To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Amelia
Island event, 8 - 9 March 2019.
Estimate:
$150,000 - $175,000
- Stunning Malibu Blue over blue leather
- Number 245 of just 836 Skylarks built for 1954
- AACA Bomgardner Award/National First Prize in 2009
The limited-production Skylark made its second and final appearance
for 1954 having been introduced one year earlier at the GM Motorama
to celebrate Buick's 50th anniversary and the introduction of its
new V-8 engine. The 322-cu. in. V-8 with a four-barrel carburetor
was upgraded to 200 hp for 1954, and styling was updated to
coincide with the rest of the Buick lineup. Like the original, the
1954 model boasted the trademark cutout wheel wells and side spear
trim, setting it apart from lesser Buick models. Skylarks featured
unique chromed rear tailfins that housed the taillights, a styling
feature lifted from the Wildcat show car.
For 1954, the Skylark shared its chassis with the Century rather
than that of the Roadmaster. This reduced the wheelbase 3.5 in. to
122 and the overall length by 5.3 in. The resulting weight savings
was surprisingly just 55 lbs. In addition to the big V-8, Dynaflow
automatic transmission was standard, as was a power-operated top,
power radio antenna, power windows, power steering, and power
brakes. The unique wrap-around front windshield used for the first
time on the 1953 Skylark reappeared on all Buicks for 1954. Just
836 were produced for 1954, making them among the most prized
Buicks among today's collectors.
The trim tag denotes that this Skylark is restored as-built in
stunning Malibu Blue (11) over blue leather (67) and is a Model
4667SX, the special Skylark Convertible. This car is no. 246 of the
836 produced. It was restored to perfection by its previous owner
prior to being purchased by the consignor in 2011. During his
ownership, the car has been stored in a climate-controlled facility
and has never participated in shows or concours. It has never been
driven on public roads but has been exercised and run regularly at
his home. According to the consignor, the car remains in
exceptional condition as when it was acquired eight years ago.
Following restoration, the Skylark received an AACA First Junior in
2009. That same year, it was the honored recipient of an AACA 1st
Place National Award - the Bomgardner Award - acknowledging the
outstanding restoration of a post-1942 vehicle at the Hershey Fall
Meet.To view this car and others currently consigned to this
auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am19.