Buick Skylark Convertible, Red, for sale in San Juan Capistrano, California, price on application.

Limited Production Skylark was the Buick flagship in 1954. Styled by Harley Earl. Desirable then, highly collectible now.

1954 Buick Skylark

While General Motors selected their top brands to be highlighted and promote design leadership through Limited Production unique body and trim styles a year earlier, by 1954, only Buick continued with the successful and very special Skylark as their top-of-the line to represent their line-up. This flagship was fully optioned, and featured unusual, yet sporty styling to the front and rear wheel openings, along with unique body panels that included Skylark-specific front fenders, doors, and rear quarters.

From front to rear, this Titian Red Skylark makes a high visual impact. It has the last year of the Buick chromed fine-tooth grille that appears as a waterfall pattern that flows into two chromed mini-Dagmars in the front bumper The Skylark hood trim was also only applied to this highest level Buick model convertible in 1954. The side view really had wow factor, with the-new-for-’54 shorter wheelbase frame, and a windshield chopped 3 inches lower than other Buick convertible models. The convertible top frame was also factory-modified to create a visually lower profile when the white top was up. The Skylark specific front fenders, with elongated front wheel openings, are treated to a stunning contrasted white paint inner fender treatment that was like no other from any manufacturer. Skylarks were treated to Kelsey-Hayes 40-spoke chromed wire wheels; this one has wide whitewalls. Peeking through the wires are red painted brake drums. The outer door panels are also Skylark specific, with their cut-down rear line treatment. The rear quarter panels are capped with Skylark chromed taillight bezels that visually appear to be fins, an indicator of the future design direction that Harley Earl was taking GM. The rear trunk deck includes Skylark special stampings that appear as defined longitudinal ribs merging into the chromed guards on the rear bumper.

The Cordaveen covered interior has a waffle type pattern on the seat bottoms, with a matching waffle pattern that starts at the top of the seat back, and flows down about three–quarters. The interior door and window frames are fully chromed, as is the broad chrome on the dashboard. The bold, flat Buick steering wheel is fitted to a steering column that was repositioned by the factory, as were the seat frames, all lowered to provide head room required by the factory shortened windshield.

Only 863 Buick Skylarks were built in 1954. This is a sporting, yet elegant Skylark that makes for a very special Buick, then and now.