Help needed!! 1966 Buick Special questions...

[Tonioseven]

1. Was there one ever kitted?

2. What are the differences between a '66 Skylark and a '66 Special?

3. Can the Modelhaus '66 Skylark be converted to a Special?

Any and all help is greatly appreciated!!

[charlie8575]

The Special in 1966 was Skylark-based. It was a lower trim level than the Skylark. You've got the right idea using the Modelhaus 1966 GS Skylark as the base kit...you won't find anything closer. The key would be to get reference material to the particular car (2 door hardtop? Post coupe? 'vert? Sedan?) you want to build.

I would have to assume you know someone with the real thing. How involved this is really comes down to exactly what you're turning the hardtop GS kit into.

Actually, Mark, it goes the other way around. Special->Special DeLuxe-> Skylark/GS. The SportWagon had its own hierarchy, and roughly equated to Special DeLuxe and Skylark trim.

The Special had different trim than the Skylark and GS, as well as different interiors. The Special has three venti-port moldings on the front fender, and "Special" scripts on the rear fenders. "B-U-I-C-K" is spelled out across the hood and trunk-lid. The interiors had different door-panels and upholstery patterns.

The Special came in four body styles- the Thin-Pillar Coupe (2-door sedan,) 4-door sedan, convertible and wagon.

The Special Deluxe, which had a thin spear running from the back edge of the rear fender to the front door, had a Sport Coupe (hardtop,) and would be the easiest to replicate with the Modelhaus base.

Those also had a different interiors. Check this link for some pictures to get an idea. http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Buick/1966_Buick/1966_Buick_Prestige_Brochure/dirindex.html

Charlie Larkin

[Tonioseven]

The Special in 1966 was Skylark-based. It was a lower trim level than the Skylark. You've got the right idea using the Modelhaus 1966 GS Skylark as the base kit...you won't find anything closer. The key would be to get reference material to the particular car (2 door hardtop? Post coupe? 'vert? Sedan?) you want to build.

I would have to assume you know someone with the real thing. How involved this is really comes down to exactly what you're turning the hardtop GS kit into.

Thank you so much, Mark!! A guy my wife met at work found out I build models and he wants a replica of his 2 door hardtop. There's a car show that he'll be in so I'll get a closer look at it then. I really appreciate it!!

[Tonioseven]

Actually, Mark, it goes the other way around. Special->Special DeLuxe-> Skylark/GS. The SportWagon had its own hierarchy, and roughly equated to Special DeLuxe and Skylark trim.

The Special had different trim than the Skylark and GS, as well as different interiors. The Special has three venti-port moldings on the front fender, and "Special" scripts on the rear fenders. "B-U-I-C-K" is spelled out across the hood and trunk-lid. The interiors had different door-panels and upholstery patterns.

The Special came in four body styles- the Thin-Pillar Coupe (2-door sedan,) 4-door sedan, convertible and wagon.

The Special Deluxe, which had a thin spear running from the back edge of the rear fender to the front door, had a Sport Coupe (hardtop,) and would be the easiest to replicate with the Modelhaus base.

Those also had a different interiors. Check this link for some pictures to get an idea. http://www.oldcarbro...e/dirindex.html

Charlie Larkin

Thankk you also Charlie!!

[Harry P.]

What we have here... is failure to communicate...