History
Buick Roadmaster Riviera
The 1949 Roadmaster Riviera pioneered the pillarless hardtop design that would dominate American styling for decades. Its smooth lines represented a complete break from pre-war design language, embracing modernity while maintaining elegance. The traditional Buick straight-eight engine provided smooth, powerful performance befitting a premium automobile. Distinctive chrome VentiPorts on the hood became an enduring Buick trademark, originally functional to vent engine heat.