1955 Buick Century Riviera

Manufacturer: Carrosso Classic & Sportscars Eekstraat 2 8375HN OLDEMARKT, NL 0625351515 http://www.carrosso.com [email protected] below for information in English1955 Buick Century Riviera Model 46-39• Owned by the current owner for over 34 years• Unrestored• Four-door hardtop — no B-pillar• 322 “Nailhead V8” with 236 pk• Distinctive VentiPorts• Metallic turquoise paint HISTORY / DOCUMENTATIONThis beautiful 1955 Buick Century Riviera has been owned by the current owner since 1992. The car was imported to the Netherlands that year, meaning it has been owned by the same owner for over 34 years. This is a remarkable and unusually long period of ownership for a classic car that is now more than 70 years old. The car is a Buick Century Model 46-39 Riviera, a four-door hardtop without a B-pillar. This makes this Buick one of the striking four-door hardtop models that Buick introduced in 1955. The body combines the practicality of four doors with the elegant, open character of a coupé when the side windows are lowered. Another unique feature of this car is the historical documentation that is still present. Behind the windshield are, among other things, old stickers referencing British Columbia, including a “Province of British Columbia – 1983 Approval” sticker. There is also an older sticker marked “S.P.H. 1974.” These details provide interesting clues to the car’s Canadian history and underscore the international past of this Buick. The original registration documents from 1992 are also included, as well as customs forms, a 2025 appraisal report, and old vehicle inspection forms. EXTERIORThe Buick is finished in a distinctive metallic turquoise body color with a white roof, a combination that strongly emphasizes the car’s 1950s look. The paintwork has been repainted in the past, but the car has otherwise remained unrestored. As a result, the Buick has an authentic look with the usual signs of aging expected in a car of this age. As a result, it looks more like a well-preserved classic than a fully restored show car. The whitewall tires perfectly capture the spirit of the era and reinforce the characteristic American ’50s look. Combined with the large chrome grille, the distinctive Buick details, and the generous body, this is a car with a very striking presence. The VentiPorts are the four round openings—or decorative vents—in the front fender, just behind the front wheels. Buick introduced them in 1949. Originally, they were inspired by the exhaust ports of a jet fighter and were intended to convey a sporty, powerful image. A particularly striking detail is, of course, the four-door hardtop body without a B-pillar. With the side windows lowered, a single large, continuous glass opening is created, giving the car the appearance of a massive American coupe.INTERIORThe interior is upholstered in turquoise and white synthetic leather and is in good condition for its age. The color scheme complements the exterior beautifully and is typical of the exuberant American design of the mid-1950s. The upholstery is neat and free of tears, while the rest of the interior makes a well-maintained impression. Of course, there are signs of wear and age-related characteristics, as one would expect from a car that is over seventy years old. The large dashboard, the abundant chrome trim, and the spacious seats emphasize the Buick’s character as a luxury American cruiser. The interior features, among other things, heating and a modern radio/cassette playerTECHNICALUnder the hood lies the characteristic Buick 322 cubic-inch V8, with a displacement of approximately 5.3 liters. Combined with the automatic Dynaflow transmission, this forms a typical American powertrain from the mid-1950s. The engine compartment shows patina and signs of age. The Buick drives, shifts, and brakes well. The engine runs smoothly and produces a fantastic deep roar that never gets old. The large V8 and Dynaflow provide the characteristic relaxed and smooth driving experience for which these Buicks are known. It’s not a sports car, but a true American cruiser: plenty of torque, a long wheelbase, and a very comfortable ride.GENERALThis 1955 Buick Century Riviera is a characterful and eye-catching American classic with a combination that’s becoming increasingly hard to find these days: four doors, no B-pillar, a large V8, automatic transmission, and an authentic look. The 1955 model year is also special in Buick’s history. The Century combined the relatively lighter body of the Century lineup with the large 322 V8, making it one of the more performance-oriented Buicks of its time. The combination of a powerful engine with a relatively lighter body is often seen as an early precursor to the American performance car concept. At Buick during this period, the term “Riviera” did not refer to the later, standalone Buick Riviera model. It referred to the hardtop body style, in this case a four-door hardtop without a B-pillar.The body itself is also an important part of the story. The Model 63 four-door Riviera was introduced in 1955 and offered the unique sight of a