Cars from the mid to late 1950s were generally renowned for two things; flamboyant styling and rusting at an alarming rate. This 1956 Buick Special Riviera Hardtop is quite refreshing. Its lines are restrained by the standards of the day, and it is a rock-solid classic offering a range of possibilities. It could make a sound base for a restoration or custom build, but there would be no shame in preserving it as an original survivor. The Buick is listed here on eBay in Hanover, Pennsylvania. A single bid of $5,000 is below the reserve, and I must thank Barn Finder T.J. for using a finely tuned classic radar to spot this gem.

The history of this Buick is unclear, although the seller indicates they purchased it about one year ago. It spent its life in South Dakota, which is positive news for potential buyers. It is a rust-free classic, with the panels looking clean and the underside wearing nothing but dry corrosion. Treating this before it deteriorates would be wise, but it is not a priority if the buyer lives in a dry region. The car wears its original combination of Bittersweet and Ivory paint, never receiving any restoration or repair work. While it shows age and a few defects, the consistency and shine mean the new owner could preserve this beauty and still expect to receive admiring glances and comments wherever they go. The trim and chrome are excellent for a survivor-grade classic, and there are no issues with the tinted glass.

One trim feature on the 1956 Buick Special that I find fascinating is the ornament gracing the grille and trunk lid centers. This car rolled off the line in a period of rampant consumerism when buyers strived to own the latest and greatest models from their preferred marque. The “1956 Buick Special” badges must have seemed like a good idea at the time, but they had the effect of rapidly aging the Buick ahead of time. This may have been a deliberate ploy by the company to force owners to upgrade, but nobody ever confirmed or denied it. I doubt you would see such a feature on a modern car, although the industry can sometimes be so unpredictable that I would be unwilling to bet my house on it!

If this Buick has a genuine highlight, that honor falls to its interior. The original owner ordered it trimmed in Code 432 Black nylon patterned cloth and Ivory Cordaveen. The impression is positive, with no evidence of wear or stains. The dash and aluminum trim are spotless, as is the wheel. This classic features its factory AM radio and clock, with no aftermarket additions. The interior seems to need nothing and is another aspect that would receive positive comments if the new owner rocked up at their local Cars & Coffee.

Powering this Riviera is a 322ci V8 that sends 220hp to the rear wheels via a two-speed Dynaflow automatic transmission. While most buyers were unconcerned about outright performance, this car’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 18.5 seconds before hitting 112mph commanded respect. The seller emphasizes the originality of this classic, stating it has never been apart. The engine wears accumulated grease, grime, and oil, but detailing the engine bay to a high standard would be a satisfying way to kill time until we see the back of winter. Apart from cleaning, it has no mechanical needs. The seller says it runs and drives perfectly, offering its new owner the chance to slip behind the wheel and drive off into the sunset.

The Series 40 was the volume-seller within the Buick range in 1956, with 334,017 buyers handing over the cash across all models. The Special Riviera Hardtop led the way with a total of 113,861 cars. As an original survivor, there’s much to like about this Hardtop. Its overall condition and rust-free status make preservation viable, although a restoration or custom build would be equally valid. However, that decision could wait as the new owner enjoys what it currently offers. What would be your approach if you joined the bidding on this classic?