1953 Buick Skylark

Of the many outstanding American cars from the 1950s, one of the most recognizable, by both name and appearance, is the 1953 Buick Skylark. The Skylark was brand-new in 1953; its name was chosen to celebrate Buick's 50th anniversary. This stunning automobile was based on Buick's experimental sports car, the XP-300, which created a huge amount of excitement in 1952. With so many customers wanting to place orders for an XP-300, Buick banked on that interest and built the Skylark.

The 1953 Skylark was one of the most expensive cars in Buick's lineup and today is a bona fide collector's item, with excellent examples bringing more than $100,000. After the 1954 Skylark, of which only 836 were built, some will argue that the 1953 Skylark is the next most collectible Buick. Some say it's the 1970 GSX or the last Grand National GNXs, but those experts we talked to say the 1953 Skylark is the one to collect. So, if you're a diehard Buick aficionado and are willing to spend the money, this is the car for you.

Built only as a convertible and based on the Roadmaster drivetrain, these were the cars of the stars; Milton Berle, Bob Hope and Jackie Gleason were some of the better-known celebrities that drove them. The Skylark's exclusive nature was such that Buick engraved the original owner's name in silver on the tripartite medallion in the horn button.

With only 1,690 built, searching for one will certainly take some time. As one would expect for such limited-production cars, they're not cheap, and restoration costs can easily exceed six figures. In 2006, a '53 Skylark was sold for $383,400, yet the world-record price for one is $495,000; that car was sold during RM Auction's sale of the McMullen Collection. However, these were both concours-restored cars of the highest quality, so take heart--one in #3 condition (if you can find it) should be in the mid-five-figure bracket, depending on how much work it needs and how many of its original parts are missing.

ENGINES

The sole engine for the Skylark was an all-new "Fireball" 322-cu.in. V-8 with 188 horsepower. With a bore and stroke of 4.0 x 3.2 inches, these were well-built engines that featured specially designed dome-shaped cylinder heads. Those cylinder heads were engineered to concentrate the fuel charge at the precise point where its explosive force would most effectively push the piston down its bore. Each piston was custom-fitted to its cylinder, which ensured longer life and quieter operation. Internally, the crankshaft featured cam-ground balancing of the counterweights.

The T-Type intake manifold was another unique feature; it distributed fuel to each cylinder more evenly than the conventional Y-Type arrangement. There were two different brands of carburetors used: a Stromberg 4AUV-267, or a Carter WCFB-996S. Both are four-barrels. New for 1953, too, was the use of the new 12-volt electrical system.

TRANSMISSION

The only transmission used in the Skylark was a Twin Turbine Dynaflow, which was an updated version of the original, introduced in 1948. The Twin Turbine debuted in 1953 and used a four-element torque converter featuring two turbines interconnected through a planetary gear set. This setup gave a more positive connection between the engine and the driveshaft.

According to the 1953-'54 Skylark Club, maintenance costs for these cars are lower because the oil cushioning of the transmission minimizes strain on the engine, driveshaft and differential. Rebuild kits are readily available, and there are many transmission specialists still around who are able to repair them if needed; however, these are very durable and reliable gearboxes that rarely need any major repairs.

SUSPENSION

With coil springs at all four corners and hydraulic lever-arm-type shock absorbers, the suspension rarely gives any problems. The front suspension is a robust independent design that incorporates an anti-roll bar to reduce body lean. The rear axle is incredibly stout, with many units lasting for several hundred thousand miles without giving any troubles. Complete rebuilt kits, including all tie rods, king pins, bushings and bearings, are readily available and quite affordable, and the hydraulic lever shocks can be rebuilt if needed.

The worm-and-nut steering box rarely requires any repair; power assist was standard. As was the case with many cars of this era, the turning circle is huge at 42 feet, so don't expect it to steer anywhere near as precisely as a modern car.

CHASSIS

Just like its GM siblings, the Skylark used a full-perimeter frame, the same frame that the Roadmaster used. It has deep-silled girders and an X-brace across the middle, which gives the big Buick staunch resistance to twist. The section aft of the rear axle does rust on both sides, so inspect this area closely. With a wheelbase of 121.5 inches, it provides a pleasant ride quality.

The chrome wheels measured 15 x 6.5 inches, had 40 spokes and used a five-bolt lug pattern. Several shops can rebuild them if required, and if you need tires, the size to look for is an 8.00 x 15 four-ply tube type. Used wheels are easily found at swap meets or via the classifieds in the Buick Club of America's magazine; our search turned up a decent set with a $1,400 price tag.

The original low-restriction exhaust system incorporated a resonance-chamber muffler for a quiet sound. Reproductions are now available from a variety of sources. The entire system is suspended by rubber-fabric hangers to eliminate vibrations.

BRAKES

Power drum brakes were standard, and were painted with a high-temperature heat-resistant paint in either red or white, to match the color that was used on the inner fender wells. Measuring 12 inches in diameter, each has a total lining area of 219 square inches; that size provides good braking performance and a reassuring feel.

Reproduction drums and new brake linings, as well as new wheel cylinders and all associated hardware, are available from many different sources.

INTERIOR

The cockpit of a 1953 Skylark is quite inviting. In addition to sumptuous leather seats, carpets and door panels, power windows were standard. The leather seats were soft-tanned cowhide, and were available in four colors. An interesting feature was that when the front seatback was tilted to gain access to the rear compartment, the front bench seat moved forward automatically.

