Lot 19
1953 Buick Skylark Convertible
1953 Buick Skylark Convertible
322ci OHV V8 Engine
Single Four-Barrel Carburetor
188bhp at 4,000rpm
Twin Turbine Dynaflow Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*A beautifully presented example of this '50s classic convertible
*An older restoration matching its original dataplate delivery scheme
*Attractive and rare colors of black, red and white
*Buick's 50th anniversary celebration and GMs 1953 Motorama star car
THE BUICK SKYLARK
Three special convertible models graced General Motors' 1953 catalogs. Cadillac's Eldorado featured standard chrome wire wheels and a top hidden, when lowered, by a body-color metal cover. The Oldsmobile 98 Fiesta came with every conceivable factory option except air conditioning. Both cars presaged the wraparound windshields that GM would usher in on the upscale marques for 1954. A model apart from the two was Buick's 1953 Skylark.
The Skylark was first displayed as a General Motors Motorama car in 1952, and it was essentially a factory-built "sport custom" that was based upon the Roadmaster convertible. The windshield was chopped four inches, the beltline was cut down and notched at the rear fender line, and the rear-wheel cutouts were rounded and raised to match those in the front fenders. The model was noteworthy for lacking Buick's trademark "ventiports" on the front fenders, and it rode on standard Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels. While the Eldorado and Fiesta were based on standard convertible bodies, the Skylark was something completely different. Although on the Roadmaster chassis, it had its own distinctive fender lines, and unlike the sibling specials retained a simple curved windshield. Called the "Anniversary Convertible," it commemorated Buick's 50th birthday and came standard with virtually all options. With 1,690 built, the Skylark outsold the Eldorado and Fiesta by nearly three to one. While the Skylark name would continue as a limited-production model for 1954, and it would reappear in Buick's hierarchy for decades, the 1953 is considered the most special and sought after by collectors.
THE CAR OFFERED
This stunning example of Buick's legendary Skylark model presents as it did when new, according to its build plate, which decodes its original scheme being in code 51 – Carlsbad Black with a matched top, and trim code 66 – white leather with red inserts. Built in the Flint, Michigan works, its original delivery details are not known beyond the standard clue that the manufacturer gave to its destination by engraving the steering wheel center, in this case being customized for Erkinnen Buick, an agency based in Stow, Massachusetts.
The car has been in the present ownership for approximately 5 years according to its vendor, having been purchased as a group of American classics. To judge from its condition today it will have been the subject of a thorough restoration at some point in its career which would appear to have 15-20 years on it, though aging well. Matching its original colorway, within that workmanship the wheel coves have been painted red, which are a nice contrast particularly when accented by the Firestone Whitewalls that its Kelsey Hayes wheels are shod with. The interior of pleated white seats with red accents and red piping is a particularly attractive guise. Of course, on this high level model, all of its bodywork is adorned with the plethora of chrome for which these cars are so well known, including their bold front bumper and grill.
Included with the car are a series of reproduced marketing and owner's materials, making for a rounded and completely packaged version of this 1950s classic icon.
Single Four-Barrel Carburetor
188bhp at 4,000rpm
Twin Turbine Dynaflow Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*A beautifully presented example of this '50s classic convertible
*An older restoration matching its original dataplate delivery scheme
*Attractive and rare colors of black, red and white
*Buick's 50th anniversary celebration and GMs 1953 Motorama star car
THE BUICK SKYLARK
Three special convertible models graced General Motors' 1953 catalogs. Cadillac's Eldorado featured standard chrome wire wheels and a top hidden, when lowered, by a body-color metal cover. The Oldsmobile 98 Fiesta came with every conceivable factory option except air conditioning. Both cars presaged the wraparound windshields that GM would usher in on the upscale marques for 1954. A model apart from the two was Buick's 1953 Skylark.
The Skylark was first displayed as a General Motors Motorama car in 1952, and it was essentially a factory-built "sport custom" that was based upon the Roadmaster convertible. The windshield was chopped four inches, the beltline was cut down and notched at the rear fender line, and the rear-wheel cutouts were rounded and raised to match those in the front fenders. The model was noteworthy for lacking Buick's trademark "ventiports" on the front fenders, and it rode on standard Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels. While the Eldorado and Fiesta were based on standard convertible bodies, the Skylark was something completely different. Although on the Roadmaster chassis, it had its own distinctive fender lines, and unlike the sibling specials retained a simple curved windshield. Called the "Anniversary Convertible," it commemorated Buick's 50th birthday and came standard with virtually all options. With 1,690 built, the Skylark outsold the Eldorado and Fiesta by nearly three to one. While the Skylark name would continue as a limited-production model for 1954, and it would reappear in Buick's hierarchy for decades, the 1953 is considered the most special and sought after by collectors.
THE CAR OFFERED
This stunning example of Buick's legendary Skylark model presents as it did when new, according to its build plate, which decodes its original scheme being in code 51 – Carlsbad Black with a matched top, and trim code 66 – white leather with red inserts. Built in the Flint, Michigan works, its original delivery details are not known beyond the standard clue that the manufacturer gave to its destination by engraving the steering wheel center, in this case being customized for Erkinnen Buick, an agency based in Stow, Massachusetts.
The car has been in the present ownership for approximately 5 years according to its vendor, having been purchased as a group of American classics. To judge from its condition today it will have been the subject of a thorough restoration at some point in its career which would appear to have 15-20 years on it, though aging well. Matching its original colorway, within that workmanship the wheel coves have been painted red, which are a nice contrast particularly when accented by the Firestone Whitewalls that its Kelsey Hayes wheels are shod with. The interior of pleated white seats with red accents and red piping is a particularly attractive guise. Of course, on this high level model, all of its bodywork is adorned with the plethora of chrome for which these cars are so well known, including their bold front bumper and grill.
Included with the car are a series of reproduced marketing and owner's materials, making for a rounded and completely packaged version of this 1950s classic icon.
Saleroom notices
The Chassis no. for this car is 17052256. Please note title in transit.
Additional information
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