 Buick Mid-Size Car Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1968 Buick Mid-Size Cars Facts
The 1968 model year was one of significant change for the Buick Special and Skylark. All of GM’s mid-sized cars now used two different length wheelbases. Two-door models used a shorter wheelbase of 112 inches, while four-door models used a longer wheelbase of 116 inches. NOTE: The Buick Sport Wagon and Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser used a wheelbase of 121 inches.
Buick’s mid-sized cars received all-new sheet metal, incorporating a semi-fastback look and what would later be called “Coke Bottle” siding. Federally mandated safety features included side marker lights, shoulder belts on all built after January 1, 1968, and parking lights that illuminated with headlights. A locking steering column with a new, rectangular ignition key became standard on all 1969 GM cars, one year ahead of the Federal requirement.
There was a realignment of models in the lineup, with the Special Deluxe replacing the previous Special. The Skylark nameplate was moved down to replace the previous Special Deluxe. The Skylark was replaced by a new model name, the Skylark Custom.
The Buick designed and built V-6 was discontinued with the associated tooling sold to Kaiser Industries. The base engine in the Buick Special and Buick Skylark coupes & sedans became a Chevrolet 250 CID I- 6. Optional on the Special Deluxe and standard on the Special Deluxe station wagon was Buicks new 350 CID V-8 – a redesign of the 340 CID V-8. The base engine used a two-barrel Rochester carburetor that produced 230 HP @ 4400 RPM. Optional on the Special Deluxe was a 350 V-8 using a four-barrel Rochester carburetor that produced 280 HP @ 4600 rpm.
NOTE: The Buick Sportwagon, the extended wheelbase station wagon, is NOT part of this Fact Sheet.
1968 Buick Mid-Size Cars Factoids
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The new GS-400 received a higher performance model at mid year, called the “Stage 1”. It had a higher lift longer duration camshaft and HD valve springs, a 60 PSI oil pump, a modified T-400 transmission when so equipped, and a 3.64:1 or 3.91:1 rear gear. The option was dealer installed and would be a factory option in 1969. See the specifications in the ENGINES Section Below.
The new 350 CID V-8 was a complete redesign of the 1964-67 300-340 engine with new block, heads and intake manifold. It had a bore and stroke of 3.800″ x 3.850″. More information on the new 350 CID V-8 is available in the 1968 Buick Mid-Size V-8 models AMA Specifications Sheet found HERE.
1968 Buick Mid-Size Cars Facts – Models Offered
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Special Deluxe – The basic Buick was now the Skylark DeLuxe this year, and received more brightwork on the restyled bodies. A trio of Ventiports remained as a series hallmark, while bright work appeared on the window surrounds and on the lower body and wheelhouse moldings. “Special Deluxe” in script was found on the rear fenders. Cloth and vinyl upholstery was used in the coupe and sedan. All-vinyl upholstery was used in the station wagon and was optional on the other models.
Standard equipment included heater and defroster; cigar lighter; front and rear ash trays; energy-absorbing steering column; lane change feature in directional signals; shoulder and seat belts; inside day/night mirror; side marker lamps and other mandated safety equipment. Wipers were now recessed below the hood line.
Skylark I-6 – More similar to the Special DeLuxe than previous versions, and in a sense, emulating previous Special Deluxe models, the 1968 Skylark line was relegated to 6-cyliner models and only represented by the 2-door coupe and the 4-door thin pillar sedan. It had a bright metal sweep spear line, Skylark roof quarter panel emblems and “Skylark” in script on the rear fenders for distinction. In place of the traditional Ventiports there were triple-stacked horizontal bars mounted low on each fender. The interior had a DeLuxe steering wheel, lighted ash tray and glove box, and full carpeting, as well as the Special Deluxe features.
Cloth and vinyl or all-vinyl upholstery was fitted to the sedan. An all-vinyl front bench or notch back seat was offered for the two-door hardtop.
California GS . Another GS, the “California GS”, was offered, actually part of the Special DeLuxe line (Thin Pillar Coupe Style Number 43327). However, this model featured 350 CID V-8 power, unavailable to the standard Special Deluxe Coupe.
