Model 76X. 188 bhp, 322 cu. in. “Nailhead” OHV V-8 engine, Twin-Turbine Dynaflow automatic transmission, independent front suspension, live rear axle, and four-wheel power-assisted hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 121.5"

• Rare and highly exclusive Buick landmark design

• A very well-maintained older restoration in proper running order

• One of only 1,690 examples originally built for 1953

General Motors reflected the dynamic, forward-looking attitude of early-1950s America with its highly popular traveling Motorama shows, which brought such futuristic concepts as Buick’s radical XP-300 to the people. While the XP-300 was unsuited to volume production, public acclaim encouraged Buick executives to develop sportier models, particularly the Skylark prototype of 1952, which entered limited production for 1953 to celebrate Buick’s Golden Anniversary. Low-slung and luxurious, with its design directed by Harley Earl, the Skylark predicted the emerging and lucrative “personal luxury” automobile market.

As the sole Buick model offered for 1953 without the GM division’s trademark hood “ventiports,” the Roadmaster-based Skylark’s highly customized body required significant amounts of hand labor to produce. Mechanical features included Buick’s first overhead-valve V-8 engine, a 322-cubic inch unit developing 188 bhp with the highest compression ratio available from an American marque (8.5:1), plus the refined Twin-Turbine Dynaflow automatic transmission. All available Roadmaster features were included on the Skylark except air conditioning. It was, quite simply, the best-equipped Buick ever made. Selling new from $5,000, the Skylark was available starting in January 1953, with only 1,690 built.

The current owner acquired this example in restored form during 2002, and it clearly benefits from excellent care, as confirmed by a show appearance at a 2009 Buick Club of America meet, where it earned a first-place award. In 2003, the undercarriage and engine bay were detailed, several chrome items were re-plated, and a new set of tires was installed. In 2010, the rear-bumper chrome was re-plated. The owner reports that this Skylark is a great-driving example that starts without hesitation and runs smoothly, with the automatic transmission and brakes operating well. In addition, the electric top works properly, as do its other power features. A handsome example to be driven and shown with pride, this 1953 Skylark is a fitting tribute to GM’s rich early-1950s design legacy.