The Motorama-inspired 1954 Buick Skylark was based on the Century, with a more-powerful 322 cubic inch V-8 engine. Essentially a factory-built custom car, the Skylark’s body was extensively reworked, while its many features included die-stamped leather upholstery and a short list of options due to the staggering number of factory standards. With a lowered base price of $4,483 for 1954, the Skylark was still more expensive than both the Cadillac Series 62 convertible and Buick’s own Roadmaster convertible. Just 836 of these striking cars were produced in the 1954 model year.

Finished in Matador Red with a new red and white Jenkins interior, the Skylark is complemented by a white soft-top, Kelsey-Hayes 40-spoke wire wheels and a multitude of standard features. This stunning 1954 Skylark benefits from a professional rotisserie restoration of a rust-free original car to concours-level standards that was completed in August 2011.

Among the many areas of attention are the rebuilding of the engine and transmission. The drivetrain is reported to be correct to the car, and other work has been applied to new brakes, new wheel cylinders and rebuilt brake booster. All components on the Skylark are either new or rebuilt and detailed in its entirety to perfection. The body was stripped to bare metal; all of the flooring and the inner body was bead-blasted, epoxy coated and then painted to add to the restorations durability. The Skylark was reassembled with all new nuts and bolts. The throttle, shift linkage, brackets, hood latches and striker have all been copper and nickel plated. The chrome is reported to be all triple-plated for long-lasting luster. The car also has all new stainless steel brake and fuel lines, plus stainless steel exhaust system. Additional equipment features of note include new wiring harnesses, new hydraulic cylinders, rebuilt pump and valve.

The professional restoration was executed by Mark Barker and shows precision panel fits with laser straight metal and paint. Mr. Barker is well known for being a multiple “best in class” winner at the Meadowbrook Concours d’Elegance, and this lovely presentation is a perfect example to demonstrate the quality that has rewarded him with show successes.

As presented today, the car remains in outstanding show quality condition, and would make a great addition to any collection.