The early 1950s represented a new beginning for much of American society, and General Motors reflected this forward-looking national sentiment with its Motorama, which was a dazzling display of technological innovation and stunning automotive concepts. Buick introduced its XP-300 concept in 1951, and although it was well received, the radical car was unsuitable for volume production. Nonetheless, Buick executives were encouraged to consider sportier offerings in anticipation of the GM division’s 50th anniversary celebrations for 1953.

The resulting Skylark Anniversary Convertible, based on the Roadmaster platform, introduced a number of trendsetting features, which included a new 322-cubic inch, overhead-valve V-8 engine, a 12-volt electrical system, fully-radiused rear-wheel openings, Kelsey-Hayes 40-spoke wire wheels, and stylish “sweepspear” chrome body accents. By lowering the top and seating position a few inches, the design team gave the rakish Skylark a very sporty stance and an overall height of just five feet. The low-slung Buick did not just look the part, as it was also equipped with luxurious amenities to match the sporty exterior. Skylarks were priced from $5,000, and just 1,690 of them were produced in 1953.

The Skylark returned for 1954, but this time it was based on the slightly shorter wheelbase of the Century and had a more powerful engine. It was, essentially, a factory-built custom car. Its body was extensively reworked with a new wraparound windshield and dramatic front wheel-well cutouts that were finished in contrasting colors, and the rear quarter-panels were cut down and re-formed with chrome taillight housing extensions. The new Skylark was, again, lavishly equipped, and it boasted die-stamped leather upholstery and a short list of options, as most every available comfort and convenience feature was standard. With a lower base price of $4,483, the 1954 Skylark was still more expensive than both the base Cadillac drop-top and the Roadmaster convertible. Just 836 of these striking cars were produced.

The 1954 Skylark offered here is a very desirable example of these limited-production automobiles. It has been the recipient of a full nut-and-bolt restoration, and it is finished in Black, which is complemented by a Red interior, Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels, and period-style wide whitewall tires. This Skylark exemplifies the mystique of the Motorama-inspired “dream machines” of the 1950s. The current owners purchased the car three years ago and have enjoyed it as a cruiser in sunny Southern California, where it has been in climate-controlled storage and serviced regularly. It will, as it has for them, remain “at the ready” for its next owners.