Buick’s 50th Anniversary car was one of GM’s Motorama stars of 1953. The limited-production Skylark was unveiled in July 1952. Based on the Roadmaster, it was essentially a factory-customized version of the standard convertible loosely based on the 1951 GM XP-300 concept car. Under the guidance of GM design boss Harley Earl, the design team included engineer Charles Chayne and chief stylist Ned Nickels – the man responsible for Buick’s trademark portholes or ventiports (which were curiously lacking on the production Skylark). 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.

Power steering, brakes, windows, seat, antenna, and convertible top were included in the nearly $5,000.00 price tag, which kept sales to just 1,690 units. The owner’s name was engraved on a gold anodized emblem placed on the hub of the steering wheel, giving it a nice personalized touch. The other big news was under the hood. The Skylark debuted the division’s first modern OHV V-8, a 322 cubic inch engine that produced 188 hp, nicknamed the “nailhead.”

This is believed to be the only known 1953 Buick Skylark with a dealer-installed McCollough supercharger from new. The Skylark is finished in Balsam Green over a two-tone green and white leather interior and contrasting white convertible top. The original owner’s name is proudly etched in gold on the steering wheel hub – as with all Skylarks. This is arguably, the most important Buick to have in a marque collection or side-by-side with the other Motorama stars – the Cadillac Eldorado and the Oldsmobile Fiesta convertibles.