The Buick Riviera Coupe is a vehicle that teaches an important lesson; don’t forget lesser versions of a prime collectible. For the mid-to-late 1950s Buicks, car collectors’ interest is usually centered on the Century models, which is a combination of the smaller Buick body with the more powerful engines from the big Super and Roadmaster series. This model year had an option of the attractive Custom Deluxe upholstery offered on 1956 Special. The powerful engines have left the less expensive Special offerings highly ignored, although they had the same desirable qualities except for maximum rated horsepower therefore quality performance.
Up to date, the Specials sell at a much less price than equivalent vehicles of the century on today’s market making them worthy for collectors with a more restricted budget. The car had a large trunk that offered plenty of storage room. Only 114,000 units of this model were built, finding spare parts is more difficult and expensive for all small Buicks, probably because most of them have broken down over the years than their seniors.
The two main problems of owning this car are the specific rear bumper for its dual exhausts and the matching door panels for its fairy rare Custom Deluxe upholstery option. The Special featured optional ‘Sonomatic’ radio, electric clock, dual exhausts, and full wheel covers which were offered at an extra cost. The 1956 Buick Special Coupe featured two-tone paint (Tahiti Coral and Dover White) and still have 75,000 miles.