1949 Buick Roadmaster Riviera
Provided by Hemmings

For 1949, Buick's body design was completely new, but still definitely recognizable as nothing but a Buick. The toothy grille up front was toothier than ever, taillamps were uniquely shaped and 1949 was the first year for the new fender "Ventiports" or "portholes," of which the Special and Super had three on each front fender while the top-of-the-line Roadmaster carried four on each side. This design feature would be seen on Buicks in various shapes and permutations until 1957, and then would be revived in 1960 until their final appearance on the flanks of the 1975 models.

Mechanically, the cars were little changed from the previous years. The Roadmaster gained six more horsepower and boasted Dynaflow automatic transmission as standard equipment. Among body styles, Fastback Sedanets were available in all series; but the big news was the mid-year introduction of the Roadmaster Riviera hardtop, the first true "hardtop convertible" to emerge from the industry. The new style aimed to combine the open-air feeling of a drop-top with the comfort of a steel-roof car, and the design succeeded in this mission. All the windows rolled down fully, opening up the interior without the interference of door pillars. The headliner was accented by chrome ribs, to resemble convertible top bows. And visibility was even better than a convertible with its top up thanks to the Riviera's wrap-around back window treatment. Interiors were lavishly finished in genuine leather and high-quality fabric, and power windows were standard as well. In all, it was a handsome, sleek, thoroughly modern, highly equipped luxury car for the postwar era and for Buick's many thousands of loyal customers. Indeed, these cars cost even more than the Roadmaster convertible and were exceeded in factory pricing only by the Ionia-bodied Roadmaster station wagon, of which only 632 were delivered during the 1949 model year.

Because of its mid-year debut, the production figures on the '49 Riviera are also rather low, with just 4,314 sold and delivered. Even the Roadmaster convertible racked up nationwide sales nearly double this figure, making the Riviera hardtop among the scarcest of 1949 Buicks, both when new and among collectors today.

No one is exactly sure how many of these handsome cars have survived but they are seldom seen at old-car gatherings today, even among the very active Buick Club of America. As with any collector car, you're best off purchasing the very best example your budget allows. When looking at an older restoration or an unrestored car, check particularly for rust and rot. The rear fenders were prone to this problem, as were the rocker panels. The Dynaflow also should be checked for wear and operation. They can be rebuilt but, again, it's another expense. The engines are tougher than tempered nails but high-mileage units may need some internal replacements. The interiors are critical due to the leather and fabrics installed, and the better the interior the better off your checkbook will be.

Find a good '49 Riviera and you'll have a car that will transport you to events at today's highway speeds in traditional Buick comfort. You'll also have a collector car whose body style is historically important in the history of Buick as well as a very good-looking example of Harley Earl's creative styling studio efforts.

1949 Buick Roadmaster Riviera

Base price:	$ 3,203
Base weight:	4,420 lbs.
Body:	Five-passenger, pillarless
Frame:	Ladder-type with X bracing and cross members
Wheelbase:	126 inches
Length:	214 1/8 inches
Width:	59 1/8-inch front; 62 3/16-inch rear inches
Suspension:	Independent coil front; coil with torque tube rear
Brakes:	Four-wheel drum type, hydraulically actuated
Engine:	Overhead valve straight eight, 320.2-cubic inches, 3 7/16 x 4 ¼ bore and stroke; 150 bhp @ 3600 rpm; 6.9:1 compression ratio
Transmission:	Dynaflow automatic with column shift control, standard on Roadmaster