Vehicle Description
Buick, established in 1903, is the oldest American automobile
manufacturer in existence. This 1956 Buick Super Series 50 Riviera
coupe, sports the 255 horsepower "Nailhead" V8 made popular among
hot-rodders of the era. The term "Nailhead" arose from the smaller
diameter valves that were vertically mounted within the heads.
Offsetting the smaller valve diameter, the crankshaft timing
provided for increased lift and duration. The result was tremendous
torque, exceeding 1 ft. lb. per cubic inch. Venti-Ports on the side
cowls of Buicks generally designated the engine. An inline 6 used 3
Venti-Ports and the inline 8 used 4 Venti-Ports. The transition to
V8 engines didn't kill the popularity of showcasing more
Venti-Ports, so naturally, this one sports 4. This Buick was built
in Doraville, Georgia.