The entire lower section of the dashboard is a veneer called Dynoc; replacement veneer is available for $160. If the original Selectronic radio is still in the car, it should have a power aerial, which is activated by the driver's foot.

Replacement carpet sets, headliners and upholstery kits can be found in all the original colors. The dual heating system works well, but the blower motor under the driver's seat is the troublesome one of the two; access to it is easy once the seat is unbolted.

The convertible top, seat and power windows are all hydraulically operated and are usually trouble-free once the old relays have been replaced, presuming that the mechanisms are properly maintained. The rearview mirror bracket is specific to the Skylark, which makes finding a replacement, if needed, a difficult proposition.

BODY/FRAME

Even with the convertible top in the up position, the Skylark stood less than five feet tall. The fairly custom body, with its low-positioned roofline and cut-down doors, is made of thick sheetmetal, which makes repairs a bit easier. The lower sections of the front fenders, quarter panels and even the doors can rot out, necessitating expensive repairs.

"The convertible-specific frames had an additional quarter-inch piece of steel welded to the top of the X-frame," according to Glenn Tyler, who restored our feature car. "And look closely at the rocker panels in front of the rear wheels; this section seems to hold water and always ends up rusting through."

The body panels were most, if not all, hand-modified Roadmaster panels, Glenn told us. "The windshield was chopped three inches, the front fenders had the wheel wells opened up, and the VentiPorts were shaved. All Skylark convertible tubs were finished with various amounts of lead filler, so it's not unusual to find great amounts of lead just behind the doors, near the bottom of the window line.

"The doors were sectioned in Flint and then re-welded to create the low, sweeping bodyline. This also meant that all the side glass was special to the Skylark." Glenn added that finding glass is not a problem, but the window operators and frames were special.

The side molding, called a "sweepspear," is made from heavy, flat stainless steel and can be a little expensive to repair if it's dented. The Skylark badges also are specific to this car, so make sure they're intact on the car you want to buy--finding replacements will cost you plenty.

"Some 1953 Skylarks have continental kits; however, they were never a factory option," said Vin De Peppo, the treasurer of the 1953-'54 Skylark Club. Vin has one on his '53 Skylark, but it was a dealer-installed option. "Many companies produced aftermarket continental kits, so finding one if you desire shouldn't be a difficult task.

RESTORATION PARTS

As one might imagine, restoration parts for a car of which just 1,690 were built are quite hard to come by. Engine and other mechanical parts are readily available, but Skylark-specific parts are nearly impossible to find. One hard-to-find item, the special Skylark badges, are being reproduced, Glenn said.

Dayton Wire Wheels and Motorspot, Inc., have restoration services for the wire wheels and Wheel Vintiques in Fresno, California, sells reproduction Skylark wheels.

Specialists

Bill Stitt

724-668-7070

Reproduction side emblems, wheel spinners, plastic horn emblems, brass nameplates, correct Buick green engine paint

Tom Payette

502-727-9945

Reproduction power steering pump decals

Gus Miller

330-832-2284

Reproduction dashboard veneer; other NOS parts

Glenn Cecchine

908-369-3666

NOS and used body, trim and mechanical parts

GM Obsolete

602-253-8081

www.gmobsolete.com

New, used and reproduction parts; original radios, mechanical parts and weatherstripping

Kanter Auto Products

800-526-1096

www.kanter.com

Engine rebuilding kits; brake and suspension rebuild kits; replacement shocks; reproduction exhaust systems; new electrical parts

Steele Rubber Products

800-447-0849

Reproduction weather seals

Hampton Coach

888-588-8726

www.hamptoncoach.com

Reproduction upholstery kits

Cars, Inc.

908-369-3666

www.oldbuickparts.com

NOS, used and reproduction parts

Apple Hydraulics

800-882-7753

www.applehydraulics.com

Reconditioned brakes and lever shocks

Production

1953 Buick Skylark 1,690

PARTS PRICES

Brake line, rear $17

Coil springs, pair $205

Dash veneer $160

Dynaflow rebuild kit $200

Fan belt, reproduction $27

Fan belt, NOS $35

Floor mats, reproduction $75

Front end rebuild kit $390

Lens, backup lamp, reproduction $15

Pitman arm, NOS $30

Pistons, new, each $37

Shock absorbers, four $150

Side emblems, pair $190

Spark plug wires, reproduction $50

Tune-up kit $40

Transmission mount, front $40

Wheels, used, set $1,400

WHAT TO PAY

Low: $30,000

Average: $65,000

High: $130,000

CLUB SCENE

The Buick Club of America

P.O. Box 360775

Columbus, Ohio 43236-0775

Dues: $35/year; Membership: 9,000

www.buickclub.org

1953-'54 Skylark Club

51 Statesville Quarry Road

Lafayette, New Jersey 07848

www.skylarkclub.org

Dues: $20/year; Membership: 200

Owner's View

"I bought this car because it is very rare and not many are left. I always wanted one, so I took the plunge. I love the looks and style of this one-of-a-kind Skylark, and I plan on keeping it, enjoying it and driving it.

"I bought the car restored so I could start enjoying it right away; I drive it about 1,500 miles per year, just to car shows in the summer months. This is truly a great car, a real head-turner."

-- Tony Vespoli