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The limited-production Model 76X Skylark sat atop Buicks product line for 1953. The luxurious convertible not only took visual cues from Buicks exotic dream cars, it was the first Buick to be offered with V-8 power. With a modern grille, sweeping lines, cut-down doors, shortened windscreen, round wheel cutouts and chrome running the length of the car, the Skylark reflected the optimism and power of General Motors in the early 1950s, and the public greeted this all-new Skylark with the highest admiration. As though its lengthy list of standard features, styling, performance and $5,000 price were not exclusive enough, the fortunate original purchasers of the 1953 Skylark could have their name engraved on a gold-colored emblem placed within the steering wheel nub.
Jack Tyrrell is the name engraved on the steering wheel of this stunning Mandarin Red Skylark. Mr. Tyrrell, from Riverside, California, must have been truly enamored with his Skylark; in 1980, 30 years after he purchased the Buick, this very car was prominently featured as a color plate in the first edition (and all subsequent editions) of Automobile Quarterlys The Buick: A Complete History.
The second owner, also from Riverside, California, purchased the car some years later and a restoration was begun in the late 1990s. The current owner, a true Buick enthusiast, acquired the Skylark a few years ago, believing that such a significant car deserved to be totally restored to a standard that would do it justice.
Over the past few years, it appears that his personal restoration shop completed the project in a 100-point, open-checkbook manner, and the results are astounding. The body was removed from the frame so that every aspect could be given close attention and no shortcuts were taken during the restoration. This Skylark is said to retain all of its original panels, never having suffered an accident or rust repair.
The precise attention paid to the details during every step of the restoration process is reflected in the results: The top lining is finished in the correct tan color, which is often incorrectly finished in black; every hose, clamp and sticker appears to be factory correct; the undercarriage, engine bay and trunk compartments are as carefully detailed as the exterior; and the grand Buick rides on dazzling Kelsey-Hayes wheels wearing. period-correct BF Goodrich whitewall tires.
Chassis No. 16981074
Top-of-the-Line Triple Crown Buick
A Featured Color Plate in The Buick: The Complete Story
Immaculate Restoration to Factory-Fresh Condition
Longtime Southern California Car
One of Only 1,690
Examples Produced
322 CID OHV Nailhead V-8 Engine
Single Downdraft Carburetor
170 BHP at 4,000 RPM
Twin-Turbine Dynaflow
Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
Independent Front Suspension
Live Rear Axle with
Elliptic Leaf Springs 
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STOCK/INV. NUMBER:
53buickskylark
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