I’m not saying they’re not worthy, but the public’s general focus of GM’s Tri-Five offering seems to be squarely on the Chevrolets. That, rather, unfortunately, leaves the other GMs of those years in the backseat. I’ll take this opportunity to put another one of those makes in the front seat. Sent in by an anonymous Barn Finds reader, this 1957 Buick Super Riviera can be found here on eBay in Simi Valley, California. This no reserve auction has received 42 bids, pushing the price to $15,000 at the time of writing.
“Super clean, super original barn find” is how the seller starts their description. That’s usually a good start. This is an all-original two-owner car. Never having been in an accident, this Buick is believed to be wearing original paint and has, what I believe to be, a top-notch natural patina. There’s no dents, no dings, and the chrome is bright. The slightly exposed red wheel with wide whitewalls really pops against the two-tone blue paint. I’ll cast my vote to, aside from a detail, leave this one untouched.
The matching blue interior is also original, showing only minimal wear on the seating surfaces. All things considered, it’s remarkable how well it’s held up over the past 63 years. Carpet and headliner are a bit dirty, but look wear and tear-free. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for the high bidder that they’re cleanable just to help maintain this car’s originality.
Under the hood, you’ll see the original 300HP 364 cubic inch Fireball V8. The Dynaflow automatic transmission and power steering were standard on the Super models, but the power brakes equipped on this car were a $32 option. All welcome conveniences. The engine bay looks mostly original but could use a thorough detailing. I’m sensing a theme with this car!
The model brochure for the 1957 Buick Super Riviera read: “It’s low when you stand beside it yet has ample room when you sit inside. Smart new look. Smooth new ride and handling.” That sounds like quite the recipe for 1950s cool. I’m hopeful others see it the same way and the non-Chevy 1955-1957 GMs get the recognition I think they deserve.
I agree Jonny this is super cool.
being a dyed in the wool dodge boy! here goes,of these cars the 57 olds is a way better car for lots of reasons, better transmission, open driveshaft, buicks stuck with closed driveshafts till 58, pain in the backside to change the transmission, the starter switch is under the gas pedal, a 57 olds 98 will run circles around a buick all day long!
I had a 4 door this same color back in the mid 60’s but I don’t remember any starter switch under the gas pedal
This is one of my fave car types: low production models that I never knew existed – beauties that for some reason didn’t get the love they should when available new, and fly under the radar. I have seen enough corvettes, Chevelles and tri-five chevys to last me the rest of my life. I would love to see one of these at a car show!
I would take this Riv before any tri five other than a 56/57 convertible. One beautiful ride! One question, I have always believed that a Buick with 4 portholes was known as a Roadmaster, not a Super. Am I correct, or did they change over the years?
From 1949-1954, only the Roadmaster had 4 ventiports. Beginning in 1955, all models, except the Special, had 4 ventiports.
The Roadmaster and Super were 4 holers while the Century and Specials had 3.
No, Mr. Roberge, the Century had 4 portholes from 1955 through 1958. It had 3 portholes in 1954 only.
Quick story, not as long as the Packard one, in the late 70’s, I hung out in N.Wis.( Phillips) and me and a friend went to the local grocery store. I stayed in the car, he comes back a minute later and says, “Howard, you gotta come see this”. In a parking spot, an elderly lady had a red and black ’57 Buick like this in perfect shape, plastic on the seats and all. It wouldn’t start, and the lady asked us to help. We popped the hood, dripping of gas, we held the choke open, fired right up. It even had the original tar top Delco battery. She thanked us, I tried to see the mileage, and I’m sure the 1st number was a 1. I always wondered what happened to that car.
This Buick is a real beauty and I’m a fan of blue. Amazing original condition and it seems to be in good running order according to the seller. Given the amount of brightwork on the car, it seems expensive re-chroming won’t be needed; a major plus. I think I’d be tempted to re-paint the light blue color as I’m not a fan of worn out paint but I can understand if the next owner chose to keep the car in it’s original condition. Even though it seems it will sell for a good price, it’ll be worth every penny. Not a Tri-Five is a nice change of pace.
I would take this ’57 Buick over ANY Tri Five, other than a 56/57 convertible, all day long. I think there are more Tri fives, Corvettes, Firebirds, Camaros, Ford Model A’s etc. on American roads right now than were ever built in the first place. As for the chrome plating that might need a redo, my 1951 Super only had chrome bumpers and the rest was stainless steel. I am led to believe that the body of the 1951’s was galvanised, is that true? Also, this car has 4 portholes, does that not make it a Roadmaster?
Hi ken, originally called “ventiports”, to mimic WW2 fighter plane exhaust, they were only available on Roadmashers[sic], but by ’57, you could get them on everything except the Special, which had 3. They disappeared for ’58 and ’59, but came back in 1960.
https://www.motortrend.com/news/buick-ventriports-the-early-years/
Old David would be proud of this one.
Thanks for the “heads up” Howard, however, after looking up the link I very much doubt that I will remember everything about the ventiports so I will save the link for future reference. Keep well everybody.
IMHO, `57 was one of Buick’s best-looking years!! Styling cues from the `55 GM Motorama Wildcat III show car. Then came `58, and they ruined it.
I would give this car a super liquid restoration, only repair things that would only ge worse, such as upholustry fabric. I would then drive it ,how cool would that be? If the sale price stays near where it is now, how could you go wrong?
Love the Buicks of this era 55 -59 , great cars !! owned several !
One of the first cars my parents had that I remember well was a 1957 Buick similar to this one. Ours was likely a Century or a Special and it was two-tone green. An absolutely beautiful car. Dad and mom bought it used and if I remember correctly he installed aftermarket seat belts in it.
The next car they had after the ’57 Buick was a 1963 Olds Delta 88 in the most boring beige color ever. After that mom started choosing the cars and we wound up with a 1968 Riviera and then several Eldorados.
Mom had good taste until she decided to get a Lexus ES, another boring mobile. But she still loves it and who am I to argue with an 85 year old woman that still swims a mile everyday.
My best friends mom had one of these when they were new cars. I think it was the same color. She bought a new car every year and alternated between Buick and Oldsmobile. They were always top of the line.
I’d really like to have this car but its just not possible at this time.
God bless America
A nice clean well cared for car that should sell no problem!!!
“Patina” on a flashy car like this doesn’t hold any appeal whatsoever for me–it just looks shabby.
Strange ebay auction. It was billed as a no reserve auction, and bidding got to $15,500. Seller ended the auction and has now relisted it.
That’s just not right!! If you don’t want to sell it for $15,500 then put a reserve on it!!!