This great-looking 1956 Buick Century Riviera 2-Door Hardtop reminds me of Bruce Springsteen’s “My Hometown” song. I can just see an eight-year-old Bruce sitting on his old man’s lap and doing his best to steer this gorgeous machine down Main Street of his hometown. This ’56 Buick, like Springsteen’s song reference about the textile mill in his small town, is a thing of the past from a different era in America. But some lucky individual will be able to rekindle some of those “good old days” in this ready-to-drive-and- enjoy classic piece of Detroit iron. It’s currently located in Kirkland, Washington, and is for sale here on craigslist for $24,500. Curvette has once again spotted a cool classic and sent it our way to feature here on Barn Finds. Thank you!
The seller, who is downsizing to make room in his storage facility, shares that he has owned the Buick for 11 years. The Century received a thorough, expensive restoration 28 years ago that included body work, new paint, replated chrome, new side windows, a rebuilt engine and transmission, and a new interior using the original fabric. The car has been driven less than 10,000 miles since the restoration and still looks fresh. Buyers had a choice of 20 paint colors for the ’56 Buick, and this Seminole Red and Dover White two-tone example is stunning. (This was how you two-toned a car back in the 50’s!) The seller describes that paint as “a 5-footer” due to its age and some small pimples in a few places that most people will never notice. There is no rust on the car.
The contrasting red-and-black interior of this Buick is downright gorgeous. Original black patterned fabric was used in the seats and the door panels, carpet, and red headliner look great. And so does that sparkling instrument panel, black padded dash, and big red steering wheel with the round chrome horn ring. Except for the clock and original AM radio, everything works. The seller shares that he added period-correct seat belts a few years ago, along with an aftermarket AM/FM stereo radio hidden in the glove box. This was a top-notch restoration that was performed inside and out 28 years ago, and it certainly shows.
The engine and engine bay are clean and tidy as well. The Buick is powered by a rebuilt 322-cubic-inch “Nailhead” V8 that is paired with a Dynaflow automatic transmission. It also has manual steering and brakes. The seller describes the car as “a great road and touring car that was driven to Buick Nationals several times from 100 miles to 2,000 miles with no problems.” Other listed work performed on the Buick includes installing an inline electric fuel pump on a manual switch to aid with start-ups, a rebuilt carburetor and vacuum wiper motor, replaced wheel cylinders, re-lined brake shoes, repacked wheel bearings, a brake fluid flush, and a new battery. If there’s one person out there who’s looking for a “ready to drive and enjoy” 2-door hardtop from the Fabulous 50’s, this is it. I envy the next lucky caretaker.
Love these!! Our family had a few of these Buicks!!
Am I wrong or the the two whites are different shade?
Is the two tones means for the white and red or 2 different white?
Could be lighting or maybe the roof needed attention. Often the horizontal surfaces go first
Yes, 1966 Buicks along with Chrysler and Dodge tried back in 1955 had tri-tone paint schemes. Many 55 and 56 cars in those brands were sold because they were liked by the buyers (even though most of the buyers didn’t appreciate the third color) they sold well enough for both GM and Chrysler offered them in the upper model cars like Buick and Chrysler. Chrysler also offered it in the Dodge cars to get an edge on sales.
I agree, we would have to see the codes but, to my eye, the sides are a creamier, off white and the roof is a brighter appliance white. It sure wouldn’t be the first tri-color 50s car I’ve seen. It looks great, but I wonder if that’s the way it left the factory?
Fine Automobile. My Aunt’s boyfriend had one just about like that, and that was back in 1956.
Beautiful car. My maternal grandparents drove Buicks back in the 1950s. I don’t know what model or model year exactly they drove. This is my favourite year for the car until the 1960 year. I hope this one goes to a good owner, one who will enjoy it and take care of it.
My folks had a 55 Century that was 3 colors. White lower body, gray upper body, and black roof. It really looked sharp with whitewall tires.
Very nice car, however, the varying shades of white are an irritant, and Bucks of that era were infamous for brake fade. Thinkin’ I’d like to have power brakes to mitigate that a bit.
Gorgeous Buick. If only I had the space . . . .
great looking Buick. a 4dr sold the other day on B A T for 5600.00.
I love Buicks of this decade! The Century Riviera is one gorgeous model in any colour!
I love cars from the 50s in general but this is one is really awesome. It looks to me like the seeming color mismatch is due to reflection tho.. in pictures 10 and 11 with the drivers door open the paint looks bright white on the lower body and the door and interior trim.
Nice car. My first car I bought with my own money was a 55 Buick Super in the same two tone colors. That was 1964 I was 16 going on 17 and had to title the car in my older brothers name. With tax and license it cost $299.00. It was a beautiful car with low mileage, and rode smooth as silk. I lived in Kirkland for a couple years, nice town across the lake from Seattle. I sure hope this finds a great home.
God Bless America