1955 Buick Roadmaster Riviera Hardtop

Description

“The thrill of tomorrow’s styling, the luxury of Buick today.” The 1955 Buick Roadmaster 76R Riviera stood at the top of Buick’s lineup, blending jet-age design with unmatched comfort. As part of the Series 70 Roadmaster line, the 76R was a two-door hardtop coupe featuring the signature “Riviera” roofline, a sweeping panoramic windshield, and bold chrome detailing. Its lower, wider stance and distinctive grille with gold anodized trim signaled prestige and modernity.

Power came from Buick’s 322-cubic-inch “Nailhead” Fireball V8, delivering 236 horsepower through a higher 9.0:1 compression ratio. Paired with the advanced variable-pitch Dynaflow automatic transmission, the Roadmaster offered smooth acceleration and improved efficiency. Luxury was standard, with power steering, brakes, windows, and optional power seats — features few rivals could match.

Measuring 127 inches in wheelbase and nearly 216 inches overall, the Riviera combined spacious proportions with elegant design. Buick produced 28,071 examples in 1955, and Motor Trend praised it as “a car for those who want prestige without compromise.”

Said to remain in largely factory specification including its engine, transmission and original color combination of Cherokee Red over Dover White, this Roadmaster is now offered with some removed factory parts, a 1955 Buick Shop manual, and a clean South Carolina title.

Highlights

• Distinctive two-door hardtop coupe with pillarless Riviera roofline

• Retains factory engine, transmission, and color combination

• Recent servicing in 2025

Factory Equipment

• 322ci “Nailhead” Fireball V8 rated at 236 hp

• Dynaflow automatic transmission with variable-pitch stator

• Finished in Cherokee Red (S) over Dover White (B) two-tone

• Black and Red (472) cloth/leather interior

• Power steering and brakes standard

• Coil-spring suspension

• Optional electric windows and power front seat

• Selectronic radio with foot-switch for channel finder

• Original Kleenex holder

• The chassis number (7B4053825) decodes as:

  • 7 = Series 70 (Roadmaster)

  • B = Model Year 1955

  • 4 = Assembly Plant: Flint, Michigan [RJ1]

  • 053825 = Production Sequence Number

Modifications

• Aftermarket air cleaner

• Electric fuel pump added

Servicing

• 2025:

  • Power steering pump seals and hoses replaced

  • Fuel tank replaced, electric fuel pump added

• 2019:

  • Brake cylinders replaced

• 2013:

  • Carb replaced with professionally rebuilt identical unit

  • Glove box lock replaced with NOS unit

Known Imperfections

• Crease in right-front lower fender, extending to rocker panel under

• Windshield is spalling around windshield wiper moldings

• Bubbling under paint around lower corner of rear window

• Speckling on bumpers

• Radio illuminates but is inoperable

• Electric antenna inoperable

Ownership History

The seller states, “Top of the line two-door hardtop Buick for 1955, Model 76R Roadmaster Riviera, finished in Cherokee Red/Dover White (data plate color code). Original engine. The interior is totally original, untouched. This is a fine driver, always garaged. I bought it from St. Louis Car Museum & Sales and was told it originally was found in a garage in Georgia. I'm not really a car-show person, I simply love to drive the old iron. I regularly drove it to work on pretty days and the occasional weekend drive.”

Included Items

• Original jack and instruction sheet

• Original oil bath air cleaner

• Original carburetor

• Original fuel/vacuum pump

• Chrome trim ring for the fuel door

• 1955 Buick Shop manual