Sitting in this workshop is what I consider the best-looking personal luxury car ever built. It is a 1965 Buick Riviera, and I’ve always felt its styling oozes class. The seller purchased this classic a few years ago from a widow whose husband was an enthusiast. He treated the car with respect, which is apparent when assessing its overall condition. All good things must end, with the seller listing it here on Craigslist in Bellevue, Washington. It could be yours for $24,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for referring one of my all-time favorite cars.
Whenever I look at a First Generation Riviera, I ask myself, “What’s not to like?” Buick hit a home run with the styling, and it has weathered the passing decades better than many cars from this era. This car presents beautifully in Sierra Mist Metallic. The seller purchased it around four years ago, and the deceased previous owner cherished this classic. Its presentation is hard to fault, with sparkling paint and panels free from flaws courtesy of a bare metal repaint under the current owner’s watch. These vehicles were prone to rust issues, but none are visible, and the seller will supply photos to potential buyers confirming the floors are solid. The motors for the clamshell headlamp covers are recently rebuilt and function as they should. The seller emphasizes that although it isn’t of show quality, the chrome presents well. They admit there is a dent in the back bumper, but it isn’t visible in the supplied photos. The glass looks excellent, as do the beautiful Magnum 500 wheels.
With older and unrestored classics, their interiors tend to best demonstrate the lives they have led. If the supplied photos are accurate and this car is largely original, the news appears positive. It features all the luxury touches you might expect, including bucket seats, a console, power windows, an AM radio, and a tilt wheel. The upholstered surfaces are spotless, as are the woodgrain inserts, dash, and console. The pad looks like it might be cracked left of the radio, and replacing this item could hurt the wallet. Finding them can prove challenging, and the couple I located retailed for around $550. The seller added a new headliner and waterproof carpet that helped lift the presentation. Otherwise, I can’t see any pressing faults, and there are no aftermarket additions.
I’m disappointed the seller didn’t include engine photos, but there’s enough information to suggest this Riviera is mechanically healthy. Its engine bay houses a 401ci V8 that sends 314hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. Considering its luxury leanings, the inclusion of power assistance for the steering and brakes is unsurprising. Although Buick focused more on luxury than performance, the Riviera’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 15.9 seconds demonstrated it was no automotive slug. The seller indicates they recently treated the transmission to a rebuild and replaced the torque converter, and they hold confirming receipts. The brakes received a new master cylinder and booster, with the rest of the braking system treated to a total rebuild. The car is in excellent health and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
Many people share my belief that the First Generation Buick Riviera is the most attractive personal luxury car ever built. Buick hit the right note with the styling, and their appearance remains ageless. Values have recently remained stable, although it is common to see these change hands for more than $30,000. If this car is as clean as the listing and photos suggest, its price looks highly competitive. I have always aspired to own one of these cars, but bringing another classic home could see me consigned to my workshop…permanently. If your situation differs from mine, it should be worth a closer look. If you choose to act and admit it to your life, I will feel some pangs of jealousy, but I’ll also wish you countless miles of enjoyable motoring.
This is SOOOO much cooler than just another Mustang,Cuda,
etc.I hope it finds the right buyer.
Near the top of my “best designed cars” list. Not too fond of the clam shell headlight covers but it, and the ’53 and ’54s before it are works of art.
Too early… let’s try ’63 and ’64s. More coffee!
This is very reasonable for a car of this quality, shouldn’t have too much trouble with the sale. Next owner should enjoy the car, all about the smiles per mile.
I think that in ’65, the standard engine would have been the 425 c.i..
The wonderful GS version of the Riviera, the Code “A9″, had the high-nickel block, 425 cubic inch engine and remarkable Super Turbine 400 transmission.
And, (2) x Carter AFB four barrels for 360 hp / 465 Tq.
And, heat dissipating, 4-wheel aluminum drums with a large sweep/heat sink area.
And, laminated (control noise), 2 1/4″ dual exhaust (vs. 2” standard duals).
Guess I really like Buick Rivieras !
