Buick celebrated their fiftieth anniversary in 1953 with an all-new 322 cubic-inch V8 that was standard equipment in all Supers and Roadmasters (Specials hung on with the 263-cubic-inch straight eight for one more year). With the new V8, a grille that was possibly even bolder, and headlight surrounds that were inspired by the Buick XP-300 concept car, Buick sales increased from 303,745 in 1952 to 488,814 for their Golden Anniversary, and the Model 56R Super Riviera was one of their best sellers. With 91,298 sold, the 56R trailed only the Special Sedan in popularity, and while the seller’s father didn’t buy this car brand new in 1953, he did buy it as an 18-year-old kid in 1961. It’s been in the family ever since. Barn Finds reader Mike F. spotted this original-paint Super on craigslist in Thornton, Colorado, with an asking price of $17,000.
For that price, you get a car that seems like it’s been sitting for a while, but the seller woke it up “slowly.” The fluids have all been changed and the radiator was recored, but the tires are old enough that no test drives will be allowed (and for $17,000, that might be an issue). However, it was driven to the car wash to get the dust off, and it has “no issues.” One issue is that the upholstery is going to need redoing, and only one supplier (SMS) has it available. Of course, Denver certainly has some upholstery shops that can do the work, but that will be an added expense.
The craigslist ad doesn’t show any pictures of the new-for-1953 “Nailhead,” which was the 170-horsepower two-barrel version in the Super. When paired with the new Twin-Turbine Dynaflow, there’s no reason you couldn’t drive this ’53 Super at modern speeds, albeit with some extra space in front; remember, those four big drums don’t stop over two tons of Buick on a dime. The Super’s original spark plug covers are in the trunk, as is the oil-bath air cleaner. Perhaps the seller installed a different one? You may notice that the V8 models had different wheel covers than the Special, with a large “V” in the center.
They also had a different hood ornament, also with a prominent “V” as its main theme. As a matter of fact, there’s not a lot that will interchange between a Super and a Special; all body panels were different, the dashboard was different, and even the electrical system was different (twelve volts versus six). Buicks were available with over three-dozen color combinations (single-tone and two-tone). Given that time has had its way with the original paint, it’s a little tough to nail down, but my guess is that this one has color scheme number 75: a Teal Blue lower body combined with a Majestic White upper body. It’s a nice combination, but then again, most of them were on ’53 Buicks.
Based on the advertisement, the seller sounds like he’s easy to work with and responsive to inquiries; I just hope he gets some! As an owner of a ’53 Special Riviera, I know that they’re not as valuable as owners might hope. They are, however, amazing cars that draw a lot of attention (too much, sometimes) and are fun to own. They’re rolling UFOs (UROs?) and people just don’t know what to make of them when they see them in person. Why not keep the love for ’50s cars going and make this seller an offer?
Aaron, there’s a YouTube link at the bottom of the ad that shows a video of the engine running (sans air cleaner) as well as a bit of a walk-around of the car in the garage. There’s also what looks like a 1970 Buick in the garage as well, I’m unsure of the model. In any case, buying a Buick from a Buick-loving family is always a plus! Wish I had room for this, I live about 40 miles away.
Ah, I didn’t open the video, Todd. It does seem to run well, although it’s cold and still on fast idle; I wish he would have let it warm up and idle down so we could listen to the exhaust note. I think we have an answer as to why the spark plug covers are in the trunk; the new plug wires seem to have fairly large boots. My Special originally used plug wires without boots, and the shield did the same job; in other words, it kept anything from grounding on the wire ends. Maybe the boots are now too fat for the shields to fit, or maybe the owner just didn’t bother putting them back on. By the way, the other car is a ’69 Riviera; it’s awfully dusty, so I wonder if that was the seller’s dad’s car, too.
This is one great find here. I think the color combination is right on the money. As much as I’d love to see this with fresh paint, I might just leave it be. I’m totally with what Todd J. Said above. Getting this car from a Buick loving family is a major plus here. If you’re in the market for an old Buick. This is it!!! Long term ownership is huge to me.
Great car and write up Aaron!!!
That Bias Ply spare just might be original, or at the least from the early to mid 50’s.
488,314 Buick sales in 1953 to 184,421 in 2024. How far Buick has fallen.
No more Nailhead V8’s only turbo 3 and 4 cylinders. No more cars only two Korean SUV’s, one Chinese SUV and one SUV built in the US.
In China, GM sold 400,000 Buicks in 2024. So, still doesn’t match their peak years, but they are doing better than what their U.S. sales would indicate.
Viewed from the side the busy styling makes the car look overly bulky. In turn this gives the car a chopped-top appearance to my eye. The same year Hudsons also had a similar chopped-top look.
Test drive? In an uninsured and unregistered vehicle with thirty-plus year old tires, brakes and suspension, no thank you!
Where’s your lust for life? I’d jump right in and go for a few miles, no sweat
gold riv in the garage 67-69 vintage
SOLID, what a great find WEliv about 30 mile from Thornton. to bad it can’t be driven to check it out.
The first car I remember my Dad having was a ’53 Special. Straight 8, 3 on the tree. Two tone green with a real spotlight and the rear view mirror attached. The radio antenna was on the roof which folded down over the windshield.
Nice memory for me.
This model and year Buick restored with fresh paint looks fantastic from the ones seen as car shows. Big was beautiful in the early 1950’s. But I would be surprised if anyone would shell out $17,000 for this one.