From 1936 to 1969, the Special played different roles in the Buick lineup, often as the starter model to greater things. In the 1950s, the 2-door hardtops were known as Riviera Coupes (much like Oldsmobile called theirs Holiday Coupes). Later in the decade, this ’54 Buick Special Riviera found itself customized, gaining stacked headlights (which were not legal until 1957-58) and Oldsmobile taillights, among other things. Its current restoration is an older one but presents well enough and was part of a collection until recently. Another tip from T.J., this “special” Buick is in Lodi, California, and is available here on craigslist for $33,000.
The Buicks were treated to all new bodies in 1954 and the Special was the entry-level model. Buyers could opt for fancier or bigger equipment by ordering the Super, Century, or Roadmaster. They had a lower and wider look than before, which lent itself well to customizers of the day. Each Special packed a 264 cubic inch “Fireball” V8 under the hood and the cars would appear often on television as Buick was the sponsor of shows starring the likes of Milton Berle and Jackie Gleason.
This Special was customized back in its younger days and its ownership has changed hands several times. But the unique body and paint work caught the attention of many automotive magazines, and it made it to the cover on several occasions (images provided by the seller). Apparently, its transformation began in Salinas, California in the late 1950s with changes to the front and rear ends being the most noticeable. Between stunts on the show circuit, the car was stored many times and even found its way into museums.
Having not run in some time, the Buick has been made roadworthy again and it’s for sale as the owner is “thinning the herd”. It’s not a perfect show car by any means since the paint and interior date back to the 1980s and the odometer has more than 84,000 miles. But if you’d like to own a head turner that comes with some interesting history, perhaps this Buick is for you.
Good to see a real CUSTOM…
Those ’54 Chevy grill teeth sure got a workout on this car. Good example of the way they built customs back then. Nice car.
It gives the car a bit of a worried look, I think (the old photo). Makes a change from De Soto grilles, though.
Beeeeautiful. You know, I suppose a car like this would separate us today. I don’t think a younger person could appreciate what went into this, considering they have nothing in their lives that resembles it. Custom phone cover?. Not a fan of stacked headlights, but when built, it was all the rage, and looks great still.
Now, what are you going to do with it? Walmart? Dr. office? Free food line? All horror stories for a custom car, and may as well buy 40 feet of velvet rope and 4 posts. These radical customs seem to command top dollar at auction, usually a bidding war between 2 gray( or no) hairs, younger folks, not so much.
Knew a guy who had a beautiful, restored Jaguar E Type. Could not park it anywhere without people climbing all over it for a selfie photograph. He’d have to stand around guarding it; growling at the instagram crowd.
I think you are missing the low rider crowd which has paint jobs and interiors to rival or even exceed this. They do some wild a** customs, just in a different genre
Nice, not something you drive often but would definitely be a conversation piece. Surprisingly it still exists, so many were abandoned and forgotten.
I knew some of the crowd in here would like this one, but not me. It would be a great car for another movie like Christine. I personally would not care to have this car.
I love all pre ’70’s Buicks, except this one!! Ghastly.
Reminds me of all the “Car Craft” magazines from the 60s. Good times.
How about some current photos of what the car looks like now, not how it looked in its heyday. I bet it doesn’t look like the photos now.
In my younger days of Rods & Customs you were defined by which group you aligned with, I was always in the Hot Rod camp, but I loved the customs. This one would be fun to drive around, you would constantly be entertained by the comments on what the car was. A VERY COOL CUSTOM!
one very poor photo of the interior, none of the back seat, none of the dash, none of the engine compartment or trunk. Tough to sell a car with nothing but exterior shots of a 50 year old paintjob. At least by my way of thinking. But then, what do I know.
It is a period correct piece that set the standards and raised them. See it as that and you will understand the craftsmanship and design work, given the tools and aesthetics of the time, were ground breaking efforts.
That is my thought too.
Sweet!