1955 Buick Super Riviera 'Custom' Hardtop Coupe (LHD)

Description

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, Buick recaptured the excitement of the early post-war models by unveiling a powerful new overhead-valve V8 engine in 1953 and the Skylark convertible of that year remains one of the most coveted post-war American classics today.  A lower, wider and thoroughly improved chassis was introduced in 1954, allowing drivers to fully exploit the V8s potential, while the facelifted 1955 models were better still, pushing Buick to a solid third place in overall American sales.  Sold in four distinct series, the 1955 line-up started with the base level Series 40 Special and more upmarket Series 60 Century, both sharing a 122-inch wheelbase platform and powered by 264-cid and 322-cid versions of the new V8 respectively.  Riding on a longer 127-inch wheelbase, the larger Series 50 Super and Series 70 Roadmaster both featured Buick’s curvaceous C-body, recognisable by the more contoured lines, upright windshield pillars and rear quarter window treatment on sedans.  All Buicks powered by the larger 322-cid V8 in 1955 were identified by four round, chromed vents on the front fenders, while the Series 50 and 70 had parking lights housed in the main headlamp bezel, with two-tone paint split by the side spears.  The Super 50’s interior was upholstered in various combinations of Nylon and Cordaveen and standard features included a new redline speedo and trip meter, plus an electric clock.  The Super was catalogued with three different body styles, including the four-door sedan, two-door hardtop coupe (marketed as the Riviera) and a convertible, all powered by the same 236 horsepower 322-cid “Fireball” V8 with a three-speed manual transmission or optional Dynaflow drive.  A Super 50 hardtop listed at $2,831 in 1955, with Dynaflow adding a further $193 to the price and, with 85,656 built that season, it was easily the most popular model in the range.  Mid-fifties Buicks remain popular with collectors to this day, combining all the style of the Tri-Five Chevrolets with stronger performance and better equipment.