Standard California GS equipment included styled steel wheels, a vinyl roof covering, DeLuxe steering wheel, “California” in script with GS emblems on the quarter panels and a GS emblem centered in the deck lid lip.
Cloth and vinyl or horizontally pleated all-vinyl seating surfaces were offered. Standard features included DeLuxe steering wheel and crank-operated vent windows. NOTE: The upper level instrument panel ventilation system was not available.
Skylark Custom V-8 – More trim and fender skirts were added to differentiate the Skylark Custom from the more pedestrian I-6 Skylark series. The sweep spear molding continued onto the skirts and a “Custom” nameplate appeared below “Skylark” script on the rear fenders. Full wheel covers were featured. Interiors were upgraded with padded seat cushions.
The sedan was trimmed in plusher all-vinyl or vinyl and cloth, and a notch back seat was available for the hardtop sedan. Convertibles came with all-vinyl trim and front bench seats with bucket seats available as an option. The seats on this model had brushed metallic side braces, except on the bucket seats. Standard equipment was similar to the Skylark.
GS-350. Trimmed like the Skylark Custom inside, the GS 350 had a more muscular outer appearance. Finned simulated air intakes were seen on the front fenders, while a lower body paint accent stripe replaced the bright molding. Bright wheel house moldings were used, but rear fender skirts were not. A “GS 350” plaque was located on the center of the deck lid and on the grille and rear fenders with GS monogram appearing as well – as well as on the door panels. The hood had a scoop at the rear and concealed wipers were fitted. A specific grille with bright cross bar and textured background was used.
All vinyl, foam-padded seats were standard equipment and bucket seats were optional. An upper level instrument panel ventilation system was a new feature that eliminated the use of front ventipanes.
GS-400. The GS 400 featured Buick’s 400 CID V-8, introduced in 1967. it was identified by a GS 400 plaque on each front fender, wide oval F70 x 14 white stripe tires, faux fender vents and functional hood scoops. Folding seat back latches were standard, with all-vinyl, bench front seating or optional front bucket seats. standard equipment was the same as the Skylark Custom Coupe, Convertible and Hardtop.
1968 Buick Mid-Size Cars Facts – Engines
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Base I-6 – All Transmissions: In-line six cylinder. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 250 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.530 inches. Compression ratio: 8.50:1. Horsepower: 155 @ 4200 RPM. Torque: 235 @ 1600 RPM. Seven main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration Including Ramps: Intake 336°, Exhaust 336°, Overlap 125°, Lift 0.3880″ (intake), 0.3880″ (exhaust). Carburetor: Rochester MV one-barrel model (manual transmission) 7028047 (automatic) 7028014.
350 CID Base V-8 – All Transmissions: V-8: Overhead valve. Cast iron block. Displacement: 350 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.8 x 3.85 inches. Compression ratio: 9.0:1. Brake horsepower: 230 at 4400 RPM. Torque: 350 ft. lbs @ 2400 RPM.Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 282°, Exhaust 288°, Valve Lift: Intake 0.3766″, Exhaust 0.3840″ Overlap 62°. Carburetor: Rochester 2MV two barrel manual transmission: 7028141; automatic transmission 7028140.
350 CID 280 HP V-8 – All Transmissions: V-8: Overhead valve. Cast iron block. Displacement: 350 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.8 x 3.85 inches. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Brake horsepower: 280 at 4600 RPM. Torque: 375 ft. lbs @ 3200 RPM.Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 282°, Exhaust 288°, Valve Lift: Intake 0.3766″, Exhaust 0.3840″ Overlap 62°. Carburetor: Rochester 4MV four barrel: manual transmission: 7029245; automatic transmission 7028244.
GS 400 V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 400 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.040″ x 3.900″. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Horsepower: 340 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 440 @3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 298°, Exhaust 315°, Overlap 61°, Lift 0.4187″ (intake), 0.4482” (exhaust). Carburetor: Rochester 4-barrel model: manual transmission 7028243; (automatic transmission) 7028242.
