Chassis No. 7A1079370

Body No. 509

Following the success of the Skylark, its factory-customized, limited-production luxury "dream car for the public" in 1953, Buick updated the Skylark for 1954. No longer a variation on the Roadmaster theme, the Skylark was now its own model, based on the 122 inch wheelbase Special chassis but with the hottest Roadmaster engine under the hood.

Each convertible body was reworked extensively, with the most notable design feature being wheel openings that were enlarged and elongated, and had their inner wheel wells painted a bright contrast color to the body – a styling feature also seen in several GM Motorama cars of the era, including, it should be noted, the 1954 Oldsmobile F-88. This design served to showcase the Skylark's unique chrome wire wheels to fine effect. The rear fenders were reshaped to have a gentler slope, and were fitted with large chromed taillights, while the rear deck featured dual contour lines, a more subtle treatment of those seen on the original Buick Wildcat "dream car." Within was a special interior in two shades of leather, heat-pressed in a "waffle" pattern – another Motorama touch – and lavished with all the power accessories that one could imagine.

All in all, the 1954 Skylark had a jaunty, rakish look all its own, and was a good performance car on the highway, recalling the original Century of the late 1930s. It may be tempting to look at it as a 1950s muscle car, but Buick was bold enough to advertise it as a "sports-type convertible," emphasizing that it was close as they were willing to get to a sports car. This was the final year that the Skylark would be a unique factory custom convertible, all its own; just 836 were built.

The Skylark offered here was, according to an original Owner Identification Card in the file, sold new to Harold R. Hansen of Tallahassee, Florida, on 26 November 1954. In the early 2000s it was the recipient of a meticulous body-off restoration in the original color of Gulf Turquoise with white inner fender wells and a two-tone green interior, accented by a properly fitted and finished white pinpoint vinyl top, all matching the original trim tag. Examination shows a pleasing attention to detail throughout, with every piece of chrome having been replated and in consistently excellent condition, and each piece of chassis hardware zinc-plated, with the floors finished in body color. Even the engine compartment was beautifully detailed for show. Following the completion of the restoration, the car was shown in Antique Automobile Club of America competition by owner John A. Bacon, eventually achieving its Grand National First Prize in 2004. It was then acquired from Mr. Bacon for the Gateway Automobile Museum in the fall of 2005.

Showing only 68 miles and still remaining in show-worthy condition, this is one of the nicest 1954 Skylarks available today.

Collection Guarantee Disclosure

Please note that as part of a larger collection to be offered at live and online auctions, the Consignor of the Gateway Collection has been guaranteed a minimum price for certain cars, including this Lot, by Broad Arrow. Depending on the final Hammer Price obtained for those Lots, Broad Arrow may benefit financially.

Please note, title will be in transit