Vehicle Description
If you're a fan of chrome, then this 1956 Buick Special Riviera
will certainly hold a special appeal. For many, the appeal of the
sportiest Buick can be explained by its big car comfort and power
and Chevy-sized package, making for one formidable factory
hot-rod.
The "CMC" paint code on the cowl tag is for the tri-tone
combination that was popular on '50s Buicks, sandwiching code C
Dover White between code M Seminole Red top and side coves for a
truly dazzling effect. Refinished several years ago, it's holding
up well, which we can credit to modern paint technology, and the
finish will probably look this good for years to come thanks to
durable materials. There are a few minor signs of age, but nothing
that gets in the way of the car's handsome good looks and
use-it-now condition. Underneath, there's solid GM steel, since
reproduction body panels for these cars are non-existent, and
someone did their homework, because this big cruiser fits together
pretty well. And talk about chrome! That massive grille is composed
of dozens of separate pieces to create the grinning countenance
that is the Buick front end, and it's in good shape with a little
bit of corrosion that could probably be buffed away with some steel
wool. Of course, it also includes the three "venti-ports"
signifying a Special, plus the famous Buick sweep-spear whose shape
is still seen in the Buicks built today.
The handsome two-tone interior is pure 1950s cool. GM designers in
the '50s were the best in the world, and this car shows you why.
The black and red seats are wide and comfortable, of course, with
flashy door panels to match and both the carpet and headliner are
recent. The three-spoke steering wheel is a nice contrast that lets
the dashboard design take center stage, and it embraces chrome just
as much as the front-end of the car does. The gauge lenses are
showing a bit of age but they do give you a complete view of the
engine and the original Sonomatic AM radio still lives in the
center of the dash with that incredibly ornate speaker grille below
it (sorry, the radio isn't working). The trunk is neatly trimmed in
black with proper cardboard panels.
Buick's 322 cubic inch "Nailhead" V8 was standard across the line
for the first time in 1956, and with a modest bump in horsepower,
the Special was one of the fastest cars in the Buick lineup. We
suspect that the engine bay is entirely original, although it has
been well maintained over the years. That's Buick Turquoise engine
paint and the stock air cleaner lives atop a correct 2-barrel
carburetor. Still running its original generator, the car sticks to
the factory specifications throughout and the radiator up front is
HUGE, so it runs nice and cool. Buick's Dynaflow transmission was a
bit more sophisticated by 1956, so it's still impossibly smooth out
on the road where speed creeps up on you without anyone noticing.
The suspension is commendably supple, and even with drum brakes all
around, braking is confident. The floors are remarkably clean and
the single exhaust features a new muffler and tailpipe. Optional
full wheel covers are a nice upgrade, and it rides on vintage
Remington wide whites that look right.
This Special provides big power and a comfortable size, along with
a great deal of style, all at a reasonable price. Like I said, if
you like chrome, there aren't many better choices than a big Buick.
Call today!