1955 Buick Roadmaster Riviera

Description

A top-of-the-line classic coupe in the top-of-the-line trim with plenty of custom work inside and out all for under $19K. Does it sound too good to be true? Then just keep reading about this 1955 Buick Roadmaster Riviera.

Buick just seemed to have the best sense of premium style in the 1950s, and they were hardly subtle about it. The range-topping Roadmaster did it the best with painted fender wells, golden trim, more fender portholes, and those Dagmars that were truly sex appeal on wheels. It only gets better in the Riviera specification that helped emphasize the dip line in the doors by making this coupe body a pillarless hardtop. But as special as any Roadmaster Riviera is, this one has plenty of custom touches to hint at its more modern appeal. It starts with the Copper Metallic paint that's sandwiched in between the two areas of white. Plenty of Buicks of this era has the tri-tone paint effect but the precious metal shines on this one with the kind of luster you can only get from a modern and professional application. Even the door handles have been painted this color for a smoother appearance. But that's not the only place the chrome has been removed. A custom rear bumper has been created that is painted the car's colors and fits sung to the body for a sportier appearance that helps highlight the jet-inspired taillights. Lovers of brightwork still don't miss out in this Roadmaster thanks to the large American Racing wheels.

The inside coordinates with the outside perfectly where the same paint scheme continues on the dash, and there's a copper vinyl used on the seats and door panels. The seats look quite new and feel as supple as leather. They have a breathable pattern that you'd expect on a BMW, but instead are applied to benches large enough to fit the whole family. The driver gets a three-spoke Nardi-like steering wheel (a hint at this custom Buick's more sporting nature) and beyond that is a stylish set of full gauges. In fact, Buick's design team really hit a home run with the entire dash. The appearance combines sporting elements like machined panels with elegant dials for a distinctively upscale appearance that still feels premium today. It's the perfect place to house everything from the factory AM radio to the power window controls.

Instead of the old Nailhead V8 that came under the hood in '55, this one sports a 455 cubic-inch big block borrowed from an Electra that's a couple of decades younger than this couple. It's topped with a Moroso air cleaner and Rochester Quadra Jet four-barrel carburetor for easy breathing. The big V8 even has a nice rumble from the custom side exhaust. The transmission has also been upgraded to a TH400 three-speed automatic likely from the same Buick that donated its V8. While that makes for a powerful and smooth-shifting luxury car, that's not the whole story. This Roadmaster can handle the roads of the Riviera thanks to features like power steering, a four-link rear suspension, an upgrade to four-wheel disc brakes, and the modern grip of wide BF Goodrich TA tires.

You're looking at a vintage Buick that came from the factory as something quite special, and then has been upgraded to be an even more unique coupe. It's amazing you can get all of this for such an affordable price. Call today!!!