The Buick Motor Company was founded in 1903, and for its 50th anniversary, the company that had become a GM division wanted to do something spectacular.
So it produced the Buick Skylark, a limited edition of hand-assembled convertibles that were sporty and luxurious in equal measure, and styled like GM’s famous concept cars.
The Pick of the Day is a 1953 Buick Skylark from that run of anniversary models, one of just 1,640 produced, that has had a “frame-up restoration done to a very high standard,” according to the Rochester, Minnesota, dealer advertising the convertible on ClassicCars.com.
Built on the full-size Roadmaster chassis, the Skylark boasted several innovations for Buick, including the division’s first V8 engine – the 322cid Nailhead that produced 188 horsepower – the new Twin Turbine Dynaflow automatic transmission and 12-volt electrical system.
The Skylark was the most richly equipped car offered by Buick to date, and among its premium standard features were a set of 40-spoke Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels. Skylark’s MSRP of $4,596 put it among the most expensive luxury cars offered at the time.
Skylarks were produced for model years 1953-54, with the nameplate eventually becoming used regularly by Buick.
This Skylark has had a “gorgeous restoration that shows incredibly well on one of the most elegant Buicks ever produced,” the seller says in the ad. “Powered by its correct 322ci displacement V8 engine and Dynaflow automatic transmission.
“Extremely nice show-quality paint finish buffed to a mirror finish with superb chrome and stainless trim and excellent interior. Options include power steering, power brakes, power top, power windows, power seat, power antenna, electric windshield washer, continental kit, Selectronic AM radio, and more.”
The convertible, finished in Majestic White with a Helsinki Red and white interior, “runs and drives excellent and has been well-cared-for, coming out of one of the best private museum/collections in the country,” then seller adds.
The asking price for this sparkling example of Buick’s 50th anniversary car is $114,900.
To view this vehicle on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Beautiful Buick. Design of this car is outstanding.
Love this era of Buick’s with the big bumper and toothy grills! The headlights make the vehicle appear to be smiling as it goes down the road…happily.
My ultimate fav car. I would trade straight across for my Woodie, and my Woodie is, priceless!
My ultimate fav car. I would trade straight across for my Woodie, and my Woodie is, priceless!
If my offer is not good enough, take my house, my wife, and my dig!
Dog
In the past I met a group of owners of 1953 & 1954 Buick Skylarks that were members of the Skylark owners club.
The event was hosted by my friend and neighbor who had a Blue 1963 convertible that I did some wrenching for.
Gorgeous. I am not a proponent of paying six figures for a collector car, because I think all cars should be driven and enjoyed. And most people can’t afford one like this. But, I’m sure with the similarity to the car in the movie Rainman, someone with the money who wants an addition to their collection could be fairly certain the value will not depreciate. Unfortunately, never to be seen by anyone else, but perhaps a car show or two.
THE AFTERMARKET CONTINENTAL KIT IS UNFORTUNATE
An ultimate collector Buick. Harley Earl approved limited-production design, their first production V8 and that gorgeous dollar grin grill – who could ask for anything more? The limited production Riviera convertibles from 1982 to 1985 were a more modern version of the same idea and are much more affordable IF you can find one with low miles. Cheers.
I’m a ford man frm the “T” all the way to 1956, then all went to hell, had Pontiac company cars and GMC company trucks, dont think I’ve purchased a new car since!