1949 Buick Roadmaster Riviera Two-Door Hardtop

Triple Crown Collection


Auctioned on Saturday, September 3, 2016 PURCHASED BY RAY SCHULER, ELKHART INDIANA



Buick Fireball inline eight-cylinder engine
Automatic transmission
Only 4,343 produced
In 1979, less than 10 had been accounted for
New wiring harness


When the Buick Roadmaster Riviera was produced in 1949 they cost $3,203. Production numbers from that year show that only 4,343 were produced. A frequently used Buick resource that was published in 1979 states that at that time, less than 10 of these vehicles were accounted for. The year 1949 was the first time that the portholes were seen on the front fenders. It is believed that the original idea for these portholes was to fit them with lights that would flash on and off in sequence with the engines firing order. Some historians consider the Riviera to be the first real production hardtop.

Powering this Riviera is a highly detailed Buick Fireball inline eight-cylinder engine. Backing this powerful engine is a column-shifted automatic transmission. The exterior is finished with white and black paint. The outside has wire wheel covers, fender skirts, rear fender rock guards, dual sideview mirrors and well-polished brightwork. The car has been fitted with a new wiring harness. The interior features power windows, AM radio, red pleated upholstery and matching red carpet.

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