Simply Stunning: 1957 Buick Series 40 Riviera Estate Wagon
Some classics are so stunning they almost defy the written word. This 1957 Buick Riviera Estate Wagon is just such a vehicle. It isn’t 100% original, but little about this gem warrants criticism. From its sparkling paint and chrome to its spotless interior, this classic has it all. The previous owner performed some upgrades to make life on the road more enjoyable. The Buick is listed here on eBay in Annandale, Minnesota. Bidding sits at $25,600, although that figure is below the reserve.
The seller supplies a comprehensive set of photos in their listing, and the longer they’re examined, the harder it is to identify the Wagon’s strongest attributes. It is worth noting that it has undergone changes, and the paint is the best place to start. The Body Tag indicates it rolled off the line resplendent in a combination of Garnet Red and Dover White. It would have been eye-catching, but the current blend of Dusk Rose and Antique Ivory is more so. Finding anything to fault is virtually impossible because the paint shines beautifully, and the panels are laser-straight. Manufacturers battled with quality control during this era, but the tight and consistent gaps suggest the person assembling this Wagon paid close attention to finer details. The trim and chrome sparkle, with most items in as-new condition. The glass is so clear that I suspect the restorer may have replaced many pieces. Rounding out the exterior are the wire wheels and wide whitewalls. This is already a classy vehicle, but they lift it a notch or two, guaranteeing the Buick will draw crowds.
Buick introduced the “Nailhead” V8 to its engine range in 1953, replacing its venerable straight-eight. The company increased its capacity in 1957, enlarging the engine to 364ci. That is what hides beneath this Wagon’s hood, and it should deliver 250hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque. The story becomes confused from here, with the seller stating the car is original mechanically, but features a Hydramatic transmission. However, these vehicles featured the two-speed Dynaflow unit, making that a question for potential buyers to pose to the seller. I accept that this classic may have left the factory with power steering, but the brake booster and several other items are obviously later additions. The Dynaflow received significant criticism during its production for hampering vehicle acceleration. However, this Buick should cruise happily at 70mph without raising a sweat. The seller states the vehicle is only used for weekend cruising, but it seems it is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
The presentation of this Buick is admirable, with its interior as spotless as its exterior. The rear cargo area is the most damage-prone part of any Station Wagon, but the photo gallery reveals no problems. The upholstered surfaces are immaculate, there is no carpet wear, and the dash is perfect. Aftermarket additions include ice-cold air conditioning, a retro-style stereo, and a floor console with a sliding lid.
In 1957, America was riding on a wave of hope, and consumer confidence was sky-high. Buick sold 405,086 vehicles that year, but only 6,817 buyers selected the Riviera Estate Wagon. That made these classics relatively rare when new, and natural attrition will undoubtedly have reduced their numbers. A search of successful sales hasn’t uncovered many of these recently hitting the market. I found a couple of recent sales, and those cars were original and immaculate. Both sold for around twice the current bid figure. That suggests there is some way to go before this baby surpasses the reserve. What do you feel will be the price when the hammer falls?
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Comments
“She’s a beauty Clark”. All kidding aside, but this is one beautiful wagon. And kudos to the restorer, there’s a lot of car here to restore, and to do it at this level. Only downside is I might need a longer garage.
In the 50s, neighbors with a 20s garage, cleverly built a box on the front end, high enough for the hood to fit under. American ingenuity at its best 👌 🇺🇸
Amen! My uncle did exactly that to fit his 59 Bonneville in his garage.
According to the seller’s comments on flea-bay the car is “all original”
Yeah, I thought so too. LOL
“She’s a beauty Clark”. All kidding aside, this is one beautiful wagon. And kudos to the restorer, there’s a lot of car here to restore, and to do it at this level. Only downside is I might need a longer garage.
Yes, it’s gorgeous.
And the level of talent to achieve this is obvious.
Sorry, but that GD steering wheel cover. Give me a break.
Dear NORMA, you had your BREAK at 17 with your breakout turn as The GREATEST STAR 🌟 of them ALL! LOL always. Hope you caught my comment on 64 Cadillac! Always enjoy corresponding with you (as I did with Elizabeth) to the MAX! 😉
A steering wheel cover can literally be removed in seconds. Doesn’t seem worth mentioning, much less cussing about.
In the photos there are two different engines. One a Buick and the other is a Pontiac. That raises a red flag for me.
Good catch. It looks like a photo from an ad for a Pontiac strayed over into the Buick zone.
Series 40 cars have three ventiports on the front fenders. This Special Riviera Estate Wagon picked up a couple of extras along the way.
