In terms of consistently high sales numbers, the 1979-85 generation of Buick Riviera was arguably the most popular, as buyers swooned over its crisp styling that was vaguely reminiscent of the original 1963 classic. Some will also argue that of this generation, the ones to have are the 1979-80 models, because they came standard with Oldsmobile’s excellent 350 small-block attached to the Riviera’s first front-wheel-drive transaxle. Therefore, if you like the first of the front-drive Rivs, this one has to be on your radar as a two-owner, 38,881-mile survivor. Barn Finder T.J. spotted it here on eBay in Buffalo, New York, with an asking price of $15,775 or best offer.
One of the many reasons that buyers flocked to this Riviera (and its Toronado and Eldorado platform-mates) was its lavish interior. I’ve said it a hundred times, but modern buyers are missing out on the comfort and durability that is velour, and we’re also missing out on the array of colorful interior options that were offered in the 1970s and early 1980s. The Riviera’s then-new flat floor makes for a spacious front cabin, and the big, flat instrument panel gives everything an airy and open look. You may or may not like the simulated wood trim, but that was a part of the experience.
The seller represents the engine as a 307, but more likely it’s the 350 (the 307 was standard from 1981 to 1985). The Riviera was well-equipped straight from the factory, with standard air conditioning, power brakes, power steering, and even power windows. The seller doesn’t say too much about the overall mechanical condition of the car aside from the fact that it “needs absolutely nothing” and “runs beautiful.” The engine compartment could probably use some detailing, as time and perhaps the damp storage that’s hard to avoid in the northern states has given the air cleaner and power brakes booster a little surface rust.
Still, there were few luxury cars that looked better in 1980 than this Medium Blue Riviera, which is uncommon in that it is missing the fashionable vinyl roof: Score one for those who rightfully get nervous any time they see those rust bubbles popping out beneath that thick vinyl covering. Of course, you’ll also get the snazzy wire-wheel covers that were so popular back then; in some ways, it’s like going back to 1980. If you, like many, find yourself drawn to these semi-formal, semi-sporty Rivieras, this one might be just right. What do you think is a fair offer?
When I saw this on Fast Finds last night I was hoping it would get written up. Thank you Aaron!!! My ’77 Delta 88 was this same color and I can tell you it has a tendency to fade and or peel quickly. This one looks phenomenal. The fact that the dealer emblem is still on the trunk is telling me the paints original. What caught my eye was the lack of a vinyl top as well. The Riviera looks great with or without it, but in this day and age, as you said, not having hidden rust bubbles is a huge plus. Another thing I noticed too, not just this one, but others is that Buick must have been using left over steering wheels from the ’77 and ’78 Cadillacs. ( look closely, you’ll see it) I’ve seen a few other Buicks with the same wheel as well. And I totally agree with Aaron, and early Riv with an Olds 350 is definitely preffered over the Olds 307. This one is a creampuff!!! Hope someone gets it and enjoys it this spring and summer. Thanks again Aaron. And also T.J. for finding this gem. You really found a good one here!!!
My pleasure!
You are correct about interior colors. Most new vehicles today have one choice; black. It is about the same with exterior colors also. Back in the 1980s, most vehicles had 12-15 choices. Now you are lucky if you get half of that, and most of the choice is silver, gray, black or white. Today’s cars lack style, and choice…and the manufacturer doesn’t care what the buyer thinks. That’s fine by me, as I will never step foot in any new car showroom ever again. Today’s vehicles are overpriced plastic and tin computerized disposable turds. No thanks!
This is a sharp looking car, detailing the engine bay would have been a smart move, it makes a difference. Asking $15,775 makes me thinks the seller wants to get $15K and he probably shouldn’t have to accept much less based on what I could find on the internet for these models.
Look at the luxury and style. Riding in these cars was a truly great experience. 👍
My brother bought a low mile white/tan ’79 Riviera in 1980. I was allowed to drive it over a weekend. I agree about it being ‘a truly great experience’.
I love the light blue exterior color coupled with the woodgrain dash and plush seats. The switch to fwd to match the Toronado and Eldorado gives the Riv better traction in snow and rain. I loved personal luxury cars having owned a Grand Prix, a Monte Carlo and a Ford Thunderbird so this is an automotive segment I dearly miss in a world of look alike turtle shell sedans and hundreds of thousand more pickup trucks and SUVs. A new owner should be happy maintaining this Riviera.
Back in the early 80s I was working at a Buick dealership. The average income back then was not impressive. Most car payments were in the high 100s low 200s. I remember one of my coworkers in the office was amazed that someone was paying almost 500$ a month for a new Riviera.
In 1984 my new Camaro was only 201$ a month!
Then there was the time I was hitch hiking on the highway (also in the 80s) and a guy in new Riviera convertible picked me up. It was a nice day and he had the top down. Because I worked at Buick dealership we talked about his car the whole way. I dont remember the numbers but he paid a pretty high price for that convertible.
To me, these Rivieras were too formal. Back when I had the boat tails they were luxurious and sporty. These were just luxurious. Formal roofline, velore interiors, lots of fake wood.
Anything after the 1973 Rivvy IMO they went downhill.
One nit-picking correction. A transaxle, which includes the transmission and final drive in one unit, was not used in the front-drive Rivs, Toros and Eldos. They used an actual transmission with a separate differential attached. We had very few problems with them, as opposed to the transaxle-equipped vehicles.
Interesting Ed, stark difference in reliability
and the Eldo convert pic is for what?
This is a wonderful find! Gorgeous car, low miles, incredible paint (especially for this color and age) and sans landau top! Rare and wonderful car!
My parents bought a new ’79 Riveria equipped just like this one (slick top, too) with the exception of color. Theirs was an incredibly pale green, so much so that some referred to the car as white. It had the same style cloth seats but in green. It had the same steering wheel, too, as referenced by @driveinstyle , which btw, their 1980 Park Avenue Diesel also had that same steering wheel. All our friends Buicks were ’81 and up, so none of them had that style of steering wheel.
I saw an ad selling this exact same car in the Buffalo area a few months ago and the pictures showed that there were spots where the paint had peeled . This new flipper with his distant, hazy pictures is not disclosing the paint flaws yet he’s trying to get a big price
I had an 80 Toro with the 350 and I sure do miss that car but this Riv would do nicely. It also looks like it’s had the Rusty Jones or Ziebart treatment which is a big selling point or at least that what RJ and Ziebart used to tell us.
Dear Pete, you should re read the comments on barn finds for this Riviera. When this car was up for sale in November the seller said it hadn’t been on the road since 2015, he had better pictures and he was asking 7000 or best offer. Also, some 1980 rivs came with a 307.