1955 Buick Series 40 Special Riviera Hard 1955 Buick Series 40 Special Riviera Hardtop

1955 Buick Series 40 Special Riviera Hardtop

In one of the earliest examples of product placement, Buick, which was one of the top selling vehicles in America, began sponsoring the Milton Berle show. Such as significant sponsorship that the show was named "The Buick Berle Show" for a time. Legend has it that the producers told Berle he had to lose weight for the show. He essentially starved himself and lost weight, but the lack of food made him difficult to deal with on set. Buicks, on the other hand, remained large, as exemplified by the 1955 Buick Series 40.

For consignment, a 1955 Buick Series 40 Special Riviera hardtop that had a frame off restoration, all new chrome, and some other new items we'll cover. The car placed in the top 40 at the 2019 Wildwood Boardwalk show and has other wins to its credit, having been used primarily for show. This is rolling art at its best with some Buick specific features that remain iconic.

Exterior
There's no way to quietly go about town as the Dover White and Turquoise explodes off the car in two tone splendor and billboard sized body panels. Emblematic of the 50's, the enormous chrome bumpers and their torpedo shaped protrusions are a testament to the junction of metal and art. V-shaped body trim molding delineates the turquoise from the white, while portholes and gas tank trim add to the artful use of metal and shapes to enhance the car's appearance. Wide white walls, which our consignor states are new, are mounted on 15-inch red rimmed steel wheels with proper Buick hubcaps looking fantastic. The additional metal trim around the window, plus the mirror, door handles, Special emblems, taillight trim, and rear bumper are in immaculate condition. This is indeed a show ready car, and the only flaws were found were some bubbles down low on the car, one with some rust showing through.

Interior
While the outside is ready for its starring role, the interior offers opportunity for further restoration. The door panels are nice with gray over black patterned vinyl and the door jambs are bright and clean. The split bench front seat in cloth is a bit tattered and torn and the gray shell appears to be in good condition. The rear seat is intact but shows some staining while the side walls which continue the pattern of the doors, are in great shape, providing passengers with a window crank handle to open the rear windows for one of the earliest pillarless riding experiences. Black and gray also dominate the dash beginning with the black steering wheel with horn ring and column mounted shifter. A glossy dash cover shades contours over the dual gauge cluster embedded in a gray band that extends across the long dash. Grated surfaces, robust levers, metal trimmed buttons, and the original AM radio are all a feast for the eyes and in very good condition. Black loop carpet sectional carpets cover the floor while the tan headliner provides opportunities for a brighter presentation. In the trunk we find some simple brown mats and a spare tire on a red rim and requisite jack.

Drivetrain
With the exception of some surface rust on the exhaust manifolds the engine under the big hood is clean and show worthy. It's a 264ci Nailhead V8 wearing a newer 4-barrel carburetor and sparked by added Pertronix ignition. A Dynaflow 2-speed automatic transmission is underfoot and sends power to the rear axle and 3.60 gears. Our Buick is equipped with drum brakes and a new master cylinder.

Undercarriage
The big X-frame dominates the underside, and we note only minor areas where surface rust makes an appearance. In fact, it appears the underside has been coated for protection. There's a bit of sludge built up by the wheels and suspension components, nothing a bit of brushing and elbow grease couldn't remedy. Beyond that, not a lot of extra oil around other than a drop on the differential. The single exhaust snakes its way through the X-frame and finds a stock style muffler before exiting at the right rear. Coil springs live up front and semi trailing arms and coil springs out back. The bottom of the doors look rust free.

Drive-Ability
This is not unlike a tank with luxury features as the big Riv rolls out onto the test loop purring along with the nailhead firing away smoothly. It's a comfortable ride made even more amenable by the fact everything works in the car with the exception of the windshield wipers. The greenhouse effect provides excellent visibility, and you'll need it with the long nose and a rear that's nearly as distant. Stunning car that rides beautifully.

Is there a modern equivalent in a common car that we will look back 70 years from now and say, "what a piece of art!". I'll let you discuss that while you ponder garage space for this show stopping Buick which leaves room for your personal interpretation on the inside. Milton Berle once said, "Money can't buy you happiness. It just helps you look for it in more places.". Classic Auto Mall is one of those places and this Buick is one of those cars that can lead to happiness.

4B7035455

4-Series 40 Special
B-1955
7-Framingham, MA Assy Plant
035455-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG

1955 MOD 55 46R-1955 40 Series Special Riviera Hardtop
STYLE NO 55 4437-1955 40 Series Special Riviera Hardtop
BODY NO BF6902-Framingham Body #
TRIM NO 440-Light Grey Pattern Nylon & Light Grey Cordaveen
PAINT NO EDD1-Temple Grey & Windsor Grey

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.

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