An amazing survivor with the same family owners until 2016! The grandmothers car, purchased new at Bergen Motors in NJ. She drove it for her daily errands but rarely in foul weather and always garaged. Stored away by the family in the early 1970's where it sat dry and protected until around 2011 when the family removed it and brought life into her again. Spending well over $10K (We have the receipts.) in mechanical and brake work, ect to make the car drivable again. Used sparingly ever since. An oil change sticker on the door from 1964 reads 39,634 miles. Another from 1971 reads 55,038 miles. The car currently has just 64,671 miles! Still wearing most, if not all it's ORIGINAL PAINT. The color I believe was called Glacier Blue. The top is painted white and is also original, factory installed paint from 1953. All the chrome, trim and lenses also original. Of course with age comes patina. You'll see in the photos the original character patina the car sports today. I love and original paint car, even with flaws. I'd take that any day over a repaint. Honestly, we haven't done it but can complete a classic car paint correction which would bring even more of a shine back to the original lacquer. Externally, the car shows as an amazing survivor. The interior was redone but properly with correct or close to correct materials supplied by SMS Auto Fabrics. I have lots of old documentation and photos of the car and the original upholstery is shown in one of the pictures. The drivers seat bottom was worn. Probably the reason for the refresh. It looks absolutely fantastic. Under the hood is the last year, Buick straight eight. A tried and true engine with roots back to the 1930's. Shifting is provided via a column mounted three speed manual transmission. Yes, the clutch was replaced in 2011-2012. It shifts beautifully. Such a beautiful body style. The 'Riviera' name refers to the unique hardtop, pillarless styling. It gives the car such a gorgeous presence. Brand new tires and rear shocks installed just last month! This car is ready to roll to the next show or cruise-in. Or maybe just to the ice cream parlor. What a slice of Americana. Check out the full gallery of photos in the link below and be sure to find us on YouTube where you will find a full, running walk around video on this very car!
