Buick Riviera, 1965
Buick Riviera
Buick Riviera•
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Chassis No.: 494475H905229
Auction: Monterey 2021
Auction date: August 14, 2021
Lot No.: S26
$22,000 | Sold
- Exterior: Blue
- Interior: Saddle
- Frame-off restoration competed approximately 7 years ago
- Body stripped to bare metal and refinished in Blue
- Estimated 700 hours invested in restoration
- 401 CI Wildcat 445 nailhead V-8 engine bored .030 over
- 4-barrel carburetor
- Electronic ignition and choke
- Performance camshaft
- Rebuilt 3-speed SW400 automatic transmission
- Power steering
- Power brakes
- Concealed headlamps
- Interior refreshed in Saddle vinyl
- Vintage Air
- Power windows
- Power seat
- Rally wheels with Riviera center caps
- Lowered approximately 2 inches
In the late 1950s, the Ford Thunderbird was selling extraordinarily well, giving GM something to think about. A meeting was called, and the divisions were given the chance to consider building their own personal luxury coupe to compete with Thunderbird, but were not to step on the toes of the Eldorado. Buick jumped at the chance and developed its car from the ground up, using the familiar Riviera name. Previously only used to denote the most upscale Buicks available, for the first time, the Riviera name would stand as its own model.
It debuted for the 1963 model year and was truly a smash hit, garnering respectable sales and adding a sweet level of youthful vigor, modernism and style to the Buick lineup. The final year of the first generation, 1965, would host stacked headlights flanking the grille, hidden behind doors that opened like clamshells, a design that would crystalize the Riviera’s reputation as a styling leader. This 1965 Riviera underwent a frame-off, bare-metal restoration about seven years ago, emerging in blue with a Saddle-colored interior. Roughly 700 hours were spent refurbishing the Riviera, blending factory stock with mild custom touches.
The 401 CI Wildcat 445 Nailhead V-8 engine was bored .030 over and fitted with a 4-barrel carburetor, performance camshaft and an electronic ignition and choke. Featuring a rebuilt 3-speed SW400 automatic transmission, the car was lowered about 2 inches and rides on Rally Wheels with Riviera center caps. The interior features bucket seats, a center console with shifter, Vintage Air conditioning, power windows, a power seat, full instrumentation, a GS steering wheel and a modern vintage-looking stereo system. Power steering and power brakes make the Riviera much easier to maneuver and enjoy, while the concealed headlights put everything over the top.
As a premium automobile, Rivieras were awash with details and amenities, and this car reflects that very well while blending subtle nuances that stand to make the car much more enjoyable.
Cost
80,795 AED
