For its second year, 1954, Buick’s Skylark became its own separate series, a sort of corporate hot rod based on the 122-inch wheelbase Special/Century chassis, but with the “hot” Roadmaster engine. Yes, Buick called the result a “sports car.” With respectable power, and by standing only 59-inches with the top up, it is easy to see why, given the nature of 1950s motoring. The rear fenders were bobbed, sloping gently down, and large chrome taillight nacelles were added. A wraparound windshield was shared with other 1954 Buicks, but the wheel cut-outs—enlarged, elongated, and their inner wells painted a contrasting color to the body—were exclusive and unusual.

It was the Buick for “those with a boundless zest for automotive adventure.” Bold-spirited, at the time it was said to be “like a flight into tomorrow.” Bodywork was substantially redesigned with what was termed as “flight-designed lines, with road-snugging compactness, with the corsair-sweep of a finned rear deck – and with pulse-pounding performance second to no Buick ever built.” At $4,355, the Skylark continued the tradition of being the most expensive Buick offering, priced more than $400 above the priciest Roadmaster. It was also the most exclusive, with only 836 “sports cars” produced in 1954.

This 1954 Skylark has been treated to a gorgeous frame-on restoration that is quite striking in presentation and appears to be beautifully detailed throughout. It is finished in “Roman Red,” a GM color that is similar to paint code number 18 (as seen on the car’s data tag), Matador Red. The wheel wells are in contrasting black, with a rich red interior and the top boot is white. All is tastefully executed, beginning with the tidy engine compartment housing the 322-cid, 200-hp overhead valve Fireball V-8 engine, which is matched with a Twin-Turbine Dynaflow automatic transmission. Additional standards on this very special platform included Easy-Eye glass, Selectronic AM radio, Weather Warden heater and defroster, chrome wire wheels, whitewall tires, dual sideview mirrors; power-assisted top, windows, four-way seat, telescopic antenna, steering and brakes.

This attractively restored and presented Skylark is a must for any collection of the best in 1950s Detroit motoring.