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All Original: 1956 Buick Special Riviera Hardtop

Cars from the mid to late 1950s were generally renowned for two things; flamboyant styling and rusting at an alarming rate. This 1956 Buick Special Riviera Hardtop is quite refreshing. Its lines are restrained by the standards of the day, and it is a rock-solid classic offering a range of possibilities. It could make a sound base for a restoration or custom build, but there would be no shame in preserving it as an original survivor. The Buick is listed here on eBay in Hanover, Pennsylvania. A single bid of $5,000 is below the reserve, and I must thank Barn Finder T.J. for using a finely tuned classic radar to spot this gem.

The history of this Buick is unclear, although the seller indicates they purchased it about one year ago. It spent its life in South Dakota, which is positive news for potential buyers. It is a rust-free classic, with the panels looking clean and the underside wearing nothing but dry corrosion. Treating this before it deteriorates would be wise, but it is not a priority if the buyer lives in a dry region. The car wears its original combination of Bittersweet and Ivory paint, never receiving any restoration or repair work. While it shows age and a few defects, the consistency and shine mean the new owner could preserve this beauty and still expect to receive admiring glances and comments wherever they go. The trim and chrome are excellent for a survivor-grade classic, and there are no issues with the tinted glass.

One trim feature on the 1956 Buick Special that I find fascinating is the ornament gracing the grille and trunk lid centers. This car rolled off the line in a period of rampant consumerism when buyers strived to own the latest and greatest models from their preferred marque. The “1956 Buick Special” badges must have seemed like a good idea at the time, but they had the effect of rapidly aging the Buick ahead of time. This may have been a deliberate ploy by the company to force owners to upgrade, but nobody ever confirmed or denied it. I doubt you would see such a feature on a modern car, although the industry can sometimes be so unpredictable that I would be unwilling to bet my house on it!

If this Buick has a genuine highlight, that honor falls to its interior. The original owner ordered it trimmed in Code 432 Black nylon patterned cloth and Ivory Cordaveen. The impression is positive, with no evidence of wear or stains. The dash and aluminum trim are spotless, as is the wheel. This classic features its factory AM radio and clock, with no aftermarket additions. The interior seems to need nothing and is another aspect that would receive positive comments if the new owner rocked up at their local Cars & Coffee.

Powering this Riviera is a 322ci V8 that sends 220hp to the rear wheels via a two-speed Dynaflow automatic transmission. While most buyers were unconcerned about outright performance, this car’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 18.5 seconds before hitting 112mph commanded respect. The seller emphasizes the originality of this classic, stating it has never been apart. The engine wears accumulated grease, grime, and oil, but detailing the engine bay to a high standard would be a satisfying way to kill time until we see the back of winter. Apart from cleaning, it has no mechanical needs. The seller says it runs and drives perfectly, offering its new owner the chance to slip behind the wheel and drive off into the sunset.

The Series 40 was the volume-seller within the Buick range in 1956, with 334,017 buyers handing over the cash across all models. The Special Riviera Hardtop led the way with a total of 113,861 cars. As an original survivor, there’s much to like about this Hardtop. Its overall condition and rust-free status make preservation viable, although a restoration or custom build would be equally valid. However, that decision could wait as the new owner enjoys what it currently offers. What would be your approach if you joined the bidding on this classic?

Comments

  1. Avatar robj Member

    A really nice alternative to the more common “Tri-Five” Chevys, but with very similar lines.
    I think this would be an ideal candidate for dry ice blasting of the engine compartment. Being “hermetically sealed” by years of grease I’ll bet the engine would turn out amazing.

    Like 14
  2. Avatar Bud Lee

    Even though I don’t like the color I’d leave it alone. This one has aged gracefully.

    Like 11
  3. Avatar Matt in L.A.

    In the early 80’s, I had a 4-dr Special, Shiny Black with a two tone blue interior. Such a good image car for a punky 22y/o in L.A.! It was so smooth. That Dynaflow! These were great cars if you took care of them.

    Like 8
  4. Avatar Car Nut Tacoma Washington (USA)

    Beautiful looking car. 1956 has always been my favourite year for Buick until 1960. Assuming everything is solid, safe, and and everything works as they should, I’d keep everything stock, the only thing I’d upgrade are the brakes, electrical system and tyres.

    Like 5
  5. Avatar David

    Reminds me of the 56 olds , but nicer.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar Car Nut Tacoma Washington (USA)

    I also love the 56 Chevy Bel Air.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Mountainwoodie

    I’m proud to be the first to post the obvious :)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok-OC0ckfV

    Is there anything more iconic than Dan Matthews? Maybe Roy Rogers.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Car Nut Tacoma Washington (USA)

      The YouTube video doesn’t seem to be available. Was there something you wanted to show us?

      Like 0
  8. Avatar Mountainwoodie

    Hmmm.try this link

    https://youtu.be/ok-OC0ckfVI

    Like 2
    • Avatar Car Nut Tacoma Washington

      Broderick Crawford in Highway Patrol.

      Like 2
      • Avatar Mountainwoodie

        CHP actually rented active duty ‘55 Buick Century’s to the show in the first 2 years . A fake Highway Patrol emblem was used on the doors . After a couple of years I think the CHP pulled their support over storyline differences . This Buick for sale is pretty close to the shows’ ‘55

        Like 1
  9. Avatar paterson guy

    My neighbor was a hot rodder; had a 53. Always thought they sounded like a vacuum cleaner.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Arfeeto

      “Always thought they sounded like a vacuum cleaner.”

      Perhaps. Yet I preferred the Buick’s sound to the Oldsmobile’s, the valve-lifter clatter of which invited comparison with a Smith Corona.

      Like 1
  10. Avatar Car Nut Tacoma Washington

    My grandparents drove Buicks back in the 1950s through the 1980s. They also drove Chevys and GMCs, but Buicks were their favourites.

    Like 2
  11. Avatar karl

    I wouldn’t say the mid 50s cars were known for rusting at an alarming rate ; There’s still a lot of them around 60 + years later .Even ones sitting in junkyards aren’t too bad considering the time spent on earth . Yeah they will rust, but what (steel) car doesn’t ? I’ll bet there are more 50s cars still around than 80s cars

    Like 1

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