1956 Buicks -- which color combinations recommended for tri-tone cars?

[Centurion 352]

I have been approached by a model car company regarding upcoming models to be issued of the 1956 Buicks.

 

I was asked whether tri-tone combinations were offered in '56.  I believe that they were.

 

Is there any information regarding which combinations of three colors Buick recommended for tri-tone cars in 1956?  

 

I welcome any input!  Thanks in advance.

[SpecialEducation 713]

As far as I can tell, in '56 you could get ANY standard paint in ANY combo for tri-tone,.  Believe me, some folks ordered some strange things...

 

I really like red/black/white, but I may be biased... lol

 

White/Red/White and White/Black/White seemed to be popular.  I'll see what others period correct documents showed...

[Centurion 352]

Thank you so much, Matt!

[Buicknutty 1,339]

 They certainly were available in tri colour, as the body tag indicates a lower, middle and an upper colour. Most I've seen are either one or two tone, often Dover White roof and lower, with a "colour" in the middle section.

Keith

[MrEarl 5,910]

@Centurion you may want to visit the Hometown Buick site where you can actually configure a ‘56 Buick in any of the colors offered that year.

 

https://www.hometownbuick.com/1956-buick/1956-buick-configurator/

 

@HOMETOWN BUICK

[Centurion 352]

1 minute ago, MrEarl said:

@Centurion you may want to visit the Hometown Buick site where you can actually configure a ‘56 Buick in any of the colors offered that year.

 

https://www.hometownbuick.com/1956-buick/1956-buick-configurator/

 

@HOMETOWN BUICK

 

Thank you, Lamar.  I had seen this tool, but was uncertain whether Buick had "recommended" or "acceptable" combinations.   Would Buick really allow you to choose any combination of available colors in '56?

[MrEarl 5,910]

Good question Brian. I know some '54 colors were only "supposedly" available on the Skylark. I seem to recall the 56 Roadmaster may have had some different color scheme available but don't quote me on that. Perhaps someone here has a 56 Buick Colors and Fabric Album and can weigh in.

 

Or maybe @HOMETOWN BUICK will come on and advise

 

 

[SpecialEducation 713]

20 minutes ago, Centurion said:

Would Buick really allow you to choose any combination of available colors in '56?

 

 

I can’t find the post, but I seem to recall Dale in Indy telling the story of a customer ordering a car in a combo that resembled something like a circus tent. 

 

Dealers ordering cars would stick with things they thought they could sell, but nobody wants to say no to a customer with cash in hand...

[Centurion 352]

Thank you, Matt!  But before this company invests money in building tri-tone 1956 Buick diecast model cars, I'm wondering whether anyone here has a '56 Buick Color and Trim book to confirm that anything was possible in terms of the combination of the three colors

.

[SpecialEducation 713]

27 minutes ago, Centurion said:

Thank you, Matt!  But before this company invests money in building tri-tone 1956 Buick diecast model cars, I'm wondering whether anyone here has a '56 Buick Color and Trim book to confirm that anything was possible in terms of the combination of the three colors

.

 

I totally get that they wouldn’t want to build anything off the wall, so if I was in that position, I’d want documented combos, too. 

 

It’s funny how a Google search produces no shortage of tri-tones in the modern era, but most of their literature shows 2-tones. 

 

Grey with a yellow top? Seriously?  Who thought to advertise that one?  😂 

 

[FireballV8 29]

Hi Brian

I believe they had a set of combinations for the tri-tones, I know in 1955 the tri-tone combinations were set and one could not deviate. I have to check my original literature files, but I believe 56 would have been the same. 

 

I'll check this weekend and let you know.

 

Steve

[JohnD1956 3,987]

Here are some in the 56 sales catalog.

 

[Centurion 352]

27 minutes ago, FireballV8 said:

Hi Brian

I believe they had a set of combinations for the tri-tones, I know in 1955 the tri-tone combinations were set and one could not deviate. I have to check my original literature files, but I believe 56 would have been the same. 

 

I'll check this weekend and let you know.

 

Steve

 

Steve, thanks so much!  I believe that you are correct that Buick dictated the allowable tri-tone combinations.  Thanks so much for being willing to check your resources for me!

[Centurion 352]

JohnD1956, thanks so much for sharing those Roadmaster and Super images that show a couple of different tri-tone combinations.

 

I recall having seen a '56 Roadmaster in the black, gray, and white combination many years ago, and I thought it was stunning.

[SpecialEducation 713]

Here's another factory lit with a tri-tone.

[SpecialEducation 713]

I would think that if there was a limitation, it would be specified here:

[Centurion 352]

Thank you for that further example, Matt!

[JohnD1956 3,987]

Interesting that they do not show a Century in the tri tone. @Centurion do you know which series they plan to build because each model line has its own unique interior pattern

[Centurion 352]

1 minute ago, JohnD1956 said:

Interesting that they do not show a Century in the tri tone. @Centurion do you know which series they plan to build because each model line has its own unique interior pattern

 

The model will be a Century 4-door Riviera.

[JohnD1956 3,987]

I was hoping for a 56R, a 2 dr Super.  Oh well...

[EmTee 1,152]

On 1/17/2019 at 12:46 PM, Centurion said:

The model will be a Century 4-door Riviera.

 

A 4-door HT, how 'bout that! 

[bunchabuix 23]

I have a Danbury Mint model of a '56 Roadmaster Riviera Sedan #73, (four door hardtop)

with a black roof, Seminole Red hood, trunk lid, upper fenders & doors, and  light beige or almond

paint below the sweep spear, Striking! The interior is red & black.

Photos to follow.

Jerry

[bunchabuix 23]

Brian,

Who will be making this model, '56 Century?

I have the same car, Dover White over Seminole Red, red & black interior, # 63D

Jerry

BCA 1518

[Centurion 352]

6 minutes ago, bunchabuix said:

I have a Danbury Mint model of a '56 Roadmaster Riviera Sedan #73, (four door hardtop)

with a black roof, Seminole Red hood, trunk lid, upper fenders & doors, and  light beige or almond

paint below the sweep spear, Striking! The interior is red & black.

Photos to follow.

Jerry

 

Yes, I have this model as well.  It is indeed a striking color combination.

[Centurion 352]

13 minutes ago, bunchabuix said:

Brian,

Who will be making this model, '56 Century?

I have the same car, Dover White over Seminole Red, red & black interior, # 63D

Jerry

BCA 1518

 

The 1956 Century 4-door Riviera will be made by Brooklin Models of the UK in 1/43-scale.  There will be at least a couple of color schemes offered, although perhaps not from the beginning.  Jerry, if you want a model in the exact color scheme of your car, please send me a private message.  I have a source in the UK who receives a small number of models directly from Brooklin, then finishes them per his customer requests.  He will be finishing one for me in this color scheme, replicating a car in our local Buick Club chapter: