To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Arizona
event, 17 - 18 January 2019.
Estimate:
$100,000 - $125,000
- One of just 1,690 produced for 1953
- No-expense-spared restoration by TC Restoration in 2011
- Perhaps the most iconic model for Buick collectors
- Described as "one of the best"
Buick's 50th anniversary car was one of GM's Motorama stars of
1953. The limited-production Skylark was unveiled in July 1952.
Based on the Roadmaster, it was essentially a factory-customized
version of the standard convertible. Styled by the famous designer
Harley Earl, the model lacked Buick's trademark portholes or
ventiports while riding on standard Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire
wheels. The windshield was lowered four inches, the beltline was
cut down and notched at the rear fender line, and the rear-wheel
cutouts were rounded and raised to match the front ones.
Power steering, brakes, windows, seat, antenna, and convertible top
were included in the nearly $5,000 price tag which helped to keep
sales at just 1,690 units. The owner's name was engraved on a gold
anodized emblem placed on the hub of the steering wheel. The other
big news was under the hood. The Skylark debuted the division's
first modern OHV V-8 engine of 322 cu. in. producing 188 hp,
nicknamed the "nailhead."
This medium red metallic Skylark is the beneficiary of a
no-expense-spared restoration completed by Tony Castellano of TC
Restoration, Palmdale, California, in May 2011. New Jenkins
Interior leather was fitted at that time. Since, it has accumulated
just five miles and has been exercised briefly, but regularly,
while stored in a climate-controlled environment.
Originally a Texas car, it was delivered to A. C. Stephenson in
March 1953 as evidenced by the personalized steering wheel hub
unique to Skylarks. Its second owner was Dwayne Walter of Redondo
Beach, California; later enjoyed by David Griggs of Cannon Falls,
Minnesota, a Buick Club member, prior to being purchased by the
consignor, its fourth owner, in May 2009.
It comes complete with a comprehensive photo album documenting the
restoration, along with receipts detailing the same and an owner's
manual reprint. The Skylark has been shown one time - a trophy
winner at the Desert Classic Concours in Rancho Mirage, California.
The consignor simply describes it as, "one of the best." The
Skylark is arguably the ultimate Buick in the eyes of collectors
and is certainly the cornerstone of any collection of iconic Buicks
and '50s automobiles.To view this car and others currently
consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az19.
