Buick Special Riviera Coupe | 1956

Buick Special Riviera Coupe | 1956

Highlights:

– 5.3-litre V8 engine, petrol, automatic transmission

– The car has been body off restored, according to the seller

– Engine rebuilt

– Edelbrock intake manifold and carburettor fitted

– All fluids and filters renewed in 2026

The seller offers for sale this 1956 Buick Special Riviera Coupe, powered by a 5.3-litre V8 engine, paired with an automatic transmission. It is finished in a striking two-tone combination of deep metallic green and light sea green, a palette that captures the optimism of mid-fifties American design, and the theme continues inside with a two-tone green and ivory interior featuring full-width bench seats front and rear. As a Riviera Coupe, the car uses Buick’s pillarless hardtop body, so with all side windows lowered the cabin opens up completely from the windscreen to the rear window. The car has been body off restored and the engine has been rebuilt, according to the seller.

More recently the Buick has received a long list of renewed components, including tyres, wheels, the wiper motor, the heater motor, the power steering pump, an electric fuel pump with a fuel pressure regulator and adjustable, air-assisted Monroe rear shock absorbers. An Edelbrock intake manifold and Edelbrock carburettor have been fitted, and all fluids and filters were changed this year. The car has recently passed its periodic technical inspection.

In the mid-fifties Buick was one of the most successful names in the American motor industry, and the Special, known internally as the Series 40, was the entry point to the range and by far its best-selling line. Buick had been among the pioneers of the pillarless hardtop, introducing the Riviera name on the 1949 Roadmaster, and by 1956 the Riviera Coupe had become one of the most desirable body styles in the Special range. The 1956 model year was the final season for this generation, and it is recognisable by its bold full-width grille, the chrome sweepspear running along the flanks and the famous VentiPorts on the front wings, three per side on the Special.

Under the long bonnet sits Buick’s 322 cubic inch V8, the engine enthusiasts know as the Nailhead thanks to its small, vertically mounted valves. It was designed for strong low-down torque rather than high revs, which suits the relaxed, cushioned ride that Buick buyers expected, and it pairs naturally with an automatic transmission for effortless cruising. With its generous proportions, chrome detailing and period colour scheme, this Special Riviera Coupe offers a genuine slice of fifties Americana and a comfortable, characterful classic for touring and events.

Condition of the bodywork & paint

4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.

Condition of the interior

4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.

Technical condition

4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.

Overall condition

4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.

This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.

We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.

All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.

Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.

This car is currently located in: Flemish Brabant province, Belgium.

This car drives, brakes and shifts.

The car has a Belgian registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.

The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.

Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.

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