Buick Skylark Convertible, 1953
Buick Skylark
Buick Skylark•
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Chassis No.: 16760829
Registration: Canadian Registration
Location: Amelia Island, Florida
$84,000 USD | Sold
- Buick’s top-of-the-line offering for 1953
- Older frame-off restoration
- 32-cu. in. V-8; automatic transmission
- Finished in Majestic White over red and white leather
- One of just 1,690 examples produced
The Skylark was first displayed as a General Motors Motorama car in 1952, and a dazzling production version was introduced the following year together with the Cadillac Eldorado and Oldsmobile Fiesta. Celebrating Buick’s 50th anniversary, the Skylark was essentially hand-built and customized for each new owner; its $5,000 price tag helped keep sales to just 1,690 units.
While the Skylark name would continue as a limited-production model for 1954 and reappear in subsequent decades, the 1953 model is generally considered the most prized amongst collectors as a heralded member of the “Triple Crown” showcasing what many consider to be Harley Earl’s finest production convertible design.
Inside, the near-vertical dash features chrome trim paired with a distinctive checker-like pattern extending into the door panels. The steering wheel’s horn cap depicts a 1903 Buick, a delightful reminder of the automaker’s past. Befitting its luxurious status, the Skylark’s interior was commonly trimmed in upscale leather and typically boasted then-rare accessories such as power windows.
Finished in Majestic White with a white convertible top over an interior trimmed in red and white leather, the car wears its Earl-penned curves, chrome, and details exceptionally well after a frame-off restoration performed around 1994 at a cost reportedly exceeding $250,000. This Skylark is equipped with power windows and steering, and the interior features a clock and radio. A red boot cover conceals the retracted convertible top.
Powered by Buick’s Fireball V-8 linked to a Dynaflow automatic transmission, the older restoration now shows patina expected from occasional use, none of which detracts from its show-stopping presence. The Kelsey-Hayes forty-spoke wire wheels wrapped in wide whitewall tires complete the look.
Bearing the unmistakable signature of Harley Earl, this 1953 Buick Skylark is a rare icon of style that will instantly transport its next caretaker back to the height of General Motors luxury and design.
https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/am21/lots/r0101-1953-buick-skylark-convertible/
Cost
308,490 AED
