Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 7A1079370
Body No. 509
Following the success of the Skylark, its factory-customized,
limited-production luxury "dream car for the public" in 1953, Buick
updated the Skylark for 1954. No longer a variation on the
Roadmaster theme, the Skylark was now its own model, based on the
122 inch wheelbase Special chassis but with the hottest Roadmaster
engine under the hood.
Each convertible body was reworked extensively, with the most
notable design feature being wheel openings that were enlarged and
elongated, and had their inner wheel wells painted a bright
contrast color to the body - a styling feature also seen in several
GM Motorama cars of the era, including, it should be noted, the
1954 Oldsmobile F-88. This design served to showcase the Skylark's
unique chrome wire wheels to fine effect. The rear fenders were
reshaped to have a gentler slope, and were fitted with large
chromed taillights, while the rear deck featured dual contour
lines, a more subtle treatment of those seen on the original Buick
Wildcat "dream car." Within was a special interior in two shades of
leather, heat-pressed in a "waffle" pattern - another Motorama
touch - and lavished with all the power accessories that one could
imagine.
All in all, the 1954 Skylark had a jaunty, rakish look all its own,
and was a good performance car on the highway, recalling the
original Century of the late 1930s. It may be tempting to look at
it as a 1950s muscle car, but Buick was bold enough to advertise it
as a "sports-type convertible," emphasizing that it was close as
they were willing to get to a sports car. This was the final year
that the Skylark would be a unique factory custom convertible, all
its own; just 836 were built.
The Skylark offered here was, according to an original Owner
Identification Card in the file, sold new to Harold R. Hansen of
Tallahassee, Florida, on 26 November 1954. In the early 2000s it
was the recipient of a meticulous body-off restoration in the
original color of Gulf Turquoise with white inner fender wells and
a two-tone green interior, accented by a properly fitted and
finished white pinpoint vinyl top, all matching the original trim
tag. Examination shows a pleasing attention to detail throughout,
with every piece of chrome having been replated and in consistently
excellent condition, and each piece of chassis hardware
zinc-plated, with the floors finished in body color. Even the
engine compartment was beautifully detailed for show. Following the
completion of the restoration, the car was shown in Antique
Automobile Club of America competition by owner John A. Bacon,
eventually achieving its Grand National First Prize in 2004. It was
then acquired from Mr. Bacon for the Gateway Automobile Museum in
the fall of 2005.
Showing only 68 miles and still remaining in show-worthy condition,
this is one of the nicest 1954 Skylarks available today.
Collection Guarantee Disclosure
Please note that as part of a larger collection to be offered at
live and online auctions, the Consignor of the Gateway Collection
has been guaranteed a minimum price for certain cars, including
this Lot, by Broad Arrow. Depending on the final Hammer Price
obtained for those Lots, Broad Arrow may benefit financially.
