Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 17145557
Engine No. VII7777
Buick celebrated its 50th anniversary with the arrival of the
top-of-the-line Skylark factory custom, a limited-run two-door
convertible based on its flagship Roadmaster chassis for 1953. In
actuality, the Skylark shared nearly zero production elements with
the Roadmaster; all panels were handmade except the hood and trunk
lid. The refined Skylark body featured a windshield lowered by four
inches, cut-down doors and side windows leading to a
downward-sloping beltline, and the removal of the brand's signature
Ventiport portholes on the fenders. The Skylark was powered by
Buick's new 5.3-liter Fireball V8, later dubbed the "Nailhead" by
enthusiasts, and joined a famously smooth Dynaflow automatic
transmission to combine modern-age power with comfort. The
limited-production Skylark came fully equipped with a leather
interior, Selectronic AM radio, power steering and brakes,
desirable Kelsey-Hayes 40-spoke wire wheels, power front seats,
windows and top, and even the owner's name engraved on the center
of the steering wheel! The Skylark debuted at the 1953 General
Motors Motorama auto show alongside the Cadillac 62 Eldorado and
the Oldsmobile 98 Fiesta to create the now-famous Trifecta of hand
built, specialty convertibles meant to herald a new age of styling
from The Motor City.
This 1953 Skylark is finished as it left Buick's Flint, Michigan,
factory in Reef Blue paired with a matching White and Blue leather
interior with Daytona Weave carpeting and a matching White Pinpoint
convertible top. Extensive documentation dating back to 1971
reveals consistent California ownership first in San Jose and later
in the Los Angeles area by 1984. In 2010, the current owner began a
two-year restoration through premier Buick restorer Arts Antiques &
Classic Auto with invoices on file and available for review. Known
for his painstakingly detailed classic car revivals, Art began a
full and comprehensive body-off-frame, ground-up restoration,
highlights of which include a complete interior refresh,
convertible top restoration, restoring all the chrome pieces, and
replacement of many miscellaneous mechanical components. It now
boasts a fully detailed engine bay and chassis-matching top boot
and restored Di-Noc graphics on the dashboard and door panels.
Since the completion of the restoration the car has seen little
road use with its cosmetics and mechanicals remaining in excellent
condition and has resided in this private collection out of the
public eye for over a decade.
With just 1,640 Skylarks sold in 1953, this is a rare opportunity
to own one of the cars General Motors conceived to represent the
epitome of 1950s American style and design. Its desirable color
combination, meticulous restoration, and years away from the public
make this Skylark one of the best examples available; a prime
candidate for the next owner to win a National first place
prize.
