1953 Buick Skylark Convertible
Conceived as a factory-custom convertible to mark Buick’s 50th anniversary, the 1953 Skylark stood apart from its Roadmaster origins through extensive modifications to the body.
The windshield was cut down approximately four inches, the beltline lowered and notched at the rear fender line, and the rear wheel openings were fully radiused to align with those at the front. Unique stampings for the front and rear fenders and outer door skins gave the car a profile distinctly its own.
Absent, too, were Buick’s signature VentiPorts, replaced by a sweeping chrome “Sweepspear” accent running the length of the car and 40-spoke Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels.
Power came from Buick’s new 322 CI overhead-valve V8 (the “Fireball”), rated at 188 horsepower and paired with a Dynaflow automatic transmission. Every available Buick convenience feature was included as standard equipment, contributing to a list price of $5,000.
Of the three GM anniversary convertibles introduced that year, the Skylark’s production run of 1,690 units was the highest (compared with 532 Cadillac Eldorados and 458 Oldsmobile Fiestas), and it remained a one-year-only offering in that specific form.
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