According to a Hemming’s article, The Special Riviera Estate wagon had a 9.5-1 compression 2-barrel engine rated at 250 horsepower and three ventiports per side. The Century Caballero Riviera Estate wagon had a 10-1 compression 4-barrel engine rated at 300 horsepower and four ventiports per side. They shared the same body and chassis, so both would be considered Series 40 cars.
In my price guide from 2014, the 1957 Special HT Wagon was listed as a series 40 with a #1 condition at $54,000. The ’57 Century HT Wagon was listed as a series 60 with a #1 condition at $54,000 too. They both have identical pricing for the #2 through #6 conditions as well. Go figure?
The information you have contributed is correct, up until your very last sentence, which was unequivocally WRONG. A Century is NOT a Series 40 car, it is a Series 60. Same body and chassis, correct, but NOT the same Series. You can lump them together as a group by specifying Series 40-60, and in fact, Buick does this themselves quite often in their parts books. But, you cannot call a Century, a Series 40.
If that line came as a direct quote from HMN, then shame on them. 70 years in existence does not guarantee them immunity from current, uneducated writers who garble facts.
If that line came directly from you, then shame on you for spouting incorrect information, when educating yourself with verifiable facts is so easy nowadays, with all the information at a person’s fingertips. Granted, the internet is stuffed full of chaff with the grains of wheat, but that’s where experience and discernment come into play.
Seems to be some debate on how many ventiports there were. I find lot of old photos of series 40 estate wagons with 4 and some with 3. Wonder if it depended on the engine or something. Don’t know
I believe number of ventiports was related to Buick hierarchy 4 was reserved for upper level Buicks 🤔
This is partially correct. The number of venti-ports was modified over the years.
Any picture in existence of a SPECIAL (Series 40) car with 4 venti-ports is a modified car, not original.
Beautiful Buick…
Pure awesomeness
whats with the two different engine shots. one with air and on without?
Sparky is right. Those engine pics look to be from two different vehicles.
The eBay ad stated the asking price is $99,500.00
Nice car, not sure on the ask though
Maybe on a Friday night at BJ…
Greg , YES the price is stiff but last week one sold for $106. 00 at Classic motors. and I will pay that if its still there when my movie funds come in..
🤔 $106.00? wow!
Greg you are spot on ,I have been looking at Caballeros for some time to purchase This Rivera sems to be very close with the exception of the chrome detailing over the rear wheels. I may take a shot at it . One Cabellera I saw from Florida was about as perfect as one could ask for,, It sold for $106.000 and was probably a good deal AND oh yeah the Caballeros engines were rated at 300 horse, My 54 Century had the 67 big block close to 400 with the 401 Hipo heads, headers etc.
AND the Rivera, was not considered to be at the level of the Roadmaster which has the 4 ports. ALSO some Pontiacs and Olds did have the Buick engine ,, also FY Buick supplied 7000 horse engines for the space rockets which need 4 engines to torn i over to fire. My engine was fond in the GM factory and ‘down tuned ” if that makes since and sold to a plant that sold it to the fella that built my 54, That plant was the Nailhead one in Neb. I think.
HECK NORMA take the steering wheel off , I’ll love it any way. Had to replace the same on my 54, Buick.
You are so correct, CCFisher! This is not a seies 40 Estate Wagon. It is a series 60. It is a 69 model to hit the nail right on the head.The series 60 had four ventiports. The series 40 had three.
Without seeing the body tag (in readable condition), it’s hard to know exactly what this car is. Four venti-ports would certainly indicate model 69, but the Caballero had that script on the rear doors, and it’s kind of hard to imagine someone leaving those off a car done up so expensively.
Looking at the eBay listing again, I see the body tag, and it does say 49D, which is the Special Riviera Estate Wagon.
So, someone added 2 venti-ports to the front fenders, and the missing script on the rear doors is correctly blank, as that model did not have anything there.
Buick had 3 wagons in 1957. Model 49 was the Special Estate Wagon, and was a post-sedan type car. Model 49D was the Special Riviera Estate Wagon, and was a hardtop car. Model 69 was the Century Caballero Estate Wagon, and another hardtop car.
Just moments I ago I saw a Rivero sport wagon?? at classicars and rods mileage 103000 for sale at $30,000..0 It looks out standing in the 40 photos and close ups, even under the body shots. COULD be even if it needs an engine and tranny at say $9000.00 one heck of a buy. take a looksee for yor selves. Rememer the $99,000.00
I live less than an hour away from this Buick. Too bad I’m not that interested in paying over $50,000 for it.
There used to be a couple of these sitting out in a field just west of Four Corners, Montana, back in the late 90’s. I never got real close to them (you learn to respect “No Trespassing” signs in Montana at a very early age”. Last time I went through that area, the Buick wagons were gone, hopefully not to that damn Cash for lunkers program but to someone who restored them.