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1954 Buick Skylark

The 1954 Buick Skylark? A total head-turner! Lightweight and sporty, it was a limited-edition beauty, a huge deal for Buick. Its sleek, chrome-laden design, especially that iconic wraparound windshield, made it a style icon, showcasing post-war optimism. A true classic!

The Timeless Appeal of the 1954 Buick Skylark

The 1954 Buick Skylark isn't just a car—it's a bonafide piece of American history wrapped in chrome and style. Introduced during an era when car design began blurring into the realm of custom art, it stands as a testament to a time when cars were more than just transportation—they were a symbol of luxury and innovation. Ah, the golden days of the factory custom.

This luxury convertible marked a significant shift toward what we might call "factory customs" today. The Skylark was produced in a scant 836 examples, making it a needle in the haystack of classic cars. Originally priced at $4,483, it was positioned as a cut above even the Cadillac Series 62 convertible. Imagine that! Buick basically said, "We're the big shots here."

Photo of a 1954 Buick Skylark

1954 Buick Skylark Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Buick Skylark Worth?

Original MSRP :$4,596.00

Outstanding

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$182,000

Clean

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$146,000

Average

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$79,400*

Rough

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$38,000

1954 Buick Skylark Specs

Body Maker: Fisher
No. Of Doors: 2
Passengers: 6
Model Number: 100
Length: 216.8 inches
Width: 79.8 inches
Height: 64.4 inches
Wheelbase: 122 inches
Weight: 4,315lbs
Type: V8, Valve-in-head, Downdraft 4-barrel, Dynaflow automatic
Displacement: 322 cu. in.
Cylinders: 8
Bore And Stroke: 4 & 3 13/64 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 8.0 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 200@4000
Horsepower Rated: 51.20
Torque: 309@2100
Main Bearings: 5
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Engine Number Location: On left cylinder bank, just below head.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Scoe
Type:
2.5 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios:
4
Gear Ratios First:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Second:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Third:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
Not applicable
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Front: Independent coil springs
Rear: Longitudinal leaf spring
Service Type: 4 wheel hydraulic drum
Service Front Size: 12 inches
Service Rear Size: 12 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 12 inches
Type: Premium
Tire Size: 8 x 15
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 19 Gallons
Oil: 6 Quarts
Rear Differential: 4.5 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:See Additional Information
Total Digits:9
Digits 1:Series
Digits 2:Model year
Digits 3:Assembly plant
Digits 4-9:Production number
Arctic White, Gull Gray Poly., Cavalier Blue Poly., Baffin Green Poly., Titian Red Poly., Aztec Green Poly., Marlin Blue, Lido Green, Casino Beige, Jordan Gray, Rainier Blue Poly., Willow Green, Condor Yellow, Malibu Blule, Ocean Mist Green, Carlsbad Black, Matador Red, Tunis Blue, Gulf Turquoise
Skylark Sport Convertible: Opt
Pushbutton Radio: Opt

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History of the 1954 Buick Skylark

The Skylark, with a design language influenced heavily by the custom car movement of the '40s and '50s, was Buick's bold statement—a car that boasted not just luxury, but exclusivity. As factories were rolling cars off assembly lines, Buick went the extra mile with hand-finished touches. Its richly patterned leather upholstery and chrome wire wheels were just the cherries on top.

Not just a looker, the Skylark was powered by a robust 322 cubic inch "Nailhead" V8 engine, offering both style and substance.

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Detailed Specifications

This convertible was built for the discerning buyer who valued craftsmanship and performance in equal measure:

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    Engine: 322 cubic inch "Nailhead" V8

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    Performance: 0 to 60 mph in about 12 seconds, top speed of around 110 mph.

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    Design Features: Rich leather interiors, power features, chrome wire wheels

The unique production process and its lofty price tag contributed to its rarity, making the Skylark a collectible wonder today.

Famous Figures Who Own a Skylark

We've all heard stories about celebrities who own classic cars, but did you know that Dick Clark, the man who brought us "American Bandstand," was an owner of a Buick Skylark? This car wasn't just some set prop; it was a real piece of the American dream.

