Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America’s Auburn Fall event, September 1-4, 2016.
Chassis No.
A1049473
Estimate:
$130,000 - $150,000 US
The Buick Skylark was introduced in 1953 as a special model that fell under the Roadmaster line. The cars featured numerous design elements that differentiated the Skylark from the rest of the Buick lineage. In 1954 the Skylark became its own model. This premier offering from Buick featured chrome fins, wider opening wheelwells and special badging. The front fenders were unique to the Skylark, with Buick’s customary VentiPorts removed, giving the front end a more streamlined appearance.
Model year 1954 saw the Buick Skylark restyled in a significant manner versus the 1953 version. Like its 1953 counterpart, the 1954 Skylark was enveloped with a number of exclusive sheetmetal stampings, but without the hand labor that went into producing the 1953 version. In addition to the above-mentioned wheelwells, the ’54 Skylark had a unique trunk profile with a semi-barrel shape accented by the large, rounded and chromed fins. The hood was also special, but was only slightly deviated in design from the standard Buick lines. The hood ornament was also a stand-alone Buick component for 1954, although it would be seen as the standard for the 1955 Buick line. A wraparound type windshield further contributes to the sports car image that Buick was portraying this model as in period advertising and literature.
This 1954 Buick Skylark convertible has benefitted from a frame-off, no-expense-spared, nut-and-bolt restoration by well-known Buick restorer Gary Walker. In addition to being a master restorer, Mr. Walker is a respected Buick judge. His cars have won not only AACA awards but numerous Buick awards as well. The car was part of a private collection and never shown; though by all appearances it would be welcomed at a wide variety of car gatherings.
Powering the Skylark is a 321-cid, 200-hp V-8 Fireball engine matched to a Twin-Turbine Dynaflow automatic transmission. Additional standard features for this model includes telescopic radio antenna, Selectronic AM radio, WeatherWarden heater and defroster, dual exterior mirrors, whitewall tires; power steering, brakes, four-way seat, top and windows. The 40-spoke Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels were also standard fare.
This Skylark is finished in Arctic White with Matador Red wheelwells and red leather interior. The car’s data tag reveals the Skylark originally presented as color code B (Arctic White) and trim code 65 (Red Leather) which is reflected in the finish presentation. The 1954 Buick brochure titled “the beautiful buy” has a 1954 Skylark illustrated in this exact color combination, solidifying the car’s exceptional appearance and giving it a strong bond to its past.
These were rare cars when they were released in 1954 with Buick only producing 836 Skylarks. Adding to the current rarity is the fact that from this number, approximately 100 are still known to exist today.
