Location: Santa Monica, California

$27,500 USD | Sold

Under the direction of Bill Mitchell, stylist Ned Nickles created a concept car called XP-715 that applied Rolls-Royce "knife-edge" design cues to a smaller, less expensive Cadillac line that could be sold under the revived LaSalle name. When Cadillac management wasn't interested, Buick grabbed the idea, named it Riviera, and it went into production in 1963. The new Riviera was built on a shortened, narrowed Buick frame, plus used the robust "nailhead" Buick V-8 engine and massive Al-Fin drum brakes. Quick-ratio power steering, lightweight and surprisingly sophisticated suspension make the Riviera not only beautiful, but one of the best-handling American cars ever. The interior is very European, with bucket seats split by a center console both in the front and rear.

The Riviera offered here is a previous Buick Club of America senior award winner. Some of the features on the car include the Wildcat 445 cubic inch V-8 engine and a three-speed automatic transmission. Optional equipment includes a deluxe interior, electric seats, air conditioning, Buick chromed sport wheels, Sonomatic radio with reverb, power windows, power antenna, tissue dispenser and a remote mirror. The exterior and paint are cosmetically presentable, but no longer in show winning condition, while the interior remains in superb shape and the authentically detailed engine compartment presents well. The headliner has no stains, the carpets are clean, and the seats have very little wear. The car comes complete with the original owner’s manual, service manual book, spare tire and jack.

https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/ca15/lots/r0307-1965-buick-riviera/