Dick Clark

For Clark, whose career was centered around the glitz and glam of the television world, owning a Skylark must have seemed like a match made in heaven. Imagine coasting down Hollywood Boulevard, beneath swaying palm trees, with the top down. Sure, dozens of cars have graced the screens since, but few have captured the combined spirit of style, grace, and power quite like the Skylark.

1954 Buick Skylark Gallery

Photo of a 1954 Buick Skylark
Photo of a 1954 Buick Skylark
Photo of a 1954 Buick Skylark
Photo of a 1954 Buick Skylark
Photo of a 1954 Buick Skylark
Photo of a 1954 Buick Skylark
Photo of a 1954 Buick Skylark
Photo of a 1954 Buick Skylark
Photo of a 1954 Buick Skylark
Photo of a 1954 Buick Skylark
Photo of a 1954 Buick Skylark
Photo of a 1954 Buick Skylark
Photo of a 1954 Buick Skylark
Photo of a 1954 Buick Skylark

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When it comes to classic cars, like the Skylark, having the right documentation can make or break a deal. Verifying the history and originality is crucial—no one wants to be the proud owner of a lemon disguised as a lime. So, make sure you have the important papers lined up. Services like a and a are your friends in this journey.

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Well-maintained examples of cars like the Skylark often fetch six-figure sums. Having a comprehensive can prove invaluable in your quest.

Fun Facts about the Skylark

Here's an odd tidbit: the Skylark made cinematic appearances, adding to its allure. You could spot it in films and shows ranging from "Rebel Without a Cause" to "Father Knows Best," solidifying its place not just in our garages, but in our hearts.

Collectibility and Market Value

Only 836 Skylarks were made, and they didn't come cheap. But today, that's part of their charm. Seeing a beautifully restored 1954 Skylark on sale can make a classic car enthusiast's heart skip a beat. Prices at auctions have climbed to $170,500 for top examples, underscoring its desirability and status as a true collector's item.

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Explore Buick Skylark from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, the '54 Skylark wasn't your average Buick; it was a seriously special, limited-production model. Think of it like a super-charged version of a standard car - a real head-turner. Unlike its heavier siblings, it boasted a lighter, sportier design, along with a smaller, more nimble chassis. It really was something else, a kind of a stylish, smaller, faster, more exciting, dream car compared to a family-oriented Buick, you know? This made it quicker and more fun to drive. They only made a few thousand, so it's a pretty rare bird these days. Finding one in good shape is truly like winning the lottery.

Oh boy, that's a tough one! The price depends heavily on the condition, restoration quality and its overall rarity. A fully restored, showroom-quality Skylark can easily command six figures — I’ve seen some fetching higher. However, a car needing restoration might be closer to, say, maybe half that. The bottom line is; you really have to look at the car individually. It's like buying a house; location, location, location, but also, condition, condition, condition!

The 1954 Skylark came with a single engine option: a 264 cubic inch, V8. That's what powered this beauty. It was a potent engine for its time, remember this was a pretty nifty motor compared to the standard engines found on many other cars back then! It wasn't just about brute power; it also delivered a surprisingly smooth ride. This was quite impressive given the technology at the time. You could describe its performance as lively and reasonably brisk.

Like any classic car, especially one that's pushing 70 years old, the Skylark has its quirks. Electrical systems can be finicky (that's true for a lot of vintage vehicles). Brake systems and the fuel system might need some attention, especially if it's been sitting in a garage for a while. You might run into some issues with things like fuel lines, seals, and gaskets needing replacement and that’s pretty standard. Regular maintenance is key. It's kind of like an old friend; you need to take care of it, or it might not always be running smoothly.

Finding parts for a '54 Skylark can be a bit of a treasure hunt, to be honest. You'll likely need to tap into several sources; it might be like looking for needles in a haystack sometimes. Classic car parts suppliers, online forums dedicated to Buick enthusiasts, and even specialized Buick parts dealers are all good options. And don’t forget to check out swap meets and auctions—those can be goldmines! So be prepared for a bit of detective work to source the parts you need.

Restoring a Skylark is a big project. It's a real labor of love, really. There are many great resources available though. You'll find valuable information in restoration guides and manuals. Online forums and clubs dedicated to Buick enthusiasts are invaluable, too, offering advice and support. And of course, experienced mechanics specialized in classic car restoration can be a huge help; they're like magic wands for such undertakings.