Series 100. 200 bhp, 322 cu. in. OHV “Fireball” V-8 engine, single four-barrel carburetor, Twin-Turbine Dynaflow automatic transmission, independent front suspension with unequal-length A-arms and coil springs, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel, power-assisted hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 122"

• One of only 836 built

• Concours-quality restoration completed 1991

• Multiple award-winner between 1991 and 2004

For 1953, General Motors presented a quartet of special open cars to the American motoring public: the Chevrolet Corvette, Cadillac Eldorado, Oldsmobile Fiesta and Buick Skylark. For 1954, all but the Fiesta returned to GM showrooms, with the Harley Earl-designed Buick Skylark now built on the shorter-wheelbase Century chassis with a higher output version of the “Nailhead” OHV V-8.

The Skylark’s body was extensively reworked with dramatic wheel-well cutouts and contracting inner panels, while the rear quarter-panels were cut down and topped with massive chrome extensions housing the taillights. Rich leather upholstery was standard, along with power features operating the steering, brakes, windows, seats, top and radio antenna. Attractive 40-spoke Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels and wide whitewall tires rounded out the Skylark. Priced from $4,483, the Skylark was more expensive than both the base Cadillac drop-top and Buick’s own Roadmaster convertible. Only 836 Skylarks were produced, and every surviving example of these special cars remains highly sought-after by today’s collectors.

Under the prior owner, this 1954 Skylark received a complete, body-off restoration to high point, concours-quality standards by Van Nuys, California’s M.D. Coachworks. The restoration was completed in 1991, and despite its age the Skylark clearly benefits from meticulous care and remains both fresh and impressive today. From the completion of its restoration though 1997, the Skylark was a dominant force on the show field throughout the USA, earning either First in Class or Best in Show nine times during this period. Following acquisition by the current owner in 2001, the Skylark was shown only sparingly but continued its successes with First Place at the Long Beach Concours in 2002 and another First Place award under Buick Owners’ Club judging in 2004. Reported by the current owner to start and run well, this very fine Skylark remains both a stylistic benchmark and an unqualified American motoring icon.