We see our share of preserved classics at Barn Finds, and this 1968 Buick Riviera is a perfect example of the breed. It spent years in the care of a passionate enthusiast who only used it for the occasional weekend outing. As a result, it has accumulated a mere 11,400 miles on its odometer. It would suit a meticulous buyer because its flaws are few and far between. The Riviera is listed here on Craigslist in Santa Barbara, California. The seller set their price at $34,200, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for using a finely-tuned radar to spot this gem.
Buick introduced the Second Generation Riviera in 1966, and as was standard practice at the time, its size and weight grew substantially compared to its predecessors. It managed to retain an elegant appearance, which is enhanced with this vehicle courtesy of its virtually flawless Midnight Teal Metallic paint. This was 1-of-5 shades offered exclusively on the Riviera, although buyers could also choose from a further ten colors from the 1968 Buick palette. The seller claims the car has a genuine 11,400 miles on its odometer, and while they don’t mention supporting evidence, the overall condition makes the claim plausible. The panels are as impressive as the paint, with no visible defects and consistent gaps. There are no signs of rust, the trim is spotless, the glass is crystal clear, and the wheels are free from stains and physical damage.
Powering this Riviera is a 430ci V8 producing 360hp. The three-speed TH-400 automatic transmission was a standard feature in 1968, as was power assistance for the steering and brakes. Although most buyers weren’t too concerned about outright performance, this car’s ability to cover the ¼ mile in 15.3 seconds before hitting 132mph was considered impressive for a vehicle tipping the scales at 4,410 lbs. While the seller supplies no specific information on how this classic runs or drives, the visual indications are positive. The engine bay presents well for a vehicle of this age and further supports the mileage claim.
The positive vibes continue when we examine this Riviera’s interior. A slightly baked spot on the top of the passenger seat backrest is one of the few faults rating a mention. The remaining upholstered surfaces are spotless, and I doubt the back seat has ever seen an occupant. The dash and pad are immaculate, the bright trim pieces shine impressively, and there are no aftermarket additions. I’m unsure whether the Buick scores air conditioning, but the buyer receives a tilt wheel and an AM radio with a power antenna.
This 1968 Buick Riviera is a stunning car that presents superbly. However, it needs to be to justify a price that is at the top end of the market. It is possible to find cheaper examples in the current market, but if the claims for this car are verifiable, the figure could be justified. If you are in the market for a low-mile classic with luxury leanings, could this Riviera find a place on your shopping list?
Classy interstate cruiser. Interesting to see tho the change from “just driven to church on Sundays by a little old lady” to “just driven on weekends by a collector”. Validation and verification, please in light of the asking price.
I don’t know…looks a little “clear-coaty” for a sixties car. And the kerning on RIVIERA seems a little “off”…as if the letters had been removed for repainting and then reapplied.
They all have that “off look”, even when the cars where still in the showroom. These are 7 individual letters, each mounted with two studs. So they only fit in one way on the car.
Kerning-great word described
Headlights are in the down position, vacuum leak!
They’re electrically operated, but I’d still ask the seller why there are no photos with the lights retracted.
@CCFisher: No sir, from the series-2 Rivieras , the 1966 and 1967 model years are power operated. Model years 1968 and 1969 are vacuum operated.
Here’s the vacuum diagram from my 1968 Buick Chassis Service Manual, including the vacuum operated headlights: https://i.ibb.co/ZMDqfXZ/68-lights.jpg
Wrong.
As Erik said, they were vacuum-operated, not electric. Easy fix and common issue. They can be manually retracted too, so, no big deal. I love it when the knowledgeable professors expound here.
This site is turning into nothing more than a bunch of fault finding armchair “Expert” Grandma’s.
Lighten up guys
Great looking car, condition seems to be appropriate for the claimed mileage…
$34,000 for a real car in contrast to a $40,000 POS Jeep Compass. Easy choice for me. 60s Rivs are under appreciated.
Probably one of the most basic (stripped) Rivieras I’ve seen. Not even a tinted windshield, let alone full tinted glass.
I think the price is right nice car
Gorgeous car! But, crank windows on a Riv?? Talk about a low content car.
This car has definitely been cosmetically “refurbished”. It’s easily seen and the radiator decal is not factory whatsoever. Definitely not original paint and definitely restored under the hood. The high-temp grey exhaust manifold paint is a dead giveaway as is the freshly-painted engine and reproduction 430 decals. If you know, you know. I’ve owned many ’68-’69 Rivieras. Nice car, but a very basic Riv.
& no state had an issue with the location of those headlights?
No, these cars were also allowed in Europe, where they have very strict laws about placement of the headlights in combination with the width of a vehicle. It helped that the front running lights are pretty big.