Buick introduced its debut Riviera as a 1963 model, with the first-generation cars only lasting for 3 model years before a revamp in 1966. The car ended up having a long life and lasted all the way up through 1999, only skipping one year model in 1994, and while there were some really good moments along the way it’s just hard to beat the styling of those early models. Buick also managed to sell over 112,000 first-generation Rivieras, proving that the buying public was embracing the concept of a personal luxury car, and if you’ve been in the market for a well-preserved example that checks a lot of the right boxes this 1965 Buick Riviera might be a good car for you. It’s located in Portland, Oregon, and can be found here on Craigslist with an asking price of $23,500. Barn Finds would like to thank reader T.J. for another great tip on this one!
The Riviera presents quite well and there are plenty of photos, but little information is given about the car’s history, and while the seller refers to it as a “sport coupe” I don’t think it is actually a Gran Sport, as there are no emblems under the Riviera body markings indicating a GS. Maybe one of our Buick aficionado readers can confirm or correct this in the comments. However, under the hood resides the optional massive 7.0 liter 425 cubic inch power plant instead of the standard 401 V8, so GS or not this E-Body has plenty of power. The odometer reading is stated to be 95,801, but no word on whether or not it has rolled over, or if the engine or transmission has ever had an overhaul.
Outside, the Shell Beige paint certainly looks to be in nice shape and the car’s fit and finish appear to be top-notch, but no word on if it’s had a recent respray. The areas inside the door jambs look good, as do the chrome bumpers and wheel covers, with nothing glaring that shows any immediate cause for concern. But again, it would have been good if the seller has told us a little more about the car’s past, or how long he has owned it.
The interior is overall nicely preserved, and while the top of the dash could use some attention, most everything else inside looks to be in decent shape. Something the seller does talk about in detail is all of the equipment found inside this car, and there’s a lot of it, including a Sonomatic Radio with rear seat speakers and electric antenna, air conditioning, power seats, power windows, four-tone horn, and an automatic trunk release button inside the glove box.
I’m always thankful when at least one photo of the underside is included, and when the seller provides 8 pictures from down below that’s even better! I’m not sure if those are genuine or knock-off style Cherry Bomb mufflers, but with a pair of them that 425 must make a deep noise that can be heard half a mile away. What are your thoughts on this 1965 Buick Riviera?
Leave a Reply to Fran Cancel reply