GS 400 V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 400 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.040″ x 3.900″. Compression ratio: 11.0:1. Horsepower: 340 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 440 @3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 316°, Exhaust 340°, Overlap 90°, Lift 0.490″ (intake), 0.490” (exhaust). Carburetor: Rochester 4-barrel all transmissions: 7028246.
1968 Buick Mid-Size Cars Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: Two-door: 112 inches; four-door: 116 inches
- Overall length: All coupes: 200.7 inches; All 4-doors: 209.1 inches.
- Front track: All: 59 inches.
- Rear track: All: 59 inches.
- Standard tires: V-6 & V-8: 7.75 x 14. Optional 8.25 x 14.
- Standard tires GS 350: 7.75 x 14. Optional 8.25 x 14. also F70 x 14
- Standard tires GS 400: F70 x 14 mounted on 14 x 6JK rim wheels standard, This tire was optional only on Skylark Custom V-8 series.
1968 Buick Mid-Size Cars Facts – Powertrain Information
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6: 1st – 2.84:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.94:1
- 350 CID V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.50:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.63:1
- 400 CID V-8: 1st – 2.42:1, 2nd – 1.61:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.33:1
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 350 CID V-8l: 1st – 2.56:1, 2nd – 1.91:1, 3rd – 1.5:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.64:1
- 400 CID V-8l: 1st – 2.20:1, 2nd – 1.64:1, 3rd – 1.3:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.26:1 NOTE: This transmission is optional on the GS 350
- 350 CID V-8l: 1st – 2.56:1, 2nd – 1.91:1, 3rd – 1.5:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.64:1
- Automatic Transmission Ratios
- All Two-Speed except GS-400: Low – 1.765:1, High – 1:1, Reverse – 2.49:1
- Max Stall V-6: 2.55:1
- Max Stall All V-8: 2.25:1
- GS-400 Turbo Hydra-matic 3-speed: 1st – 2.48:1, 2nd – 1.48:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.33:1:
- Max Stall GS-400: 2.05:1
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6 SMT: 3.23:1
- I-6 AMT: 2.93:1; with A/C 3.23:1
- V-8 230 HP SMT: 2.93:1
- V-8 230 HP AMT: 2.56:1; 2.93:1 Wagons
- V-8 280 HP SMT (GS 350): 3.23:1
- V-8 280 HP AMT: 2.73:1; Wagons 2.78:1
- V-8 400 CID SMT: 3.42:1; 3.64:1 Performance
- V-8 400 CID AMT: 2.93:1; 3.42:1 Performance
- I-6 SMT: 3.23:1
NOTE: For more powertrain options and information, you may access the 1968 Buick mid-size V-6 AMA Specifications Sheets HERE and the 1968 Buick mid-size V-8 AMA Specifications Sheets HERE as well as the GS 350 and GS 400 AMA Specifications Sheets HERE.
1968 Buick Mid-Size Cars Facts – Power Train Options
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- 3-speed manual transmission with column shift was standard on Special DeLuxe, Skylark. Skylark Custom, and GS 350.
- 3-speed manual transmission with floor shift was standard on GS 400 models and optional on California GS and GS 350 models.
- 4-speed manual transmission was optional on California GS, GS 350 and GS 400 models.
- Super Turbine 300 automatic transmission was optional for Special DeLuxe, Skylark, and Skylark Custom.
- Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 automatic transmission was optional for GS 400.
- 280 HP, 350 CID V-8 was optional for the Special DeLuxe, Skylark, and Skylark Custom.
- Stage I and Stage 2 Performance Packages were a dealer-installed option for the GS 400. It included special a high-lift camshafts, special carburetor a choice of non-factory exhaust headers along with a choice of optional rear axle rations .
1968 Buick Mid-Size Cars Facts – Significant Options
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- Air conditioning.
- Automatic door locks.
- Bucket seats
- Chrome road wheels.
- Clock
- Console, full-length (bucket seats and Super Tur¬bine transmission required).
- Consolette, w/tachometer, GS 350/GS 400, for manual transmission.
