Buick Riviera, 1966
Buick Riviera II
Buick Riviera II•
•52 views
Chassis No.: 494876H942985
Auction: Indy 2024
Auction date: May 18, 2024
Lot No.: T289
$95,700 | Sold
- Odometer: 7,018 miles
- Engine: V-8
- Transmission: Automatic
- Exterior: Turquoise Mist
- Interior: Black
- Body: Coupe
- Odometer reads 7,018 miles
- 425 CI Wildcat 465 V-8 engine
- Automatic transmission
- Turquoise Mist with Black interior
- Fold-down center armrest
- Air conditioning
- Power windows
- Power steering
- Power brakes
- Dual exhaust
- Hideaway headlights
Many changes in both marketing and design were evident to new car buyers for 1966, and Buick rose to the occasion with the next-generation Riviera. Here is a gorgeous example with an odometer reading of 7,018 miles, from a model year that would see this second-generation motorcar growing in size and popularity. In the marketing brochure, Buick called it “the tuned car,” promoting the shape as “designed by men who’ve peeked in the future … to design a truly timeless classic.” Indeed, for 1966, the headlamp design remained concealed but functioned differently, but by far the major change was the fuselage-shaped body almost reminiscent of an aircraft.
This smooth styling would last for just this model year, as crisper edging arrived in 1967. For power, the car received the final-year 425 CI Wildcat 465 V-8 engine, again the second number based on the torque rating. This refined 340 HP engine, painted red with a callout on the air cleaner, was heralded in the press for its smooth, quiet operation, featuring a factory 4-barrel and well-muffled dual exhaust. Backing it here is the Super Turbine (TH400) automatic transmission. Power steering and power brakes are here as well, and again the factory took pride in the big car’s revitalized road prowess after two years of suspension development work at the GM Proving Grounds.
The fastback body is covered in gorgeous Turquoise Mist with minimal added brightwork. This is mated to a black Strato-bench interior with the factory fold-down center armrest. Inside is air conditioning, power windows, heater, optional Sonomatic pushbutton radio, factory in-dash clock, tinted windshield and three-spoke steering wheel. Of course, the inset grille, seamless headlamp storage and front bumper design were singular and immediately identify this model year, while the car rides on the premium Buick chrome-plated “rally” wheels with a touch of contrast from the whitewall tires.
These cars retain the sense of this era, as GM’s E-body would also become host of the Oldsmobile Toronado and Cadillac Eldorado starting this model year. Looking for a full-sized “tuned car?” This Buick is still timeless.
Cost
351,459 AED
