1954 Buick Skylark pro-touring Betty Boop

1954 Buick Skylark Description

This is the 1954 Buick Skylark limited edition. 836 were built in 1954, this model is one of the top sought after American made 1950's convertible. If you are not aware of what a 1954 Buick Skylark is, you can google it. This is a very rare car and space doesn't permit me to include the history of this model.
The 1954 Buick Skylark has been my favorite even when I was young. Its a masterpiece in car art and the distinct rear end stuck in my mind until I was old enough to realize they were a bit beyond my reach. Itwas a limited edition model making it very hard to acquire.But over the years I acquired several of them and collected a lot of the original parts. The first one I built was original, but I enjoyed the car too much and found that the original suspension, transmission and wire wheelswere not up to par for touring. Thus I started building Betty and learned (the hard way) that this generation of Buick requires all custom work to build. The parts do not interchange with other 50's GM makes. This is an old school build but will hang with modern cars for performance, handlingand acceleration. Its also all Buick. This car can cover a wide variety of events and will stand out in almost any type of show.
However, I did not want to modify the body in any way given the rarity. so, Betty sits on a custom frame. The frame was built as an exact interchange to an original skylark frame, which I have. If the buyer desires the original frame and drivetrain, that can be discussed but is not included with this offering. I am not interested in building an original Skylark but this car does allow for returning to original. However, this car hasmany features that even a purist will love. It has a 1965 Riviera drivetrain. Yes, a SP400 transmission was an unusual item as the torque converter has 2 stall speeds. These trannies are also tough, as the 425 nailhead has incredible torque and the Riviera rear end is a posi. No slug here, grandma can keep up with the rice rockets and the 4 link triangulated rear end will stay on the road. The modernizedrack and pinion front end holds the road and the upgraded brakes will make sure you don't pass the local bingo parlor on the way home!It is ready to travel cross country.
But don't let the frame fool you. This car still retains the stock look. The body is not modified but it is rebuilt showroom new. It has the huge roadmaster bench seat and an all black leather interior as original. I even left in the original, rebuilt wonderbar radio in the dash. You can install an updated stereo to suit. Yes, all the original trim in show quality with a black cloth top. It has the original window mechanisms, but the hydraulic rams have been replaced with reliable electric rams. Physically, it's as original, but the new wiring is far more reliable and safer too. The body is all original metal. Other than skin coats its a near perfect body. The undercarriage is rino lined with the Matador red and the body an original Buick matador red with a deep clear, high quality paint. The car also has additional insulation for a very comfortable interior. I also have an AC compressor. AC can be easily added but was not to avoid body modifications. A evaporator core may require an additional hole in the cowl and can be left to the buyer's discretion. Large Front disk brakes and dual master.
Under the hood, the 425 nailhead is dressed as an original 322 nailhead. It looks correct, but it's nearly twice the power. I did chrome some of the engine parts- they are original, just a little more shine under the hood. The engine has a stock build, high flow pipes and a Demon carb. I do have a dual quad setup for itbut I found the single carb is simple and reliable. The build criteria is touring and the stock Riviera drivetrain is capable of turning 120MPH in the quarter mile. Dual quads look great but I wanted the car to be smooth and reliable, so it currently has the single 4 barrel. The switch pitch torque converter is a unique feature giving you a performance mode and an even more performance mode. The Riviera rear end is an extremely tough Posi rear end with the Buick 5 on 5 bolt pattern and the correct width. This ain't grandma's Buick!
The wiper is also electric so it actually works in the rain! Do note, the original vin and trim tags are intact. This car was originally black with a yellow interior. All modifications are completely documented, there is no desire to misrepresent anything on the car. I did switch to Vintique wire wheels, the original Kelsey hays rims won't handle the torque but they appear as original. The car is lowered 2", not too low but a much more appealing look but can still go over a speed bump at the local cafeteria. This car has all of the rare 1954 Skylark parts. The modifications are very well disguised, even a Buick expert is hard pressed to note all of the upgrades. But press the pedal and the car will lay rubber- the handling is as nimble as a modern car. This is pure fun, this car was built to drive. Everything worksas it should.
How nice? Its a BCA GOLD. Yes, that can be verified with the BCA at the 2015 nationals in Springfield Missouri. Granted, the car has a pile of trophies from shows in Colorado but this is a true, Buick club of America judged so I am comfortable in advertising the car as a #1 condition. This is a nationally recognized car. Its a blast to drive but it has stayed in the garage-yes, a trailer queen. But, this car is ready to drive cross country. It has a few hundred miles, enough to break it in and wring out any of the new build issues. It is fast and nimble. It is the only BCA gold Skylark with the 425 Riviera drivetrain. This car is one off, unique, Judged and fast. Period.
An interested buyer will likely want to inspect the car in the Denver area. We have easy access to DIA so keep in mind that this add will likely be rerun to give ample opportunity for a buyer to verify the car is as advertised, so I am not using a buy it now. Also, I'm not looking for a quick sale. The buyer will likely be seeking something very unique, rareand top notch so the process could take months. It will appear in a few more shows in the Denver area this month. I have been courted by the major auction houses but the buyer can avoid the auction fees. This is indeed a 1 off opportunity. There are very few BCA gold Skylarks for sale and absolutely none with a comparable build with BCA recognition. This is a top quality 1 off 1954 Skylark Pro touring and the build did not modify any original parts.
About me- I am a long time 100% ebay seller, specializing in rust free western cars. This showpiece car is offered to fund a restoration shop that specializes in older convertibles and unique vehicles. We do specialize in 50's Buicks and custom drive train upgrades. I like to keep the old school look but improve the driving experience.Ecclectic classics doeshave a lot of 50's era Buick parts and a very skilled fabricator but we are currently low volume. We do have body sectionsso we can custom build upgraded frames for 54 to 56 Buick century models that will not easily adapt to aftermarket frames and drive trains. Contact me through ebay and I welcome other inquiries for 1950'sBuick (and other make) convertibles.