While we see our share of stunning classics at Barn Finds, it appears that this 1956 Buick Century Hardtop is a case where the photos don’t do it justice. The seller says that it looks even better in person following a restoration in 1995. It runs and drives perfectly, making it a turnkey proposition for potential buyers. The seller has listed the Buick here on Craigslist in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It could be yours for $29,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mike F. for spotting this beauty.
Tri-tone paint combinations are something that we rarely see on modern vehicles, but Buick proved that the right set of colors could make a bold but classy impact. This 1956 Century Hardtop features Seminole Red, Dover White, and Carlsbad Black that accentuates the car’s low and sleek lines. The seller states that it underwent a faithful restoration nearly thirty years ago, and its impressive presentation suggests it has been treated respectfully and sheltered from the worst Mother Nature can throw at it ever since. The paint holds a deep shine, while the panels are laser-straight. The gaps are tight and consistent, and the trim is immaculate. I can’t spot any problems with the tinted glass, while the wire wheels and whitewalls add the ideal finishing touch to a classic that oozes class.
The new owner won’t need to spend a dime on this Buick’s interior because if it isn’t flawless, it doesn’t miss that goal by much. The Gray trim, in cloth and vinyl, is free from wear and marks, with the same true of the matching carpet. The wheel shows slight “yellowing” which is a typical sign of age, but it hasn’t cracked or split. The bright trim, one of the interior highlights, sparkles beautifully, and there are no aftermarket additions. It isn’t lavishly equipped by modern standards, but the buyer will undoubtedly welcome the factory AM radio and the clock.
Buick may have focused on luxury and comfort when developing the 1956 Century range, but they didn’t lose sight of its performance potential. Lifting the hood reveals the 322ci V8 that produces 255hp and 341 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties are tackled by a two-speed Dynaflow transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes accentuating this car’s luxury leanings. The Dynaflow saps some of this Buick’s acceleration potential, but with the ability to hit 117mph, this Century’s performance was considered relatively impressive in 1956. Those who fancy a New Mexico holiday might find this classic irresistible because they could fly in and drive home in a car that is a turnkey proposition in excellent mechanical health.
Some enthusiasts steer clear of restored classics because they fear that sparkling paint may hide a multitude of nasty surprises. However, when nearly three decades have passed since work ended and the car still presents exceptionally well, that’s a good sign that the build was completed to a high standard. Such is the case with this 1956 Buick Century Hardtop. It appears to need nothing, and the seller’s price looks fairly competitive in the current market. It has only been on the market for a few days, and I suspect it won’t take long to find a new home. Are you tempted to make it yours?
Sure looks like a 55.
Because it is. Surprised the writer mentions ‘1956’ in reference to this `55 model so many times! Beautiful car overall, and my personal favorite Buick of the 50’s, but it’s a `55!
It is a ’55 if my childhood memories are correct. The ’56’s had oval ports. Is the pushbutton on the left to replace a faulty accelerator starting mechanism that these sere supposed to have? Just turn on the ignition and floor the accelerator pedal to start. My ’53 was like that.
Sorry, But this is a 55. The DAGMARS on this were dropped for 56, replaced by flat bumper guards with 🤔 lights in the center of them.
Rick, no lights in the center of `56 Buick bumper guards. They were all steel. (Someone may have customized theirs, but not the factory)
It’s the headlight dimmer switch.
plus 1956 had different tail lights did not have center back up light
Sorry, But this is a 55. The DAGMARS on this were dropped for 56, replaced by flat bumper guards with 🤔 lights in the center of them.
Back when Buick was a CAR people really 🎵 did 🎵 want 🎶a Buick! 🎵 While the price is high, it’s still much less than Today’s Buick overpriced and overstuffed bloated SUVS and crossovers. And this 56 was built solid to last!
Back when Buick was a CAR people really 🎵 did 🎵 want 🎶a Buick! 🎵 While the price is high, it’s still much less than Today’s Buick overpriced and overstuffed bloated SUVS and crossovers. And this 56 was built solid to last!
look at the grill, look at the tail lights, look at the dash. It is a 55
look at the grill, look at the tail lights, look at the dash. It is a 55
Don’t care what year it is.
It’s beautiful.
Yep, ALL Buicks were beautiful up until about 1967 in my mind.
O.K. I guess everyone agrees it’s a ’55, and what a nice one it is. For 25 grand you could not even come close to restoring one like this. The chrome alone would put you in the poor house. And while not original that interior is beautiful, and you gotta love those wire wheels. Just have to say I don’t think GM had safety in mind when they designed that steering wheel. But if one of these is on your bucket list I think this is the one buy.
1956 Buick also had a long ribbon speedometer. Not round like this unit. My older brother had a 56.
Lovely 55 and it must be a Loadmaster due to the 4 ports. My 54 Century has 3 ports and almost exactly like this except for the tail lights which are like the 53. I must say its nicer than mine is a restomode but this one is better and only $1000,00 more than men. However I do have the big 1963 engine and tranny. My paint job is superb, still I;m spending $$$ to fix a number of items this one already has in good condition. When competed my 54 will be Brand A new ‘DAILY DRIVER’ I’ll BE selling MY 2012 4WD 2 DOOR SHORT BED Silverado WITH 79K MILES.
I believe you mean “Roadmaster”. However, the ‘55 Century also sported 4 ports. I also politely disagree with your assessment that the ‘54s and ‘55s are “almost exactly alike”. Besides the rear quarter panels and taillights, the grill/front end treatment is very different.
In 1955, the Special had 3 portholes, the Century, Super, and Roadmaster had 4 portholes. Prior to 1955, Roadmaster was the only Buick with 4 portholes, and the Century, Super, and Special had 3.
I say it all over Barnfinds… Few people (comparitively) can have a car collection. MANY people it seems pay the “Average” new car price of $45,000 so they can have a dependable car. The resto-mod will become, I’m GUESSING, a way for antique car lovers of a more typical income bracket to substitute existing buying power. Old tech is simply not as reliable as new tech. If we put our loved ones in it, we don’t want a breakdown. So, for those with a “whimsical” 30 grand or so, they can get a rest-mod.
The ’55 (and ’56) Century, Super and Roadmaster all had four ports. Only the Special had three ports.
Beautiful Buick! The only obvious things to look into are relatively minor… the pushbutton, that looks like a traditional aftermarket “replacement” horn switch, and the mysterious toggle switch under it. What a great car to take out on a cruise!
After comparing the front and back of the ’55, and ’56 Buick Century’s, you are correct. The car listed is a 1955 model year. It’s still a stunner, regardless.
2150 to headquarters.
2150 by.
How does the owner/seller not know what year his car is?
I have always loved Buicks and have known them and this one is a 1955
The listing has been changed to 1955.
Yes, we all agree it’s a ’55. My first thought was it’s a Roadmaster because of the four port holes but as someone pointed out in ’56 all Buicks except the Special had four port holes.
My uncle had a ’56 Roadmaster.
The ’56 had a not so flat grill but bent to a point in the middle. Also, the emblem on the grill told you it was a 1956. The dagmars were flat, not pointy and did not have lights in them, (sorry Rick, you’re thinking about earlier Oldsmobiles)
At the taillights the big round backup lights were moved to the lower portion of the big chrome assembly and were flat and square. The dashboard was different on the ’56.
So….. we’re all in agreement? Don’t jump all over Adam Clark, we all make mistakes.
This example looks to be in great shape. Nice car, but GM cars from ’53 to ’56/’57 were boxy to me. The ’57 Buicks were much sleeker and streamlined.