Breaking News………………….Over $200,000.00 was just paid @ auction for a sister to our ’53 Skylark Convertible. Our pristine example represents a solid Grade 1 investment. Read on and no doubt you will agree. In 1953, Buick debuted their all-new “Nailhead” V8 engine, a masterpiece of modern engineering packing more power into a smaller, lighter package that would power Buicks for more than a decade. To celebrate 50 years of Buick production as well as the introduction of the new engine, Buick decided to go big, and designed a flagship convertible based on a Motorama show car from the year before. Today, the best examples have seen double-digit appreciation in recent years, making them highly-sought collectibles. It’s easy to see why these are such tremendously valuable cars, because your eye can’t help but wander over the shapely sheet metal, which was unique to this model and not shared with any of the other Buick lineup (although the Skylark was technically a Roadmaster convertible underneath). The metalwork and fitting on this example are very good, with superb panel fit and alignment, even on the large hood, which, for the first time in Buick’s history, opened from the front in the conventional manner. The paint is vivid and bright, a brilliant red that draws your eye and shows off the contrasting white fenderwells, which were a Skylark hallmark.In addition to the unique bodywork, the sweep spear that runs the length of the car, mirroring the dip in the windowsills, would become a Buick trademark design element for years. Up front, the grille has been beautifully restored, and is often regarded as one of the finest designs of the chrome-heavy ‘50s; flashy, but not over-wrought. The rear bumper wraps around the accessory continental kit, giving the rear of the car a very integrated, finished look that many cars with rear-mounted spares can’t claim.Inside, the interior has been finished in the correct red and white leather in the original patterns. The Roadmaster’s seat was lowered in production so that it would not protrude above the body line, but it remains supportive and comfortable thanks to fresh foam underneath and that supple red leather on top. The dash houses the original AM radio, with secondary switches clustered around the center-mounted speaker in a throwback to the previous decade. Beautifully restored gauges keep an eye on the engine’s vitals, while the contrasting steering wheel looks almost too delicate to maneuver a 2-ton car. You’ll also notice the sensor for the Autronic Eye automatic headlamp dimming system mounted atop the dash, as well as the clock located on the passenger’s side of the instrument panel. Of course, other items like the carpets and floor mats have been replaced during the restoration and remain in first-rate condition. Overhead, a black canvas top seals up tightly and provides contrast to the red paint, and folds effortlessly into the well behind the back seats, where it is covered by a matching boot.The fully restored 322 cubic inch “Nailhead” V8 under the hood was a state-of-the-art power plant in 1953, with a short stroke, overhead valves (Buick always used overhead valve engines), and a healthy 8.5:1 compression ratio, developing a relatively robust 188 horsepower. Called the Nailhead because of the vertical orientation of the valves, it was famous for its durability and torque production, allowing the Skylark to be one of the fastest cars on the road in 1953. Beautifully detailed, the engine in this Skylark has clearly seen its share of show duty. From the correct Buick Turquoise paint to the smaller details like the decals on the air cleaner, as well as correct hoses and clamps, it looks exactly how it might have a few days after the new owner took delivery in 1953. Power steering was a new innovation, and it was standard on the Skylarks along with just about every luxury convenience Buick could imagine.

Most of our Auctions close with a phone call! Call today  (317) 535-3500 to ask about our reserve!! 

This vehicle is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgement solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle.

Terms and Conditions of Sale

We take time to carefully describe each vehicle and include a substantial number of photos. However, it is very important to keep in mind that these vehicles are pre-owned, not brand new. After careful reading of the entire description, rather than making a potentially incorrect assumption, if any statement or comment is unclear, or if you have questions, please e-mail or call us prior to bidding.

Originality Disclaimer

While we are happy to show our customers the casting numbers , stamping on the motor and V.I.N numbers on the car , we CANNOT guarantee that the motor is in fact the original. There is always the possibility of re-stamped motors , and as technology advances there will be even more. Any representations made by us are "to the best of knowledge." The entire risk as to the originality of the vehicle is with you , The Buyer.

We CANNOT guarantee the originality of these vehicles , including but not limited to : the engine , the transmission , "matching numbers" , color change , the frame , the documentation , etc. The mileage is represented to be , "to the best of knowledge" , but not guaranteed.

At Close of Auction

Your non-Refundable $500 USD deposit is due within 24 hours of auction close.  If you have selected the “Buy it Now” price your $500 USD deposit is due immediately. 

All Indiana Buyers must pay 7.0% sales tax! The successful "winning" bidder must telephone us within 24 hours after the auction has ended to verify purchase and make arrangements to complete the transaction.

Full payment must be received within 7 business days of the end of auction. Payment must be either by cashiers-check, cash (In-Person) or certified funds. If funds are not received, and an alternate arrangement has not been made, the vehicle can and will be made available to other potential buyers on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Shipping

We value your business and want you to be completely satisfied with your Ebay buying experience, from purchase to delivery. As a value added service we will assist with shipping arrangements however, the buyer pays all shipping costs. We do not have any affiliation with, or interest in, any transportation companies and all questions or concerns should be addressed directly with them.

Disclaimer

All vehicles are sold As Is, with no warranties expressed or implied, by seller. Vehicles come with books and/or manuals only if pictured in the included photos or if stated in the ad. As with any used vehicle, minor signs of wear may become more obvious under close inspection, such as small chips or nicks, light scratches or minor abrasions, wheel scuffs, and other indications of normal wear and tear. We will not and cannot be held liable or responsible for these issues.

Bidders are entering into a legal and binding contract to purchase the vehicle described above. If you do not intend to purchase this item, DO NOT BID!

Non-paying bidders, unqualified bidding, bid shielding, auction interference or any type of harassment, will be dealt with according to eBay Rules, local law, and may include, but are not limited to, legal action and applicable fees, loss of deposit or any other necessary costs.

We reserve the right to cancel bids and/or our auction at anytime for any reason.

PLACING A BID ON THIS AUCTION, CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL THE INFORMATION PRESENTED. Your winning accepted bid constitutes the completion of this transaction and does not give you the right to come and inspect the vehicle to conclude the purchase.   You have already bought it.  You are welcome to inspect anytime prior to placement of your winning accepted bid.

 Please feel free to visit our showroom in person we are conviently located 20 minutes south of Indianapolis, IN.

Masterpiece Classic Cars

675 N US 31

Whiteland, IN 46184

Call today we will pick you up from the airport and we can also make special viewing times to fit your busy schedule.

Staff at Masterpiece Classic Cars
(317) 535-3500 Fax: (317) 535-8800 sales@mpclassic.com

 All Indiana Buyers must pay 7.0% sales tax. All buyers pay a $150.00 Document fees with every car purchase. The Document fees cover all Title work, wire transfers, cost for all documents for the car and Certified mailings that are done. The successful "winning" bidder must telephone us within 24 hours after the auction has ended to verify purchase and make arrangements to complete the transaction.