- Convenience lamps
- Cruise Master.
- Electro-cruise (automatic transmission only, not available on GS 400).
- Horn, four note.
- Luggage rack on station wagons.
- Outside mirror
- Outside mirror, remote control.
- Padded dash
- Power antenna
- Power brakes.
- Power convertible top
- Power disc brakes.
- Power door locks.
- Power front disc brakes.
- Power seat.
- Power steering.
- Power tailgate window on station wagons.
- Power windows.
- Radio, AM
- Radio, AM, deluxe push button
- Radio, AM/FM
- Radio, AM/FM stereo.
- Rear speaker
- Rear window defroster (except convertibles and station wagons).
- Reclining bucket seat.
- Soft-Ray glass.
- Speed alert.
- Tape deck.
- Tilt steering column, seven-position.
- Tinted glass
- Tires F70 x 14 (Mid-size car only)
- Tires, radial ply
- Tires, whitewall
- Trailer hitch.
- Trunk release, remote
- Two-speed wipers and washer.
- Two-tone paint .
- Vinyl top (certain models).
- Wheel covers, Super DeLuxe.
- Wheels, five-spoke plated sport
- Wire wheel covers.
1968 Buick Mid-Size Car Downloads and Images
1968 Buick Mid-Size Cars Facts – Related Document Downloads
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1968 Buick Full Line Deluxe Brochure
1968 Buick Mid-Size Cars Print Ads
1968 Buick CS 350-400 Print Ads
1968 Buick Mid-Size Cars I-6 AMA Specifications Sheets
1968 Buick Mid-Size Cars V-8 AMA Specifications Sheets
1968 Buick GS 350 and GS 400 AMA Specifications Sheets
1968 Buick GS 400 Stage 1 Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1968 Buick GS 400 Road Test – Hot Rod Magazine
1968 Buick Mid-Size Cars Facts – Related Images
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1968 Buick GS 400 Convertible
The 1968 Buick GS 400 Convertible was the most upscale and highest performing mid-size Buick. Its high price precluded many from buying it, and only 1,176 were sold.
1968 Buick GS 400 Sport Coupe
The 1968 Buick GS 400 Sport Coupe was the most popular GS model and 6,356 were produced.
1968 Buick GS 350 Sport Coupe
The 1968 Buick GS 350 Sport Coupe was the only body style available for the GS 350. 4,933 were sold.
1968 Buick Skylark Custom Convertible
The 1968 Buick Skylark Custom Convertible was the only other convertible besides the GS 400 in the line. At 6,552 delivered, it outsold the high-priced GS 400 by a 5 to 1 margin.
1968 Buick Skylark Custom 4-door Hardtop
The 1968 Buick Skylark Custom 4-door Hardtop was the top line 4-door in this year. 9,609 were delivered.
1968 Buick Skylark Custom Sport Coupe
The 1968 Buick Skylark Custom Sport Coupe was the sporty Skylark Custom and could be equipped just like a GS 350 if the right boxes were checked on the options sheet. Lots thought so with 35,639 sold.
1968 Buick Skylark 4-door Sedan
The 1968 Buick Skylark 4-door Sedan sat below the Skylark Custom in interior trim. It was a popular choice in this year with 22,349 sold.
1968 Buick Skylark Sport Coupe
The 1968 Buick Skylark Sport Coupe could have been a great performer, however it was saddled with only I-6 power. Even so, 38,658 were delivered.
1968 Buick Special DeLuxe 4-door Sedan
The 1968 Buick Special DeLuxe 4-door Sedan was the lowest level 4-door in the line this year. 11,113 found buyers
1968 Buick Special DeLuxe Thin Pillar Coupe
The 1968 Buick Special DeLuxe Thin Pillar Coupe was sold as the entry level 2-door. 15,268 were sold, and 4,831 of them were built in California GS trim with 280 HP 350 V-8 power.
1968 Buick Special DeLuxe Station Wagon
The 1968 Buick Special DeLuxe Station Wagon was V-8 powered, and 9,267 were sold.