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
almost three inches, cut-down doors and side windows leading to a
downward-sloping beltline, and the removal of the brand's signature
VentiPorts 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 Art's 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 1,690 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.
