I have discussed in previous articles the importance of a long-term ownership history when assessing the relative worth of a classic, and reader feedback suggests that many of you share that sentiment. If so, you might find this 1955 Buick Super Rivera 2-Door Hardtop very appealing. This seventy-year-old survivor has been part of the same family for the past five decades. However, all good things must end, and the time has come for this Buick to find a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beauty listed here on Craigslist in San Luis Obispo, California. Handing the seller $33,975 could see this Riviera parked in your garage.
The Super remained a staple of Buick’s model lineup from 1930 until 1958, with the exotic Riviera designation first appearing in 1950. The company introduced a heavily revised new generation of the Super in 1954, which remained in production until 1956. The 1955 model year brought a range of cosmetic upgrades, including an increase in the “Ventiport” total from three to four in each front fender. This 1955 example presents beautifully in a two-tone combination of Dover White and Gulf Turquoise. The seller doesn’t mention a restoration during the fifty years the garage-kept Riviera has been part of their family, and if it is a genuine survivor, its condition is noteworthy. There are no paint or panel imperfections worth noting, and while the underside shots reveal minor surface corrosion that is typical in older cars from a dry climate, there is no penetrating rust. The trim, including the elegant Sweepspear running down either side, is in great condition, and the tinted glass is crystal clear.
Every example of the Super Riviera ordered in 1955 featured the 322ci “Nailhead” V8. It was a formidable motor by the standards of the day, placing 236hp and 330 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal. Shifting duties are tackled by a two-speed “Dynaflow” automatic transmission, with the company’s Sales Brochure confirming that power-assisted steering and brakes were standard fare. Acceleration was slightly hampered by the fact that this Riviera tips the scales at over 4,300 lbs, although these cars developed a strong reputation for coping equally well in city traffic or on the open road. The seller indicates that this Buick has been maintained as per factory guidelines and that the sale includes a strong selection of supporting documentation. The car runs and drives as nicely as it would have when it left the lot, ready to provide its new owner with immediate classic motoring pleasure.
Opening this Buick’s doors reveals an interior trimmed in the Code 453A combination of Green Patterned Nylon and Light Green Cordaveen. As with the exterior, the seller doesn’t mention an interior restoration history. Also consistent with the outside, there are no major flaws or imperfections. The upholstered surfaces look excellent, the carpet is clean, and the abundant bright trim pieces add to the luxurious feel. A trip meter and clock were standard equipment in 1955, with this Riviera also featuring a factory AM radio.
This 1955 Buick Super Riviera Hardtop hails from an era when the automotive industry was exceptionally strong, and owners changed their cars more regularly than they do today. The result was that many vehicles with only a few years of service under their belts found their way onto the secondhand market, and values dropped accordingly. Therefore, they became exceptionally cheap, not representing the same level of investment they did the day they rolled off the showroom floor. That factor and the rust that plagued many cars from the 1950s resulted in vehicles being scrapped well before their time. This Buick has not only avoided that fate, but has been a cherished family member for five decades. I would love to see that trend continue, but are you up for that challenge?
What an icon of the mid ‘50’s Buick, with a back shelf area big enough for two youngsters to lay down as we did. Cruising effortlessly to the store or across the U.S. with room for everyone’s luggage in the trunk, the Desert Bag hanging in front of the grill and maybe a Thermador on mom’s window.
Nice one, Adam.
I always thought the Desert Bag was one really cool touch they got right in “Mulholland Falls.” Unusual to see that level of detail concerning cars in a movie. Or, perhaps they really were that close to overheating during shooting. I remember Nick Nolte dogging on that old Roadmaster quite a bit at times.
Family took a trip through Death Valley in our ’55 and we did have a water bag hanging on the back bumper, and yes, 113 degrees was really hot. Mom was not happy.
The small but perfect design feature on the big Buicks and Olds, and the Caddy of ’54 – ’56 was the treatment of the C pillar where the trim curves around under the rear window. It is awkward in many of the cars of the day, but just right here.
Other than 3 or 4 portholes to designate models, the top-of-the-line Roadmaster looked pretty much like a Super, Century, or Special.
Huge year as Buick sold nearly 740,000 models.
This is the car I grew up in. Dad bought it new to replace our ’49 Kaiser. His employment at a firm that supplied the frames for Buick may have influenced his decision. Replace the main white body with fire engine red and white again under the chrome side-sweep, retain the white top and there you have it, almost. As a young gearhead I often noted the difference in the trunklid and hood profile. The Roadmaster seemed to have a raised profile in both these areas. I’m quite surprised the rear view of this offering definitely has the raised trunk lid. Ours was flat as a kitchen table and I have numerous photos derived from the internet of similar offerings. In reading Barn Finds for the past decade or so I’ve become self-educated in many aspects of the old car domain. Perhaps some Buick expert can explain the difference in this body feature and answer an old, 70 year question.
The Roadmaster and Super used the C body which was shared with the Cadillacs series 62. The Special and Century use the smaller B body
My folks had on just like this absolutely beautiful car. Was and still is.I think the 55 Buick and Olds were the best looking
I’m think they were as well