Introduced in the middle of the 1955 model year the four-door Buick Special Riviera (along with the Century Riviera, the Oldsmobile 98 Holiday, and the 88 Holiday) were the first four-door pillarless hardtops ever produced. By then, the Buick Special was one of America's best selling automotive series. For 1956 the larger 322 cu in V8 engine was shared with the rest of the range, although it was replaced by the bigger, 250 hp 364 V8 for 1957. This year also brought all-new bodywork, as well as a four-door hardtop station wagon called the Buick Caballero. The 1957 wheelbase remained 122 inches. In the June, 1957 issue of Popular Mechanics, the Special was rated with a 0-60 mph time of 11.6 seconds and fuel economy of 17.4 mpg-US at 50 mph. This particular ’57 Buick Special Riviera two door hardtop is an amazing custom work of art that has had tens of thousands of dollars invested to make it what you see today. This is a two time World of Wheels competitor that comes with Air Ride suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes, custom leather interior, A/C, custom front grill, shaved door handles, decked trunk and louvered and shaved hood and a host of custom touches to make this Buick truly one of a kind. Finished in purple, the paint on the car is in wonderful condition and was applied to a very straight body. The rear end had custom, 1959 Cadillac tail lights installed in the original Buick surrounds which looks great. Both bumpers have been rechromed and look great. The front bumper houses twin spotlights. The same goes for the trim and stainless bright work. The steel hood has been louvered which looks great and shaved of its emblems. The antenna has been “frenched,” or recessed. The doors and rear trunk lid have been shaved of its emblems as well. Inside, the white vinyl interior looks great and shows no notable wear throughout. Both front seats are powered, functioning and move 8 ways for your comfort. The instrument cluster houses Pro Comp & Sport Comp gauges. This car also has vintage A/C, along with a Clarion AM/FM stereo with cassette and 6 disc CD changer. You’ll be able to hear the stereo loud and clear with the pair of 12” subwoofers behind the rear seat! Keeping with the trend of cool luxury, this Buick is equipped with an Air Ride Technologies Air Bag System. You’ll be able to have control over how your car rides right beneath your right hand, where there are gauges and buttons to monitor the air pressure within the air bag system. This beautiful Buick has a 1991 Chevrolet Corvette 5.7L engine (#V0315ZTA) under the hood, complete with a Demon carburetor, Weiand aluminum intake, Tuff Stuff alternator and Sander air compressor. The full exhaust, from the Sanderson Blockhugger headers to the twin exit dual exhaust is just the icing on this 350 beauty. A 350 Turbo transmission transfers the horsepower through a Lincoln Versailles Ford 9” rear end. All around, this Buick sits on Crager SS wheels with knock-offs and 4-wheel disc brakes. This car currently shows 1,285 miles and has the VIN# 4D1036744
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