| 1953 Buick Skylark |
In 1953 Buick celebrated its 50th anniversary by introducing its first production model overhead valve V-8 engine,
offering an improved “Twin Turbine” version of its Dynaflow transmission, and for the first time providing air
conditioning and power steering as options. But the real attention grabber was the limited production Buick Skylark
convertible.
The Skylark, regardless of Buick’s brash words about it being an “American-built sports car,” was not intended to
attract those drivers who worshipped Load Nuffield and others of his ilk amidst the leaders of the British automotive
industry. Instead it was geared towards American motorists whose automotive jargon was sprinkled with platitudes
about cars that “rode like a cloud” and who firmly believed that a “heavy car holds the road better than a light one.”
With a base price of $4,596, the Skylark ranked as one of America’s most expensive automobiles in 1953. Buick did
not cut corners when outfitting the Skylark with standard equipment. Found on each of the 1,690 1953 Skylarks built
was power steering, windows, seats, and radio antenna. Also Twin Turbine Dynaflow, air conditioning, Selectronic
radio, tinted glass and leather upholstery. Significant styling characteristics of the 1953 Skylark was a reduced
height windshield, circular front and rear wheel cutouts that showed off the wire wheels and its wide 8.00 x 15 tires.
Also apparent was the Skylark’s notched beltline and slimmed down bodyside spear.
offering an improved “Twin Turbine” version of its Dynaflow transmission, and for the first time providing air
conditioning and power steering as options. But the real attention grabber was the limited production Buick Skylark
convertible.
The Skylark, regardless of Buick’s brash words about it being an “American-built sports car,” was not intended to
attract those drivers who worshipped Load Nuffield and others of his ilk amidst the leaders of the British automotive
industry. Instead it was geared towards American motorists whose automotive jargon was sprinkled with platitudes
about cars that “rode like a cloud” and who firmly believed that a “heavy car holds the road better than a light one.”
With a base price of $4,596, the Skylark ranked as one of America’s most expensive automobiles in 1953. Buick did
not cut corners when outfitting the Skylark with standard equipment. Found on each of the 1,690 1953 Skylarks built
was power steering, windows, seats, and radio antenna. Also Twin Turbine Dynaflow, air conditioning, Selectronic
radio, tinted glass and leather upholstery. Significant styling characteristics of the 1953 Skylark was a reduced
height windshield, circular front and rear wheel cutouts that showed off the wire wheels and its wide 8.00 x 15 tires.
Also apparent was the Skylark’s notched beltline and slimmed down bodyside spear.