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.