To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Open
Roads, Fall event, 11 - 20 November 2020.
Estimate:
$90,000 - $110,000
- Top-of-the-line Buick from 1953
- Considered to be Harley Earl's finest production convertible
design
- One of just 1,690 examples produced
A defining event of 1950s American car culture was General Motors'
traveling Motorama. It was a truly extraordinary, no-expense-spared
display of dazzling technology, stunning styling, and modern
American ingenuity. The series of dramatic styling exercises by the
legendary Harley Earl captivated the public, but most of the
designs were never made for sale. For 1953, though, GM made an
exception.
The company offered three of the previous year's "dream cars" in
limited production numbers to the lucky few who could afford the
staggering price tags and who had the personal influence required
to secure one. The three models available were the Cadillac Series
62 Eldorado, the Oldsmobile 98 Fiesta, and the model offered here,
the Buick Roadmaster Skylark.
This 1953 Buick Skylark convertible benefitted from a restoration
some years ago, and today is finished in a brilliant shade of red
with a black convertible top. The paintwork is accented nicely by
chrome trim and the car rides on wide whitewall tires mounted on
wire wheels. The Skylark is powered by a 322-cubic-inch "Nailhead"
V-8 which is backed by a Dynaflow automatic transmission. It is
further equipped with a number of power options including power
seat, windows, convertible top, steering, and brakes. The two-tone
red and white interior is nicely trimmed and features a dash clock
as well as a push-button Sonomatic radio. Tucked away under the
dash is a battery kill switch and a small fire extinguisher.
One of just 1,690 built for 1953, this Buick Skylark is a rare icon
of style that will instantly transport its next caretaker back to
the height of General Motors luxury and design.To view this car and
others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM
website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/0620.
