To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America’s Fort Lauderdale event, April 1-3, 2016.

Chassis No.
17144095

Estimate:
$125,000 - $150,000 US

The early fifties were a time of wonder and excitement in America. The war was won; the GIs had returned home, were starting families and building businesses. Seemingly insatiable demand for all products – but especially automobiles created one of the country’s greatest periods of economic expansion. At the heart of it all was GM’s traveling Motorama, a no-holds-barred display of dazzling technology and stunning styling. A series of stunning styling exercises captivated the public – but most were not for sale.

Three very special cars were made available for purchase by a lucky few who could afford the startling price tags – and who had the influence needed to secure one. They were the Oldsmobile Fiesta, the Buick Skylark and the Cadillac Eldorado, and they are coveted so highly by collectors today that to own a full set has been called the “triple crown” of car collecting.

In 1953, Buick launched the beautiful new Skylark. The car was striking, with styling cues taken from XP-300 LeSabre concept, and a beautiful swooping beltline never before seen on a Buick. Mounted on a Roadmaster chassis, the Skylark offered exceptional performance, yet with the convertible top in place, the car was less than five feet tall. The sporty, yet luxurious Skylark is powered by a 322-cid, 188-hp V-8 engine with an automatic transmission. The distinctive chromed wire wheels and wide whitewall tires look incredible with its brightly-toned blue finish and complementary two-tone red and white interior. The low-profile hydraulically-operated canvas soft-top is white, as is the wheelwell paint detail.

It is reported that this car was restored in a high-end fashion in recent times and continues to demonstrate the type of presentation one expects of this type of fine automobile. Additional features include a radio, hydraulically-operated window lifts, power steering, damascene-type dash and door detail, exceptional bright trim details and model-specific badging for this special car.

All told, just 1,690 Skylarks were produced in 1953, making them among the rarest and most desirable of fifties GM convertibles.
1953 Buick Skylark Convertible