Description:

A 1953 Buick Skylark Convertible Chassis number V1NV02853C317
Engine number V2307627

It is said that Ned Nickles, GM designer started the Skylark project when he looked to customise his 1951 Roadmaster. Ivan Wiles, his boss, saw Nickles's sketches and had the vehicle built as a show car for the 1953 Motorama as part of General Motors' 50th anniversary celebrations in 1953. GM created three specialty convertibles; the other two were the Oldsmobile 98 Fiesta and the Cadillac Series 62Eldorado. All three were limited-production vehicles promoting General Motors' design leadership. Of the three, the Skylark had the most successful production run with just 1,690 units, all convertibles, manufactured.
The Skylark had Buick's first V8 engine, the 322 cu in Fireball, and was very well equipped with twin turbine Dynaflow transmission, even for the hedonistic days of 1950s USA. Standard equipment included power brakes, power steering, power windows, power seats, power antenna, foot controlled Selectronic AM radio, power hood, Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels with wide white-wall tyres, contrasting painted wheel wells, automatic foot starter, clock, automatic headlamp control.
Originally intended to be built for just one year, it became one of the most stunning Harley Earl design exercises of all time. It is believed that less than 200 of these luxurious automobiles still survive, of which it is thought four are in Australia. It is a genuine collectors' motor car.
This example of the 1953 Buick Skylark runs and drives beautifully. It was cosmetically restored prior to its importation to Australia from the USA, however a few aspects were not re-commissioned. The windows, seat and roof were hydraulically powered, but as the restorer "never intended to use the car in the rain", he did not rebuild the system. The current owner installed electric windows as a temporary measure, and has had the pump rebuilt and imported all of the rams (included in the sale). The windscreen wipers do not work. The restorer took other shortcuts - for example, rust points in the floor were patched, rather than replacing the floor-pan.
The rarity of this vehicle suggests that a full restoration could well be warranted, something that the current owner does not have the skills to undertake
Transfer of the Victorian registration plates "LARK 53" included in sale

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

All lots must be paid for and collected by 4pm AEST Monday 8 November. Unfortunately we cannot arrange shipping from this location, however we can arrange the goods to be removed to our rooms at the buyers expense.

25 October 2014 19:00 ACDT
Melbourne, Australia

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$1 - $100,000:
15.50%
$100,001 - $500,000:
13.00%
$500,001+:
8.00%

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
A$0 A$49 A$5
A$50 A$99 A$10
A$100 A$499 A$20
A$500 A$999 A$50
A$1,000 A$1,999 A$100
A$2,000 A$4,999 A$200
A$5,000 A$9,999 A$500
A$10,000 A$19,999 A$1,000
A$20,000 A$49,999 A$2,000
A$50,000 A$99,999 A$5,000
A$100,000 A$199,999 A$10,000
A$200,000 A$499,999 A$20,000
A$500,000 + A$50,000