There’s enough chrome on this Buick to blind an army, if the sun hits it just right.
Your impression might be that American cars became truly classy around the late 1950s, but that’s not correct. This 1953 Buick Super Riviera being offered through Classic Auto Mall is a perfect example of how GM, as well as other American automakers, were churning out fantastic designs not too long after the close of WWII.
Really making this ride turn heads everywhere it goes is the flashy yet somehow conservative exterior. Matador Red combined with a Black roof absolutely captivates your gaze. The various body panels are in excellent shape, a specimen of a wondrous classic beauty. Acres of chrome, including on those “teeth” for the grille as well as those iconic Buick fender vents, literally makes this car shine. What pitting there is in the chrome isn’t noticeable unless you inspect it closely.
The two-tone presentation from the exterior luckily is duplicated inside, with red and black combining on the door panels and seats. The dash is painted red with an amazing chrome topper and more chrome for the steering wheel, plus the center controls and air vent. Literally topping things off is a red headliner with chrome trim pieces and dome light surround. This truly is a classy ride, showing that nobody builds vehicles even remotely like this one today.
This cruiser was fairly hot back in the day, thanks to the new 322ci Fireball V8 with a valve-in-head design, producing 170-horsepower. The Buick Division actually developed and engineered the motor. A Buick Dynaflow automatic transmission is also included. Chromed valve covers and a black air cleaner housing, plus a blue painted block help with the presentation factor on this car.
You get the tight yet comfortable handling of an independent front suspension and 4-link in the rear. Undercoating and no rust on the undercarriage, plus four-wheel drum brakes make this vehicle a tight package.
Made from 1940 to 1958, the Buick Super shared a platform with the Roadmaster. The 1953 model year was the last of the third generation, but it brought with it different front and rear fascia designs as well as the more modern 322 Fireball V8.
