[Closed] 1953 and '54 Skylarks...

Make that a minority of 2 John; I much prefer the '53.

The '53 has always been regarded as the more desirable, but I prefer the very unique look of the '54

The controversial rear styling of the '54 appears inspired by the '53 Wildcat and '54 (PIC, 1:18)

Wildcat II.

Here are the Minichamps versions in 1:18-scale:

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1953 and '54 Skylarks (pics)

These two Buick Skylarks were interesting additions to the Buick marque, comparable to their contemporary Eldorado and Olds Fiesta counterparts. (Brooklin produced a great model of that '53 Fiesta!) The Skylark outsold the other two by far.

The '53 Skylark was based on the Roadmaster/Super chassis and drivetrain, but was extensively modified by hand labor. The entire body was lower, most evident in the doors. It was big and impressive, very expensive, and looked great in a parade. And Buick termed it a sports car.
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The '54 Skylark was based on the Century/Special chassis and drivetrain, and was mostly modified by different outer body parts unique to the line. These changes were most evident in the wheel wells and rear appearance. It was also much higher priced that other Buicks. It did not sell well because potential buyers too often felt the smaller body lacked the visual impact of the '53 Roadmaster-based Skylark.
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My choice? I was driving my dad's '51 Chevy, but I most remember drooling over the new Kaiser Darrin.

A minority of 3, I have never been that fond of the '54 Skylark, or the '54 Buick in general.

John, I voted for the Skykark because of it's restrained styling.( You buying this?). Seriously I thought both the Buick and Packard were beautiful in 1953 and disappointing in 1954. I decided if I was going to be seen in either the Buick would make a bigger impression even if the impression was negative.

I didn't know about the platforms of the two Buicks...

I knew the '53 was based on the Roadmaster but hadn't realised the '54 was Century/Special. Just goes to show I learn something every day! Still prefer the '53!

Great models Brian!

Ha! Like your thinking Bob.

I have special memories of the '53 Skylark .

I first met John Hall at Brooklin when the Brooklin Skylark - BRK20 - had just been announced. I'd phoned him to ask if he'd sell me some wheels for my scratch-built wood models. He invited me over to the factory one evening as I lived only 20 miles away. I took him a painting of a 1942 Desoto as a small gift. He was very complimentary about both the painting and my wood models and gave me some wheels...and a BRK20 Buick Skylark! Since them I've ruined many a BRK Skylark model...

Was BRK 20, the Buick Skylark of 1953, ever made in a top-down version?

Don't like any of the Buicks of that period, large vertical [toothy] grills and the big check mark side trim that dives down to before the rear wheel. Both just look wrong to me, I guess I am too conservative with horizontal grills & side trim. And the straight 8 dynaflow trans just don't sound right to me. Just one man's opinion.

The 53 & 54 Buicks were V-8's not straight 8's

I love all of the Buicks from that era ! It would be nearly impossible to choose between any of these beauties.