1956 Super Riviera Sedan 2.6

Vehicle Overview

Buick introduced the Super series in 1940, but it constantly upgraded, added, and modified units during the production time that lasted until 1958, when the slow sales led to an abrupt stop, but not before introducing the 1956 Super Riviera Sedan.

Designed by the brilliant Harley Earl, Buick Series 50, introduced in 1954, was available in four bodyworks: two with four doors and two with two doors. Despite a consistent drop in sales, GM was not ready to pull the plug on the Super Riviera, which was an upscale version of the Series 50. Moreover, it added the four-door sedan version.

The Super Riviera Sedan was built on the same C-Body platform used by General Motors for Cadillac Series 62, Buick Roadmaster, and Oldsmobile 98. It featured a front fascia adorned with a massive chromed bumper and a broad grille that sported the 1956 Buick Super badge in the middle. For that year, Buick added four teardrop-shaped ventiports on the front fenders. From its side, the vertical A-pillars supported a panoramic windshield that was curved on the sides. Its hardtop-style greenhouse without a B-pillar resembled a coupe, and at first sight, it was difficult to notice the rear doors’ handles. Behind the C-pillars, the quarter panels ended in a pointing-forward V-shaped rear end that hosted the taillights.

Inside, the vinyl-covered front bench could have easily accommodated three passengers. Yet, Harley Earl focused on the driver and offered them a complete instrument panel with three rectangular gauges underneath the linear speedometer on the dashboard. Moreover, the three-spoke steering wheel could’ve been easily handled by any driver, thanks to the power-assisted system. In the back, the bench was also large enough for three occupants.

Underneath the hood, GM installed the 5.3-liter Nailhead V8 engine with on-head valves. It was paired with a standard Dynaflow three-speed automatic transmission.