Chassis No. 7A1059677

Engine No. V4429747

The 1953 Buick Skylark convertible was the centerpiece of General Motors's 50th Anniversary. Based on the premium-series Roadmaster chassis, powered by Buick's first modern V8 engine, the Skylark had a look all of its own, taking cues from design boss Harley Earl's Buick XP-300 Motorama dream car and his vision for the future. Just 1,640 of the costly limited production Skylarks were produced that year. Following the success of the 1953 Skylark, it returned for 1954, redesigned and reimagined. No longer a variation on the larger Roadmaster, the Skylark was now its own model, based on the 122 inch wheelbase Special chassis but with the hottest Roadmaster 200 horsepower "Fireball" V8 under the hood.

For 1954, each Skylark convertible body was reworked extensively, most apparent being wheel openings that were enlarged and elongated and had their inner wheel wells painted a bright contrast color to the body. This served to highlight the Skylark's unique chrome Kelsey-Hayes 40-spoke wire wheels. The rear fenders were reshaped to have a gentler slope, and were fitted with large, fin-like chromed taillights. The unique interior featured one or two shades of leather, heat-pressed in a "waffle" pattern seen on the Motorama show cars and lavished with all the power accessories available in mid-century America.

This was the final year that the Skylark would be a unique factory custom convertible, though the name would later return. Sold new to Mr. Con Davis of San Diego, California, this 1954 Buick Skylark is finished in Malibu Blue with French White pinstriping, the interior in Blue leather seats and bolsters. It benefitted from a two-year ground up restoration performed by Buick experts Art's Antique and Classic Auto Services, completed in 2010. At $4,483 the 1954 Skylark was a dream beyond the reach of most, and only 836 were built. Today it is estimated just 136 survive, making this a rare opportunity to own Buick's boldest Fifties dream machine.

A MINIMUM PRICE GUARANTEE: Consignor has been guaranteed a minimum price for this lot, or a collection including this Iot, by Broad Arrow. Broad Arrow may benefit financially or incur a loss depending on whether the lot is sold and the final hammer price.