Vehicle Description
This 1953 Buick Super Riviera has recently undergone a complete frame-off restoration and has driven just a little over 1,000 miles since being reborn as the custom coupe seen here. Restored and rebuilt from the ground up, this ’53 Buick has had the frame blasted and powdercoated, and the torque-tube rear end has been rebuilt with custom fabricated shock mounts and has been modified with an air ride system. The entire front suspension has been rebuilt as well, and features Fat Man 2” drop spindles, custom fabricated shock mounts, and a modified A-arm setup to accommodate the air ride system and the front power disc brakes which were also custom fabricated. Additionally, a completely custom power steering system has been added along with custom made steering arms. Under the hood, the original 322ci Nailhead V8 has been swapped for a later 322 from a 1956 Buick Century, which produces about 90 horsepower more but looks all original, and is backed up by a Dynaflow automatic transmission out of the same ’56 Century. Along with the power steering and brakes, a Vintage Air A/C system has been added as well for comfort and works wonderfully. The body itself has also been very tastefully customized with molded rear fenders and headlights, along with molded rear taillights from a Rambler American. Other custom touches include a shaved trunk and hood, VentiPorts from a ’56 Buick were added to the front fenders, and the front bumper has been reworked to accept 1955 Cadillac Dagmars which look right at home on the front of this Super. Out back, the rear bumper has been customized with reverse lights hidden in the original exhaust outlets while a dual exhaust system with Magnaflow mufflers and lake pipes have been added for true lowrider style. Additionally, the Buick has had both bumpers rechromed, the stainless moldings were buffed and polished, and the car has received all new glass and seals. Originally painted two-tone Ridge Green and Terrace Green, the Super has been repainted with House of Kolor Candy Red which shows amazingly, and gleams in the sunlight. Inside, the interior has been completely redone in pearl white vinyl and maroon carpeting and all the gauges have been completely rebuilt while the speedometer was reset to zero. Under the dash a set of gauges for the air ride system have been installed along with under dash switches for the controls, while a custom stereo has been added with the amp, receiver, and a 6-CD changer hidden in the fully carpeted trunk behind a false panel that also houses the air ride system compressor and tank. The entire car has also been fully insulated with Dynamat to keep road noise to a minimum inside the cabin. Finally, the Buick rides on a set of Cadillac wire wheels wrapped in B.F. Goodrich Silvertown radials for an original look with modern performance and safety. Overall, this Buick Super lives up to its namesake and with all the style of a classic fifties custom and the amenities of a modern car, driving it is a real pleasure. Featured in the 2011 Long Beach Autorama, the time, effort, and care put into building this car truly set it apart, and this ’53 Buick is as functional as it is beautiful.
