I know that light is factory however it might be either from '68 or from a low end model without backup lights in the lenses. I did some googling and found others with this lamp in the bumper:
Both cars have reverse lights in the taillight lenses so I am a little stumped. I'd need to see a parts book or factory brochure..
I need Todd to give me a lesson on Buicks... The car for sale in Goderich was, or is, also advertised in Guelph...
The "GS California" was a option on the Thin Pillar sedan Skylark Deluxe It has the 280HP 350 GS engine ALL GS350 were Hardtops!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The GS California
Buick touted the California as "The Distinctive Personal Car for Americana on the GO". The merchandising creation of the West Coast's Mickey Garrett, the California GS became one of Buick's entries into what is now often known as a junior musclecar. The intent of these autos were to provide the visual impact of the era's supercars with the low maintenance and price of a more economical car, while maintaining reasonable performance levels. When reviewed with these thoughts in mind the California GS delivered quite nicely. They were fitted with the small block GS drivetrain and the exterior received the full treatment including vinyl top, chrome moulding package, GS emblems, and special California scripts.
Mid year 1968 saw the official introduction of the California GS, and it is frequently known as a '69 model.[4] Buick asked "Why settle for less when the California GS, built especially for YOU, costs no more?" Exclusively designed for Golden State motorists, Buick advertised the car nationally as a high performance family sports car at an economy car price. Though the car was not included in Buick's yearly catalog it was shown in a two-page black and white fold out brochure.
Custom California GS emblems again graced the rear fenders while GS ornamentation could be found in the grille and sail panels. The drivetrain included Buick's new for '68 350-4 V8 with 10.25:1 compression and Rochester (GM) 4GC Quadrajet four-barrel (four-choke) carburetor,[5] producing 280 hp and 375 lb·ft of torque. The two-speed[4] Super Turbine 300 transmission (driving a 3.23:1 rear axle gear, designed for highway cruising)[4] and bench seat interior were again the only choices. Buick also added chrome plated wheels and air cleaner lid to the two-door thin pillar coupe. Tires were 7.75 in (197 mm) on 14 in (36 cm) rims.[4]
1969 was the last year of production for the California GS. The car was for the first time featured in Buick's big brochure. A two-page color picture of the thin pillar coupe and pictures of the again standard bench seat interior were included along with equipment descriptions. Tom McCahill tested the car and recorded a 0-60 time of 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 110 mph. Again the car came with Buick's 280 hp 350-4 engine but now it was mated to the new Turbo 350 transmission.
Custom California emblems again graced the rear fenders and the rear marker lights were plain red without Buick's normal 350 or 400 script.
Vinyl tops, as with previous years, were standard fare with the California's distinctive GS logo on the sail panel.
Like Carl said the 70-72 body style is generally more desirable but there is something about the 68-69 that is appealing. Plus that 350 Buick engine is a great one. Over the years I have driven 3 or 4 68-72 Skylarks with 350 2 bbl and 4 bbl power and those cars would light up the tires at will. But if i was going to buy a mid size Buick it would be a 65 GS first; and a 70 GS second.
69 Skylark. The middle backup light (which is in addition to the backup lights by the tail lights) distinguish the 69 bumper from the 68.
Incidentally, it's really a "courtesy" lamp I believe. It does light up when you put it in reverse, but it's nowhere near as bright as the actual "reverse" lights in the tail lamp assy.
-- Edited by 427carl on Saturday 16th of February 2013 04:05:02 PM
cool info Carl went out and looked at mine and the light is there 69! mine dont light up though...YET
my question is about the mouldings on the sides of the car advertised
side trim is OEM , I stripped one That had the same trim.
Thank you! Thank you! you saved me a trip... I love the car, but the side trim is butt ugly (2 me) I wouldn't own it like that... and I wouldn't take it off and re-paint the car
