1955 Buick Century Riviera 66R Project

1955 Buick Century Riviera Description

This auction is for my 1955 Buick Century 2 door hardtop. It’s a running project, but is not roadworthy yet. The car was found sitting since the mid 70’s (last plate on the car is from 1973). Needs a complete restoration, but it’s complete… it’s not missing anything. It even comes with the spare tire, and jack. I have a damage free windshield which will be included in the sale.

This is a highly optioned car: Power steering, power brakes, power windows, 4 way power seat, tinted glass, am radio, and factory air conditioning (very rare option in 1955). Current odometer reads 11K, so it’s probably 111K. There is a small amount of rust at the leading edge of the trunk, to the left of the latch, and a small section located in the lower right rear rocker area (just forward of the rear wheel. I have a perfect replacement section for the trunk.

The car was originally built in Arlington Texas, but it’s been in Arizona since 1960. Based on the current condition/patina… that’s probably an accurate statement. No other rust is present on the car. The floors are completely rust free, and all lower body panels (except the one already mentioned) are clean.

Paint colors are, Nile Green (X) upper, and Cameo Beige (C-C) mid/lower. Interior is #463 Green/Light Green Nylon/Cordaveen. Nice combination of paint/interior colors in my opinion. I cleaned up the chrome on the front, and it looks nice. Haven’t touched the rear yet, but the chrome should come up the same.

The Century was Buick’s “Hot Rod”. GM put the Roadmaster 322 Nail-Head engine in the Special body. I have several other projects that I’m knee deep in before I could even start this one (see pics). I would like to sell this project to free up some space, and resources for the others. Would make a great father/son, or winter project. The car will be sold with bill of sale only (title was lost many years ago, and is no longer in the DMV system). Title work is a few hundred dollars, and obtaining a title will not be an issue. eBay does not have a check box for “missing”, so the title is listed “clear”.

I pulled the plugs, filled the cylinders with oil, and turned the crank by hand (several times). Fresh fuel, and a new battery… and the car fired right up. It actually runs pretty good considering how long it sat. It will need the mechanical fuel pump rebuilt (the car ran by bottle feeding the carb). There are no engine, or lifter noises, however the condition of Dynaflow, and Treadlevac brake booster are still unknown at this point.

With the car running, I checked a few electrical items. The head lights, parking lights, and taillights work. The horns work, along with the power seat. All four power windows work (slowly for now), but they do work, and will work better after the mechanics are lubricated. I was surprised how much worked on the car. I plan to test the rest this week (radio, fan blower, turn signals etc.)…

I purchased many Delco parts in anticipation of doing additional work, and everything goes with the car.

100 Pics: https://www.flickr.com/photos/106564787@N08/albums/72157682856513861/with/37161003244/

Lots of great research:https://www.hometownbuick.com/buick-models/1955-buick-models/

Please email me with any questions, I will answer best I can (basically everything I know is listed already). Car will be sold as is where is. $500.00 PayPal deposit is required within 24 hours. Full payment is due within 7 days. I will assist loading the car on a trailer, but plan shipping as “non op” to be sure the transporter has the right equipment. I can hold the car safely for up to 30 days as long as the car has been paid for.

Good luck, and thanks for looking!