1953 Buick Roadmaster Skylark Convertible Red

A rare car...and very expensive when built..$5000! It served as a showcase for some new, swoopy styling at Buick, and the new overhead valve V8 engine. Beautiful red paint and interior...great power accessories and Dynaflow. Who could wish for more?

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• raconter1
• antique
• auto
• car
• show
• Buick
• Roadmaster
• Skylark
• Convertible
• 1963

[jferg7159]

Jack, Those swoopy fenders, full wheel cutouts, and Kelsey Hayes true wire wheels created an eye-popping update for Buick in 1953. 1690 Skylark convertibles found a home in 1953, considered a huge success given the steep base price. The 322 nailhead (named for it's valve configuration) produces 188 HP and had a stout (for it's time) 8.5 to 1 compression ratio. 1953 was the first year for a 12 volt electrical system too. Power steering, brakes, seats and windows were all standard. What a car!

[raconter1]

@jferg7159 Hey, Joe! It sure was a dramatic change for Buick...new potential with that new V8 and power accessories, and that dramatic styling! It was suddenly looking like a

"dream car"...with a price to match! Great data on the car! Thanks! :) Jack

[46619TAB]

This car is eye candy to be sure! Too bad Buick lost the knack for design. 

[raconter1]

@46619TAB Yes, I think Buick lost its way for a time. I personally would like to see a different grille design in the new models...Lincoln is reportedly doing that for next year! There have to be more surprises in design! Thanks! :) Jack

[irongoxi]

my grandpa would love this video, in the 70s he owned a 1948 Buick Super with the old inline 8 cylinder engine. he drove it to my parents' wedding and sold it in the late 80s

[raconter1]

@irongoxi Hey, Josue! Yes indeed...I'm sure it would bring back the memories!  These Buicks had great reputations...that overhead valve straight eight served Buick for so many years! My neighbor across the street had one...he was a mechanic at the Buick agency. I still remember the sound it made! Thanks! :) Jack

[raconter1]

@gene978 Hey, Gene! Yes indeed..this car was in the stratosphere in 1953..and you're no doubt correct that it probably didn't sell for anything like the listed price. This was before the mandatory window sticker pricing..dealers could wheel and deal with minimum information available to the buyer. It surely served an important function of drawing lookers into the showroom..hopefully becoming customers! Thanks! :) Jack

[raconter1]

@cheddyrod Hey, Chester! Thanks for the comments on the styling and exclusivity. Car makers often made a point of noting their anniversaries...I remember my 64 Dodge Dart had a centerpiece in the horn ring noting the golden anniversary....as well as the 53 Ford, as I remember. In these stylings, GM was giving a bit of advance notice to the dramatic stylings to come industry-wide in 1955. Thanks again! :) Jack

[raconter1]

@HoschtonBoy Hey, Charlie! Yes indeed...wire wheels were the equivalent of the most extravagant alloy wheels today! Guaranteed to get a car noticed! Thanks! :) Jack

[raconter1]

@SuperJohnnychingas Hey, Omar! Yes indeed....this was Cadillac territory as far as price and prestige were concerned! It's interesting that celebrities were often used in the advertising for cars! Thanks! :) Jack

[raconter1]

@jojocats2 Hey, John! Yes indeed...Roadmaster always gave Cadillac a run for the money..and it was the choice of Buick loyalists! Thanks! :) Jack