A few days ago I posted a blog about the styling of the post-war Buick Roadmaster (although a convertible was shown, it's the fastback that really turns my crank). It was, and still is, one of my favorites. However my good friend and former test drive buddy Colin Hefferon checked me up on that, insisting the 54 Buick Skylark is a more exciting car to look at and no doubt to drive. I'd forgotten about the Skylark but Colin has a point.

In 1953 General Motors offered three special convertibles: the Oldsmobile Fiesta, the Cadillac Eldorado, and the Buick Skylark. While the Fiesta and Eldorado were based on standard convertible bodies, the Skylark, built on a Roadmaster chassis, had its own distinctive fender lines. Perhaps that's why it outsold the Fiesta and Eldorado by nearly three to one. For 1954, the Skylark became a series in its own right and the body was substantially redesigned. Rear fenders were bobbed, sloping gently down, large chrome taillight nacelles were added, the doors had a sporty-looking dip at the waistline. Wheel cutouts were enlarged and elongated, their contrasting color providing a visual accent. Standard engine was a 200 hp, 322 cubic-inch overhead-valve V-8, transmission was Buick's smooth Dynaflow automatic. The Skylark in our photo will be sold at RM's Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook auction, August 1, 2009. Restored 15 years ago, it has a mere 60,000 miles on the clock and is said to be in excellent condition. Estimated price of $60-80,000 is a tad more than the $4355 the original owner paid.

Okay, Colin... she's certainly a beauty. So I will add the Skylark to my mythical auto museum, to be displayed right next to the 48 Roadmaster with its mellow straight-eight and long, sweeping hood and fenders. Come to think of it I may also include a Wildcat and a Riviera. Those four collectively represent Buick's most desireable cars of the postwar period. Anyone care to disagree?