A defining event of 1950s American car culture was General Motors’ traveling Motorama. It was a truly extraordinary, no-expense-spared display of dazzling technology, stunning styling, and modern American ingenuity. The series of dramatic styling exercises by the legendary Harley Earl captivated the public, but most of the designs were never made for sale. For 1953, though, GM made an exception.

The company offered three of the previous year’s “dream cars” in limited production numbers to the lucky few who could afford the staggering price tags and who had the personal influence required to secure one. The three models available were the Cadillac Series 62 Eldorado, the Oldsmobile 98 Fiesta, and the model offered here, the Buick Roadmaster Skylark.

This 1953 Buick Skylark convertible benefitted from a restoration some years ago, and today is finished in a brilliant shade of red with a black convertible top. The paintwork is accented nicely by chrome trim and the car rides on wide whitewall tires mounted on wire wheels. The Skylark is powered by a 322-cubic-inch “Nailhead” V-8 which is backed by a Dynaflow automatic transmission. It is further equipped with a number of power options including power seat, windows, convertible top, steering, and brakes. The two-tone red and white interior is nicely trimmed and features a dash clock as well as a push-button Sonomatic radio. Tucked away under the dash is a battery kill switch and a small fire extinguisher.

One of just 1,690 built for 1953, this 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.