By Brian Brennan – Photography By Michael Christensen
There are several iconic marques in our world of hot rods. Regardless of your affinity for one make or model over another, one always appears on every rodder’s list of “I wish I had …”. The 1957 Buick Special Riviera, the Model 46R, is just such a choice. If you want to see just how cool one of these highway cruisers can be, look no further than Eric Clapton’s (yes, that Eric) of London, England, and his 1957 Buick Special Riviera built at the shop of Roy Brizio Street Rods (RBSR).
A composite of striking features of the 1957 Buick Special Riviera lies in its sleek, aerodynamic silhouette, characterized by curvy lines and a streamlined profile. The design is accentuated by a low stance and distinctive fins that were becoming emblematic of the era. The front grille is notable for its prominent chrome accents, giving this example of Detroit Iron an imposing yet elegant presence on the road. With its unique, wrap-around design, the headlights enhance the car’s aesthetic appeal, contributing to a futuristic look that captures the spirit of its time. But it is the three-piece rear window that flat out gets hot rodders all giggly and punctuating sentences with plenty of “ohs and ahs.” Maybe a precursor of the 1963 Sting Ray “split-window” coupe, there is no denying the one-year-only Buick has made its mark, especially in the world of hot rodding.
While the sheetmetal retains much of its original character, the hood and decklid were streamlined with badging and extraneous trims removed, sharpening the overall profile. The front bumper, a marvel of chrome and metal design, has been cleaned up for a more refined look that enhances the car’s visual impact by removing the license plate bumperettes. Hollywood Auto Body mixed an exclusive batch of PPG paints, resulting in a stunning Candy Red and black finish with a Red Pearl that recalls the original Seminole Red of its glory days.
Slide inside the 1957 Buick 46R and you’ll find an oasis of luxury and comfort. The original factory instrumentation has been restored, with the dash housing the OE Sonomatic radio and controls for headlights and fan speed—everything meticulously retained by RBSR. The dash also houses the controls for the Vintage Air A/C while Jim Vickery of RBSR again positioned the prerequisite wiring.
The upper dash is covered in plush black leather while the lower section celebrates the Candy Red exterior. The interplay of colors is further accentuated by the Ididit steering column adorned with a Nardi charcoal wood-grained steering wheel. However, the panel in between that houses the instruments, radio, and clock is painted in a charcoal-colored woodgrain that truly ties matters together. This same charcoal woodgrain is used on all the window frames. The complement of woodgrain and color sets off the interior and brings attention to the dash.
The seats are a nod to classic style, with a modified original front bench crafted by Sid Chavers Company, covered in sumptuous black leather with Oxblood panel inserts. The rear bench, door, and quarter-panels echo this luxury, while the black carpeting and charcoal headliner tie the interior together with elegance.
The 1957 Buick Special Riviera’s power source is now a modern-day Chevrolet Performance all-aluminum LS3 with a 6.2L (376 inches) displacement pumping approximately 450 hp. All electronics (harness and computer) and EFI are GM-based on the LS3. The fuel pump is from Aeromotive and the air cleaner is custom-made. Other noteworthy engine appointments include the Billet Specialties Tru Trac serpentine belt group, a Powermaster alternator and starter, a Matson radiator, an Edelbrock water pump, a SPAL electric fan, and an Optima trunk-mounted Redtop battery. From here, Sanderson 1-5/8-inch primary tube headers and 2-1/4-inch stainless steel exhaust tubes direct the spent gases back to the pair of Hushpower mufflers. From here, a 4L60E overdrive trans is used along with a stock valvebody and stall speed.
The powertrain was then dropped between the mandrel-bent Roadster Shop framerails that feature their proprietary IFS (power rack-and-pinion steering) and IRS (3.70 gearing). Fox shocks and coil springs are used along with Baer brakes and a Wilwood master cylinder and power canister setup. A custom stainless steel gas tank from Rick’s Tanks holds the fuel that feeds this contemporary performer. Billet Specialties provided custom one-off polished wheels that measure 19×8 in front and 20×9 in back with Goodyear Eagle 255/45ZR19s and 275/45ZR20s mounted.
Eric Clapton and Roy Brizio’s collaboration is more than a mere hot rod build; it symbolizes a deep friendship and Eric’s unrelenting quest for the perfect ride. With over a dozen builds by RBSR, Eric has cemented his place not just as the only three-time inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame but as a connoisseur of fine automobiles, blending musical genius with the thrill of hot rodding. This 1957 Buick Special Riviera isn’t just a car, it’s a story of artistry, passion, and the enduring appeal of American muscle.
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