Some cars are genuine mystery machines, posing as many questions as they answer. Such is the case with this 1949 Buick Roadmaster Riviera. The seller purchased the vehicle for his aging father, but he has reached the point where further work is beyond his physical ability. However, developments during the last decade in their care suggest it may be a pre-production example. The Rivera has undergone many changes, although its originality makes a faithful restoration viable. The Buick is listed here on eBay in Fountain Valley, California. Bidding sits below the reserve at $11,806.
Buick followed the lead of many manufacturers, releasing its first major post-war vehicle update in 1949. The Roadmaster was one of the rare occasions where life imitated art, with the distinctive and iconic VentiPorts making their first appearance on a Buick model. The company’s Design Chief, Ned Nickles, fitted illuminated versions as an aftermarket addition to his 1948 Roadmaster. One senior manager was so impressed by the appearance that VentiPorts, in non-illuminated form, became standard fare in 1949. The seller purchased this Riviera over a decade ago as a project for his father. The car comes with a mysterious history, having only one previous owner. They purchased the car for special occasions, which may account for the plausible claim of 26,000 genuine miles. It has undergone several color changes, with the original combination of Sand Gray Metallic and Regency Blue Metallic hiding below the existing Black and Green. The seller describes the presentation as a “good 15-footer,” confirming that a close inspection reveals checking and general deterioration. They sent the Riviera to a paint shop for what they believed were rust repairs, but this proved to be nothing more than shrinkage due to the multiple layers of paint. The Buick is rust-free, with only mild surface corrosion on its underside. Therefore, stripping the vehicle to bare metal as part of a high-end restoration is viable. As we delve deeper, some readers will agree that could be the best course of action. The trim looks excellent, but some glass shows edge deterioration and cracks.
The Riviera came into the seller’s possession surrounded by aggravation. The original owner’s son sold it to the current owners without permission, and unraveling the problem required diplomacy and tact. The car had sat at a paint shop for years, awaiting a refresh when the original owner died. The Riviera was eventually retrieved partially dismantled, with the vehicle bolted back together before finding its current home. Some items disappeared while at the shop, including the door trims. This is a shame because the interior is, otherwise, complete. The seats, particularly the upper back seat, exhibit deterioration due to UV exposure. There are no gaping holes, so they are serviceable. The carpet is believed to be original, and like the seats, it hasn’t developed any significant problems justifying immediate replacement. The bright trim is pitted but presentable, and the dash looks extremely nice. The hydraulic windows and seat function, although slow window operation may indicate a system flush or pump rebuild is required. There are no aftermarket additions, with the car’s luxury credentials emphasized by the factory radio.
Two significant items carried over from the previous model to the 1949 Roadmaser range were the 320ci “Fireball” straight-eight engine and two-speed Dynaflow transmission. A V8 powerplant was a few years away, although this engine’s ability to develop 150hp and 280 ft/lbs of torque provided respectable performance. This is where the car’s story becomes slightly clouded. It retains its original engine, transmission, and six-volt electrical system. The seller’s father pulled the engine a few years ago to undertake a reseal and detailing. The engine has never been dismantled or rebuilt, but the generator, starter, and water pump received a refresh. The engine mounts required replacement, and that is where the Riviera’s story became fascinating. The engine mounts and some parts provide a clue because when they needed replacement, a classic Buick specialist confirmed them to be 1948 components. The original owner’s daughter emphasized that her father took delivery of the Buick in February 1949, which was before these cars hit showroom floors. She believes it is a pre-production vehicle, which would help explain the discrepancies. It requires detective work to uncover the truth and could be a fascinating sidebar that allows the Riviera to stand out. The car has seen virtually no use in the last decade and only limited use and years of inactivity while under the original owner’s care. That makes the claim of 26,000 genuine miles seem plausible. The car runs and drives, but replacing the ancient tires and performing a thorough inspection is imperative before the winning bidder hits the road.
Buick only produced 4,314 examples of the Roadmaster Rivera Hardtop in 1949, making these cars pretty rare. It is unknown how many survive, but if recent market listings are an accurate guide, very few are left on our roads. This car has what appears to be a fascinating history, and a faithful restoration should yield a value of around $50,000. It will be interesting to gauge your feedback and whether you believe the car’s history seems plausible. Does that make this classic one you would consider pursuing further?
I think this car is cool, and it’s history, adds to the appeal, as does the straight 8.
Return to factory spec is the only way.
I agree with Aussie Dave but you just know someone here is going to need air conditioning.
I used a 48 Packard Sedan Station in Hawaii 30+ years ago. Its A/C hung on a back passenger door window and drew in air and cooled it somehow. Something similiar may be an option.
Was the painter colourblind?
Yeah, that green top has to go!
Yes Mic that green roof is a shocker it would be painted black real quick.
Most of us are actually lining up right now for the chance to repaint the top. That includes me.
I think I would go bright purple and bright yellow stripped. Then I could find it with a drone.
Apparently they shot his seeing eye dog.
(Lol)
I own this cars little brother the super sedanette. Similar story but 99% original and head turning beautiful black with gray wool interior.
What a beautiful car! This is one of those cars I would not think of owning and then I see it and the light bulb goes on, and I want it.
Such a mish-mash of different colors, inside and outside, none of which look good with any of the others. That kills it for me.
BF quote: “The original owner’s daughter emphasized that her father took delivery of the Buick in February 1949, which was before these cars hit showroom floors. She believes it is a pre-production vehicle, which would help explain the discrepancies.”
Not a pre-production car. February 1949 was NOT before these cars hit showroom floors. They went on sale midway through the 1949 model year (not calendar year), which would be early ’49 as the model year started in fall ’48. Also the chrome “sweep spear” side trim was not on the early ’49s, just the later ones, and not on all Rivieras. So it’s unlikely a pre-production Riviera would have had it. And why would a pre-production car be sold to the public back then anyway? Nice fable, though.
Sorry, not correct. On June 26, 1949, multiple newspapers carried a Buick release stating that production of the Roadmaster Riviera has at last started. All production 1949 Buick Roadmaster Rivieras had sweepspears standard, as indicated on the Buick ordering advisory first listing the 1949 Model 76R, dated 7/27/1949.
I thought 1949 was the first year for the Dynoflo transmission.
Dynaflow was optional in the Roadmaster in 1948 and then standard in the RM from 1949 on. The Super was available with Dynaflow in 1949. In 1950, the Special came with the three speed manual transmission and the Special DeLuxe was available with Dynaflow as an option.
I lived in Durban on the Indian Ocean side of South Africa for over 60 years, Summer temps of 33 to 43 deg.c Humiture between 95 and 105 during the Summer, owned over 200 cars, and only had about five with aircon. My last car while living in SA was a 1959 Borgward Isabella TS and the before that, which I owned for 8 years, was a 1951 Buick Super which didn’t have aircon either. No problem, open the window, turn the small quarter window past 90 deg. and enjoy the blast of “warm” air! I loved that car but only sold it because I was leaving to live in UK and the Borgward was just bought to fill in the gap before emigrating.
This car needs at least $25-30,000 to restore it. painting alone would be around $20,000. Said some trim pieces are missing; good luck with that unless a resto shop can faithfully repro them.
First car I remember Dad owning was a ’53 Special 2-door sedan. Two-tone green with the outside mirror with spotlight on the back of it. Straight 8 with a 3-speed. Had a radio with the fold down rooftop antenna. Similar grill to this one. Vacuum wipers were hell, weren’ they?