188 hp, 322 cu. in. OHV V-8, Twin Turbine Dynaflow automatic transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs, live axle rear suspension with coil springs, four-wheel hydraulic brakes with power assist. Wheelbase: 212.5"

• Professional restoration completed in 2008; driven less than 50 miles since

• One of only 1,690 produced for the 1953 model year

• Stunning black exterior with contrasting burgundy Haartz top, leather interior and fender well liners

• Buick’s 50th anniversary celebration and GM 1953 Motorama star car

Buick’s 50th anniversary car was one of GM’s Motorama stars of 1953 (along with the Cadillac Eldorado, the Oldsmobile Fiesta and the Chevrolet Corvette) and was reputedly named after a song of the “Swing Era” by the same name. This limited-production car was unveiled in July 1952 and was based on the Roadmaster: essentially a factory-customized version of the standard convertible. Styled by the famous designer Harley Earl, the model lacked Buick’s trademark portholes or ventiports while riding on standard Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels. The windshield was lowered four inches, the beltline was cut down and notched at the rear fender line, and the rear wheel cutouts were rounded and raised to match the front ones. Power steering, brakes, windows, seat, antenna and convertible top were included in the nearly $5,000 price tag, which helped to keep sales at just 1,690 units. The Skylark debuted the division’s first modern OHV V-8 engine of 322 cid producing 188 hp, nicknamed the “nailhead.”

Originally an Arizona car, the restoration of this beautiful Skylark was completed in 2008 by Len Woodward of Ontario, Canada. Since then, it has traveled less than 50 miles. The exterior is painted a striking deep black that contrasts beautifully with the burgundy leather interior and carpets and burgundy Haartz top and wheel wells. The owner notes that the convertible top has been equipped with a spring wire mechanism to keep the top from lifting and flapping while driving the car at speed. The entire restoration has been photo documented and is available upon request for inspection prior to purchase.

As Buick’s 50th anniversary car and first modern V-8, with limited production, and as one of the stars of the 1953 GM Motorama, this Skylark offers both style and heritage. Perhaps period Buick advertisements said it best: “Like the World of Flight . . . On Wheels!”