Vehicle Description
In 1953, Buick was celebrating its 50th anniversary as a company. As part of the celebration, they introduced a new top-of-the-line model based on the Roadmaster convertible, called the Skylark. Designed by Ned Nickles, a protégé of Harley Earl, the Skylark had almost the exact same dimensions as the Roadmaster but shared only a few common elements. The majority of each car was assembled by hand, requiring top-level craftsmanship and engineering. The Skylark featured several firsts for Buick, including the new 322ci Nailhead V8, backed with the Twin Turbine Dynaflow transmission and a 12-volt electrical system. All of this, combined with a long list of standard options, pushed the Skylark to an MSRP of $4,596, making the most expensive American luxury car of the time.
This particular Skylark was purchased by Mr. Henry G. Peterson of Karlstad, MN, on August 1, 1953, from Younggren-Miller Chevrolet. Mr. Peterson owned the car until it was purchased by a Buick enthusiast, who fully restored it in 1991. Since then the car has passed through two other owners, and has been kept in excellent condition and maintained with great attention to detail. It retains its original engraved steering wheel insert (not currently installed), owner service policy card, Delco battery service card and various service records and memorabilia. The car also was featured on the cover of Hemmings Motor News’ 2009 calendar, “Cars of the 1950s,” a copy of which is included in the sale.
This is truly a well-kept example of one of the most iconic American car designs of all time and a favorite of collectors everywhere.
