Buick continued its post-war success by breaking yet another sales record in 1949, with its annual production reaching nearly 400,000 cars. Purchasing a Buick had become more of a lifestyle decision, and that trend would continue thanks to Harley Earl’s Art and Colour studio. The stunning new Buicks featured the same new “fuselage style” as the 1949 Cadillacs, which were inspired by aircraft design, and they sported the portholes that would become a Buick trademark.

Also new this year was the Roadmaster Riviera, which was one of General Motors’ original hardtop convertibles. The design offered a fixed roofline with disappearing side windows and no B-pillar. When the windows were lowered, the car took on the look of a convertible with its top raised. Standard features included upholstery in a tasteful combination of leather and cloth, as well as power windows.

The Riviera offered the best of sporty design and closed practicality, and it would influence two decades of automobile design around the world. Its name would remain a part of Buick’s lineage for 50 years.

The Roadmaster Riviera offered here has been driven only 50 miles since its quality rotisserie restoration. Its striking two-tone grey color scheme beautifully sets off the curves of the Riviera’s hardtop design, while the red and grey interior is an excellent, sporty complement to the formal exterior. Under the hood can be found the Roadmaster’s revered inline eight-cylinder engine with the Dynaflow automatic transmission that was so popular that year, as Buick reportedly had to double the number of planned installations.

For the many enthusiasts who appreciate hallmark General Motors designs, the Riviera is considered a must in one’s collection. This is a wonderful example.

Offered without reserve.