Vehicle Description
Inspired by GM's futuristic concept cars starring in the
corporation's dazzling Motorama shows, the glamorous Skylark
celebrated Buick's landmark 50th anniversary in 1953. A
limited-production image leader, the Skylark debuted alongside the
Cadillac Eldorado and Oldsmobile Fiesta. Based on the
top-of-the-line Roadmaster, the Skylark was produced with much
handwork and featured sweeping, cut-down doors, full-radius rear
wheel openings, Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels, and of course,
Buick's signature "Sweepspear" bright bodyside accents. Priced from
$5,000, just 1,690 Skylarks were built for 1953. No mere styling
exercise, the Skylark highlighted Buick's engineering advances
including the GM division's new 322 cubic-inch overhead-valve V-8
engine, advanced 12-volt electrical system, and wide array of new
power accessories. The Skylark returned for 1954, now based on the
slightly shorter chassis of the Century with frontal styling
directly influenced by Buick's Wildcat (subsequently redesignated
'Wildcat I') 1953 Motorama show car, including the headlamps,
grille motif, and bomb-shaped bumper guards. As with the prior
model, the 1954 Skylark was devoid of Buick's customary "Ventiport"
front-fender accents. Prominent stylistic features included fender
cutouts boldly finished in contracting paint and cut-down rear
quarter-panels were re-formed and fitted with unique chrome
extensions for the taillight housings. A fashionable wraparound
windshield and other detail items provided additional curb appeal.
Buick's 322 cubic-inch V-8 engine was uprated to 200 horsepower and
mated to Buick's smooth-shifting Dynaflow automatic transmission.
As before, the 1954 Skylark was lavishly equipped to match its
exotic looks and while it carried lower base pricing of $4,483 for
1954, the Skylark was still more expensive than both the Cadillac
Series 62 and Buick's own Roadmaster convertible. Formerly a
long-term part of a noted private automobile collection, this
gorgeous 1954 Skylark is one of just 836 built in the final year of
production for the original Skylark. Presented in Matador Red with
contrasting white wheel arches, a matching convertible top and dark
red boot cover, it is a striking example of a rare and highly
collectible Buick icon. As offered, it continues to benefit
handsomely from a superb, highly-detailed, restoration down to the
last nut and bolt. In addition to its captivating livery and
gleaming brightwork, the Skylark features power steering, power
window lifts, an electric clock, and 'Selectronic' AM radio with
dash-mounted speaker and floor control button. The Skylark's
inviting and luxurious interior is trimmed in handsomely embossed
red leather upholstery with matching carpets and presents extremely
well, including the heater/defroster controls with a layout similar
to a postwar jet airliner's throttle quadrant. The superbly
detailed engine and underhood compartment features proper factory
colors, finishes, components, and labels throughout. The fully
restored trunk compartment is consistent with the rest of the
Skylark, equipped with a correctly patterned floor mat and
full-size spare chrome wire wheel and period style wide whitewall
tire. A chrome plated exhaust deflector and Kelsey-Hayes chrome
wire wheels mounting period style wide whitewall bias-ply tires
provide finishing touches. Clearly benefiting from long-term
collector care and ready for all manner of driving and concours
events as desired, this 1954 Buick Skylark is a beautifully
restored, well-detailed, and great-driving example on all counts.
Certainly, it is one of the finest of its rare breed currently
available. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7042-1954-buick-skylark-convertible/
