1953 marked a milestone year for Buick, as the GM division celebrated its 50th Anniversary. To honor the occasion, Buick introduced one of the most iconic vehicles in its history—the 1953 Buick Skylark. Although it officially debuted in 1953, the Skylark’s roots trace back to 1952 when General Motors unveiled its “Dream Car” convertible prototypes on a national tour. These included Chevrolet’s Corvette, along with Cadillac’s Eldorado, Oldsmobile’s Fiesta, and Buick’s Skylark. Unlike most .....
concept cars, these four were not just for show—GM put each into limited production for the 1953 model year. The Skylark was based on the Buick Roadmaster chassis but featured an entirely new design, both inside and out. The most striking changes up front included uniquely painted wheel housings in red or white and the absence of Buick’s signature “Venti-Ports,” making the Skylark the only model of Buick’s “hole era” not to sport the traditional three- or four-port design. Its sleek profile was enhanced by a lowered roofline and a more raked-back stance, setting it apart from the rest of the Buick lineup. Distinctive chrome sweep spears, unique to the Skylark, accentuated the car’s sides, while custom rear quarter panels and special badging completed the exterior transformation. Inside, the Skylark featured a bespoke interior crafted for this special anniversary model. It came well-equipped with a host of standard features, including power steering, power brakes, Buick’s Dynaflow automatic transmission, and more. All 1953 Skylarks rolled off the line with wide whitewall tires mounted on striking chrome wire wheels. With only 1,690 units produced and a price tag nearing $5,000—a premium at the time—the 1953 Skylark remains one of the rarest and most coveted Buicks ever built. Under the hood lies the original 322 cubic inch “Nailhead” V8, topped with a single 4-barrel carburetor, delivering a factory-rated 188 horsepower. Paired with a Dynaflow automatic transmission, the Skylark offers a smooth and effortless driving experience typical of a top-tier '50s cruiser. This convertible comes absolutely loaded with features. Power steering makes maneuvering into tight spaces at shows or drive-ins a breeze, while power brakes provide confident stopping. The white vinyl power top is in excellent condition and operates smoothly at the touch of a switch. It rides on wide whitewall radial tires mounted on Kelsey-Hayes style chrome wire wheels—including the spare—for both style and comfort. A rear-mounted continental kit adds extra flair and classic 1950s appeal. The exterior gleams with period-correct charm. Inside, the red and white leather upholstery has been accurately restored on both front and rear bench seats. The power-adjustable front seat ensures a comfortable driving position for almost anyone. The door panels, carpeting, dash, and steering wheel are all in great condition, maintaining a stock appearance. All four windows are power operated for added convenience. Instrumentation includes a 120 MPH speedometer, gauges for temperature, generator output, oil pressure, and fuel. The dash also features a locking glovebox, clock, climate and lighting controls, a cigar lighter, and a factory Sonomatic AM radio, completing this incredible 1950s luxury experience. *322 Cu. In. Nailhead V8 *Single 4 Barrel Carburetor *Dynaflow Automatic Transmission *Power Brakes *Power Steering *White Vinyl Power Convertible Top *1 of 1,690 Produced *Power Windows & Seat *Stock Instrumentation *Odometer Reads: 18,122 Miles