Believe me, the Buick Skylark was a very sexy automobile when it was introduced in 1953. Even those import enthusiasts who mocked Detroit's excesses fell in love with this one. Designed by GM's Harley Earl as a limited edition Roadmaster to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary, the Skylark was distinguished by wide-open wheel wells filled with chrome-plated spoke wheels, cutaway doors in the fashion of English sports cars, and a curvaceously sloping trunk. Buick's trademark Ventiports (portholes) were missing as Earl obviously felt they distracted from the European look that he was emulating. Power came from Buick's 322 c.i. "Nailhead" V-8 producing 190 h.p. Limited edition indeed, as only 1690 examples were made in model year '53. The following year Earl added tailfins to the body, just as they became a design feature on other GM models. Power was increased to 200. A wealth of equipment was made standard, including Dynaflow automatic transmission, air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power top, antenna, and Selectronic radio. Only 836 Skylarks were produced in 1954; it is believed that only 50 survived. The 1954 Skylark seen here was purchased from the estate of the original owner in 1998 and underwent a comprehensive restoration in 2000. It will surely be a highlight of Russo & Steele's Scottsdale auction next week, one that I don't intend to miss.