10/22/2026
In 1953, General Motors introduced three limited-edition, ultra-luxury sports convertibles: the Cadillac Eldorado, the Oldsmobile Fiesta, and Buick Skylark. Each one boasted exclusve styling to differentiate them from ordinary Cadillac, Olds, and Buick models, they were built in small numbers, and they carried hefty price tags, too. Adding a twist to GM’s corporate custom convertible theme, Buick built one Skylark hardtop coupe—just one. Reportedly built to test the market for a production Skylark coupe, the one-off was constructed by starting with a Roadmaster Riviera (model 76R) two-door hardtop. From there, the doors, rear quarter panels, rear wheel houses, and associated pieces from a Skylark convertible (model 76X) were adapted to the Roadmaster hardtop body shell. The interior is in 1954 Skylark trim, and just like the convertibles, the Skylark hardtop has no ventiports in the front fenders. Fully optioned out with a trunk-mounted air conditioning unit (note the intake ducts in the quarter panels) and a signal-seeking radio with foot-button control, the Skylark hardtop was not merely a Motorama show car. It also served as daily transportation for Buick general manager Ivan Wiles and Mrs. Wiles for a year. The prototype then passed on to a succession of private owners.
The Buick Club of America brings enthusiasts together from across the country to share knowledge, preserve Buick history, and enjoy the hobby.
From local gatherings and national meets to restoration advice and the award-winning Buick Bugle, there’s always another way to get involved.
Whether you’ve owned Buicks for decades or are just discovering the marque, there’s a place for you in the Buick community.
Join today: buickclub.org/join
