1953 Buick Roadmaster

Lot : 448

1953 Buick Roadmaster Skylark Convertible

Auctioned on SAT, 2021-06-11

Auctioned at The Toronto Spring Classic Car ONLINE Auction 2021

Not Sold at $ 112,000

Transmission: Automatic

Exterior Color: Blue

Interior Color:Blue/White

Location – Winnipeg, Manitoba
Photos and condition report prepared by CCP Auctions

1953 was a big year for General Motors as they celebrated the 50th Anniversary of two of their iconic brands, Cadillac and Buick. It seems fitting that the Detroit Lions and Detroit Red Wings were also champions that year. The anniversary celebration began with the introduction of three convertibles: the Cadillac Eldorado, the Oldsmobile Fiesta and the Buick Skylark. Despite the fact that all three cars sold for staggering prices at the time, it is said that GM lost money on each car sold as they were essentially built by hand with the utmost attention to detail. All three additions were considered the best of the best including virtually every option that was available on lesser models. Each car was built to reflect prestige on their owner and were built in very limited quantities to maintain exclusivity.

Hard core collectors have made it a pursuit to track down one of each of GM’s limited production 1953 show cars. Seldom are they offered at the same auction. These automobiles reflect wealth and abundance representing models that are rare and extremely collectable.

The 1953 Buick Roadmaster Skylark convertible offered here was the centerpiece of Buick’s 50th Anniversary, outselling the other models for a total production of 1,690 units. The Skylark came with standard equipment beyond anything previously offered by Buick featuring V8 power and a 12-volt electrical system, both a first for Buick. The new V8 was a 322 cu.in. “Fireball” that produced 188 hp and was topped with either a Stromberg or Carter carburetor and coupled to a Dynaflow automatic transmission.The wheels were true wire wheels produced by Kelsey-Hayes with everything chromed save for the plated and painted “Skylark” center emblem. Luxurious trimmings included leather seats, full carpeting, sporty “Dynoc” instrument panel and door trim. Other premium touches included a standard “Selectronic” radio with power antenna, hydraulically operated convertible top, windows and front seat; and the steering wheel hub’s gold boss featuring an image of the first Buick in relief which could be engraved with the car owner’s name!

This 1953 Buick Roadmaster Skylark Convertible is one of 1,690 sold and is in excellent overall condition. The only fault we could find with the car was a very slight delamination at the edge of the passenger side vent glass. Own a piece of history.