four-door car that, thanks to the absence of a B-pillar, appears almost completely open when the windows are down.1955 Buick Century Riviera Model 46-39• Owned by the current owner for over 34 years• Unrestored• Four-door hardtop — no B-pillar• 322 “Nailhead V8” with 236 pk• Distinctive VentiPorts• Metallic turquoise paint HISTORY / DOCUMENTATIONThis beautiful 1955 Buick Century Riviera has been in the current owner’s possession since 1992. The car was imported to the Netherlands that year, meaning it has now been owned by the same person for over 34 years—a remarkable and unusually long period for a classic car that is now more than 70 years old. The car is a Buick Century Model 46-39 Riviera, a four-door hardtop without a B-pillar. This makes this Buick one of the striking four-door hardtop models that Buick introduced in 1955. The body combines the practicality of four doors with the elegant, open character of a coupe when the side windows are lowered. Another unique feature of this car is the historical documentation that remains intact. Behind the windshield are, among other things, old stickers referencing British Columbia, including a “Province of British Columbia – 1983 Approval” sticker. There is also an older sticker marked “S.P.H. 1974.” These details provide interesting clues to the car’s Canadian history and underscore this Buick’s international past. The original registration certificates from 1992 are also included, along with customs forms and old vehicle inspection forms.EXTERIORThe Buick features a distinctive metallic turquoise body color with a white roof, a combination that strongly emphasizes the car’s 1950s look. The paintwork has been repainted in the past, but the car has otherwise remained unrestored. As a result, the Buick has an authentic appearance with the typical signs of aging expected in a car of this age. Overall, it looks more like a well-preserved classic than a fully restored show car. The whitewall tires perfectly capture the spirit of the era and reinforce the characteristic American 1950s look. Combined with the large chrome grille, the distinctive Buick details, and the generous body, this is a car with a very striking presence. The VentiPorts are the four round openings—or decorative vents—in the front fender, just behind the front wheels. Buick introduced them in 1949. Originally, they were inspired by the exhaust ports of a jet fighter and were intended to convey a sporty, powerful image. A particularly striking detail is, of course, the four-door hardtop body without a B-pillar. With the side windows lowered, a single large, continuous glass opening is created, giving the car the appearance of a massive American coupe.INTERIORThe interior is upholstered in turquoise and white synthetic leather and is in good condition for its age. The color scheme complements the exterior beautifully and is typical of the exuberant American design of the mid-1950s. The upholstery is neat and free of tears, while the rest of the interior gives the impression of being well-maintained. Naturally, there are signs of wear and age-related characteristics, as one would expect from a car that is over seventy years old. The large dashboard, abundant chrome trim, and spacious seats emphasize the Buick’s character as a luxury American cruiser. The interior features, among other things, heating and a modern radio/cassette player.TECHNICALUnder the hood lies the characteristic Buick 322 cubic-inch V8, with a displacement of approximately 5.3 liters. Combined with the automatic Dynaflow transmission, this forms a typical American powertrain from the mid-1950s. The engine compartment shows patina and signs of age. The Buick drives, shifts, and brakes well. The engine runs smoothly and produces a fantastic deep roar that never gets old. The large V8 and Dynaflow deliver the characteristic relaxed and smooth driving experience for which these Buicks are known. It’s not a sports car, but a true American cruiser: plenty of torque, a long wheelbase, and a very comfortable ride.GENERALThis 1955 Buick Century Riviera is a distinctive and eye-catching American classic with a combination that is increasingly hard to find these days: four doors, no B-pillar, a large V8, automatic transmission, and an authentic look. The 1955 model year is also special in Buick’s history. The Century combined the relatively lighter body of the Century lineup with the large 322 V8, making it one of the more performance-oriented Buicks of its time. The combination of a powerful engine with a relatively lighter body is often seen as an early precursor to the American performance car concept. At Buick during this period, the designation “Riviera” did not refer to the later, standalone Buick Riviera model. It referred to the hardtop body style—in this case, a four-door hardtop without a B-pillar.The body itself is also an important part of the story. The Model 63 four-door Riviera was introduced in 1955 and offered the unique sight of a four-door car that, thanks to the absence of a B-pillar, appeared almost completely open when the windows were down.