1956 Buick Century

Description

If you've outgrown your Chevy fascination and a Cadillac is just too much car, take a look at this very handsome 1956 Buick Century Riviera sedan. Dashing two-tone looks, lots of chrome for a perfect '50s presentation, and four portholes on the side indicating big horsepower under the hood, and you have one of the earliest "gentleman's hot rods."

This four-door does a fantastic job of disguising its family sedan DNA, with a profile that looks quite sleek and the pillar-less Riviera hardtop design gives it a very appealing profile that looks great from any angle. The two-tone Cambridge Blue and Dover White paint accentuates the Buick's dramatic curves, particularly the sweep-spear styling that started in 1942 and continues to this day. Finish quality is very good, with four doors that fit well and paint that shines up beautifully, and there's a bit of metallic in the blue so it glows from within when the light hits it just right. The Century remained Buick's top performer, and they didn't hold back with the advertising, with 'Century' script on the rear doors and four portholes on the front fenders, denoting a senior car. Of course, as a product of the 1950s, there's literally a ton of chrome on the car, all of it in very good condition with a fine front grille that's especially cool. You'll also note that the tailpipes exit subtly from the lower edges of the rear bumper, another popular '50s styling trick that works quite well here.

There's a lot of space in the big Buick's interior, which also wears newer upholstery. It's not totally correct, but the fabric seating surfaces work with original-style vinyl to create an interior that's both comfortable and functional. Door panels are neatly finished with painted garnish moldings and sleek armrests, and the carpets were recently replaced. A ribbon-style speedometer stretches the width of the instrument panel, with auxiliary gauges just below and the original AM radio to its right, putting everything within easy reach. A big steering wheel was more about style than leverage, since power steering makes this Century effortless to drive. The trunk is as large as you'd expect, and is trimmed with original-looking materials and carries a full-sized spare of indeterminate age.

Buick's "Nailhead" V8 was introduced in 1953, and by 1956 it had grown to 255 horsepower, making it one of the best performers you could buy at any price. Buick capitalized on the engine's mountainous torque curve and even with that much sheetmetal around it, this is a very strong performer. Buick Turquoise paint had been in use since just after the war and gives the engine a purposeful look especially under that big air cleaner. The engine bay is quite authentic, including original generator and power steering system, as well as the factory heater boxes on the firewall. Backed by a buttery-smooth Dynaflow automatic transmission, it accelerates like an electric motor and cruises effortlessly at 70 MPH. A bubbly dual exhaust system sounds appropriate for the big sedan and with a uniform layer of undercoating on the chassis, it stays quiet and comfortable inside the car. Flashy red wheels with full wheel covers are fitted with 235/75/15 BFGoodrich Silvertown wide whitewall radials for a period-correct look.

Buick fans know the Century is the model to own, and this gorgeous Riviera sedan makes it easy to appreciate full-sized luxury and performance. Call today!