Purchasing a classic that you can enjoy immediately and potentially restore at your leisure is an attractive proposition, and this 1955 Buick Century Riviera presents just such an opportunity. The Buick features a few subtle and practical upgrades, but retains its original “Nailhead” V8 under the hood. I want to extend a big thank you to Barn Finder Spokane Jeff for spotting this Century listed here on Craigslist in Mead, Washington. The seller set their price at $9,000, making it an undeniably affordable option.
Buick introduced its Third Generation Century in 1954, with the Riviera four-door Hardtop joining the range in 1955. This body style, which appeared in Buick and Oldsmobile models, represented General Motors at its most daring, because they were the first production vehicles of their type. Some readers will argue that this isn’t the correct and that we should bestow that honor on the 1949 Kaiser Virginian. That is technically correct, although the Kaiser featured a fixed center window on each side that wasn’t easily removed. This first-year example is a tidy car finished in Carlsbad Black and Dover White. The exterior retains a pleasant shine, having undergone a repaint approximately twelve years ago. However, the seller notes that it exhibits considerable deterioration, which isn’t visible in the supplied images. It is unclear whether this includes checking that might require a bare-metal approach to any restoration, and only an in-person inspection will reveal the truth. There are no significant panel imperfections, and no evidence or mention of rust. One passenger-side trim piece has a minor dent, but the rest of the trim and the glass are in good order.
A spectacular and eye-catching dash was one of the hallmarks of many classics from this era, and this Buick is no exception. The combination of painted steel and machine-turned bright trim is a winner, and those inside this Century are in excellent condition. The Black and Red seatcovers are free from rips and significant wear, but there are a couple of seam separations that the seller stabilized with tape. A competent upholsterer might be able to address this shortcoming, although addressing the few spots of faded vinyl may prove more challenging. The radio functions, but the clock and heater controls are inoperative. These functional issues may respond positively to some DIY tinkering, but the interior still looks presentable for a survivor-grade classic.
Buick introduced its legendary “Nailhead” V8 in 1953, with the First Generation version remaining available until 1956. This Century features its original 322ci motor, teamed with a two-speed Dynaflow automatic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes. The Nailhead was an excellent performer in a 1955 context, with that year’s Sales Brochure quoting power and torque figures of 236hp and 330 ft/lbs. The seller states that, apart from an upgrade to radial tires, this Century remains in its original factory condition. They say that the motor can be cold-blooded, suggesting that the choke may require attention to improve the situation. Otherwise, it appears that this Buick is a “turn the key and drive it away” proposition.
Most potential buyers appreciate a seller willing to highlight the flaws in their classic, which is the case with this 1955 Buick Century Riviera. However, it remains quite presentable, allowing its new owner to perform a cosmetic refresh when, or if, they deem it necessary. The fact that it falls below the magic $10,000 mark means that purchasing this classic won’t break the bank. The reality is that it is unlikely to become a mega-bucks vehicle, but a hands-on approach to its restoration should allow it to remain a financially viable project. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you?
Broderick Crawford stars as Dan Mathews, in ( cue dramatic intro) “Highway Patrol”. Before my time, but some say his gruff demeanor was a model for Joe Friday. Just watching some of the YouTube clips, they beat the heck out of these cars. CHP had 270 of the model 68 Century 2 doors, 135 automatic, 135 stick. It’s unclear if Brodericks Buick was an actual CHP, or a prop, regardless, it was a groundbreaking show. This car beat out 5 other car makers, chosen for its top speed( clocked at 108 mph before tearing the tread off the tires) and a cost of $2490 each.
This car is so cool, not only because it’s the same age as me, but look at it. The dash, the brake pedal, “POWER BRAKE”( dagnabit), hey, we take all that for granted, but power brakes were a big deal. Someone is going to get a sweetheart here.
I know, different markets, but really, who would buy a tin can Toyota pickup, when you could have this fantastic automobile? koo-koo,,,koo-koo,,,
Above comment says it all. 2150 out
Since it’s a 4 door, there is no upside to doing the car. Particularly if the chrome and stainless needs attention – there is so much of it, the budget for refurbishing just those items could kill any budget.
I like it…….a lot!
It’s amazing how a single make/model car can leave such a lasting impression on our generation.
I watched Highway Patrol religiously for the entire time it was on the air (well, there wasn’t much choice on the other equally snowy channel unless you liked Liberace). A few years back, I watched an episode of HP every lunch hour on YouTube. I’m sure I saw them all, and actually remembered watching some of those episodes back when I was a preschooler/first grader.
Interesting that, after the Buicks, Dodge seemed to make some inroads into the program. Funny that I remember the Buicks from years ago but only remembered the episodes (not the Dodges) from later years…
My grandfather had a ’57 Buick Special. I especially remember it because I was with him the day he picked it up brand new. It was September of ’57 and the ’58 barges were coming out. Black with pink (?) which I think was called “Salmon.” I was all of five years old…
4 door hardtop. I love it! Very reasonably priced. I wish this would have came up for sale a little while back when I was looking.
Yeah, I like the price too….
My first car. I graduated in ‘61, and my dad bought me a used ,55 Buick like this, $225.00. Two tone green with green plaid seats. Came from an old lady who wrecked the right front fender. Got a junkyard fender $25.00, and sprayed it flat gray and put it on. Replaced a pitman arm later on and took it out to straightaway. Took it to 105-110. Ran great. Sit in the back and couldn’t touch the front seat. Great drive in car.
When I got it still had the original plastic covered seat covers.
Ran great til the tranny died.
I find four door hardtops most attractive. To me top of the heap are the GM 1958 4 door models. The front to back proportions work extremely well.
Although not my preferred year, this Oldsmobuick stands out because the B/C pillars are directly over the rear door handles. The eye will follow the roofline and the door handles are secondary. Put poppers on the rear doors, shave those handles, and park this car next to a 2 door hardtop. Then judge the attractiveness of the two vehicles.
I had a 55 Buick 4 door in the late 70’s but it was a Special with only 3 port holes, not as nice as this one. “Wouldn’t you really want a Buick?”
fairly priced and its drivable. looks good too. pull into any cruise and it would draw a crowd
My first car. Mine was a Century 2dr. Riviera hardtop, dark green on the bottom, light green in the middle and a white top (yep, they came that way from the factory). 322 cubic inches (236hp) with a Dynaflow. What a great car with a great sound.