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Rod & Custom

Also, see Rod & Custom Feature Car

Event Calendar

See a calendar of events where you may get to see The Buick!

The car is complete! See the video here!

See the latest pictures of the project.

Laguna Seca Race Lap
55 Buick Special
55 Buick Special
55 Buick Special at Pismo Beach
55 Buick Special
55 Buick Special
55 Buick Special
Hearst Castle
San Juan Batista

See the Blog!

I encourage you to explore the Build Timeline to get an appreciation for the care and effort that went into creating this beautiful car.

2008 Capitola Rod And Custom Classic2010 GoodGuys All American Get-to-gether
2007 Cherries Jubilee Taco Bell Award2007 Cherries Jubilee Peer Award
2007 Good Guys Rod And Custom Top Tin2007 Good Guys Coolest 50s
2007 Cops N Rodders Best in Class 50s DivisionCapitola
2007 Cops N Rodders Best Interior2nd Annual Capitola Rod and Custom
Cops N RoddersSkyview Drive-in Best Paint
Blackys Fresno AutoramaAptos Shortest Parade
2006 San Francisco Rod and Custom
Kool April Nights2009 Hot San Jose Nights
2010 Elks horn Show n Shine - Best Buick

'55 Buick Riviera

A very special 55

What if Buick Motor Company had access to today's technology in 1955? What would the 1955 Buick look like and drive like? I suspect it would look much like it looked back then. At least from the outside. Classic 1950's style was 1950's style, after all. Tailfins and chrome were the minimum criteria to win the hearts and pocketbooks of purchasers of the time. There's a reason why we are all drawn to cars of this era, especially Buicks. Thank Harley Earl for that.

1955 Buick Special 4-Door Riviera

The outside of a new 50's Buick should not change. It should look stock and reflect the unique style and character of automobiles of that decade. 

Autoweek says this about a 55 Buick: "...acceleration of the 3800-pound behemoth is best described as majestic, as are the ride and handling, i.e. bobbing and weaving. Steering response is just as leisurely, so directional changes must be anticipated well in advance. Ditto for braking. The overall impression is of piloting a large seagoing vessel." 

But, if GM had access to today's technology back in '55, there would be vast differences in engineering, performance, and handling. It would have a modern power plant with electronic fuel injection, disk brakes, and modern electronics. The suspension would be completely upgraded to state-of-the-art. 

And what about creature comforts? The Sonomatic was quaint, but lacked oomph, if you know what I mean. Also, Air Conditioning was an option on Buicks of the era, but these units filled much of the trunk. This car deserves the finest, modern, reliable, comfort accessories.

Drag your mouse over the Buick dash above for detail on the modern accessories that are available to the driver of this state of the art vehicle. 

That's really the car I wanted. A car of the future with the flair of the past. It is now the car I have set out to build.

The cardinal rules of the design were:

  • Must look stock on the outside
  • Should look stock on the inside
  • Will be a daily driver
  • Must last “years and years” and withstand Santa Cruz salt air
  • Must run and feel like a new car
  • Cadillac ride

The important thing to note here is that this is not a body off frame restoration. This is building a new car with the latest technology. All you have to do is step on the gas, open the hood or turn on the "radio" for proof. This is not your father's car, as they say.

I encourage you to explore the Build Timeline to get an appreciation for the care and effort that went into creating this beautiful car. Also, be sure to click on the "Cool Features" above right to get a glimpse of the features that have turned this classic into a legend.

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