Wish for engine + underneath picture, but seller really worked hard to restore to original grandeur.
Good Luck with this sale!
Sorry, it was the Buick Nailhead 401 CID. I had a 1967 Riviera with the 430 CID engine, and a 1966 Skylark GS with the Nailhead 401. Wish I still had any of them…😥
65 riveria Gran sport was exactly what guy said 425 2 4bbl 400 turbo with 431 gears i own one and know for fact this is original power train to the car. Most people think 65 is much nicer and more valuable car than 63 and 64 models most people love claim shell headlights. a lot people that own 63/64 i talk to were looking for 65 and either to hard to find or to much more money is what they been telling me
Wrong. 401 std.
A late pal of mine had one (in Glasgow); he’d hillclimb it at Doune if he had nothing else that was running right on the day.
What’s up with all the shin getter dual exhaust lately?
I would like to imagine having this and a 1965 Pontiac Grand Prix in my driveway. Two of the most beautiful styled cars that year IMO.
1st Class Automobile. 🥇
I assume that the Buick 401 in 1965 is the Nailhead type? Good torque but small valves limited top end. Is there room in the cylinder head to install larger valves?
i just inherited one from my father in-law whose dad bought it brand new and he owned since 1975 hiself. i just got the car. its 1965 gran sport has two 4 bbl carbs and 425 nail head
Where can I buy this car
Hello;
Wheels are not Magnum 500’s
But original 15” chrome rallye’s
Which should have the aluminum finned drums behind them!
Nicely presented!
Nice find Adam I too love 1 s t & 2 nd gen Buicks especially the Skylark / GSX& Rivieras’ & this year for sure ! Do You know who the stylist for GM Buick division was for these Buicks?
I believe it was Ned Nickles that penned this design. The styling chief was Bill Mitchell.
Bill Mitchell
Wheels are not magnum 500’s
But original 15 inch chrome rallye’s,
Which should have the aluminum large finned drums!
Nice unit!
Several years ago several of my car buddies and I were talking about how great these cars are, and they will certainly be collectible and go up in value. I think that is still true, the value has increased, but there are still excellent cars available at a reasonable price, and I would love to have one!
I was always a Caddy guy until this ’76 Riviera showed up in BF! Now I’m smitten with these cars..and wearing a big smile when tooling down the road….
On Pic 3 of the ad, is the boot (trunk) lid not closed properly? There is an increasing gap. Also in the same pic, there is a slight misalignment with the bumper and the body – perhaps related to the mentioned dent?
Design Analysis: First Generation Buick Riviera (1963-1965) – Hagerty Media
https://www.hagerty.com/media/car-profiles/design-analysis/
Nice car, darn no AC!
I just started looking for one for my collection, Buicks were so cool in the 60’s…
Definitely one of the most beautiful car designs. Was intended for Cadillac, but thought too small. Very Cadillac looking. But Buick had the best dashboard! Big hit in Europe too.
65 is the creme de la creme in my opinion. I have a 64 with 425 and A/C. I love the car, I’ve owned it for 10 years now be 11 in March. I love the clam shell headlights, but I like the rear bumper on my 64 better. My car was special ordered by the Reese family and sold new in Glendale, California. It was parked in the family garage in 65 when the owner/husband died, where it remained until a nephew (Darryl Phillips) brought it to Texas. It only had 19,000 miles on it in 1995 but needed new headliner, carpet and engine rebuild which Darryl had done, He also changed the color from code nn Coral Mist to a blue which in my opinion was a mistake. These cars will get up and go and ride like on a cloud. Whoever gets this car will be getting a fine automobile, parts are easy to get, but they love gas. My car currently has just over 28,000 miles on the odometer.
God Bless America
Personally, I prefer the ’63, like mine here in Teal Mist. I just prefer the dash and the rear bumper on the ’63.
Such a stunning and timeless design!
Beautiful when GM ruled the world in styling and quality. Why someone put on those ghetto exhaust tips is beyond me. Stupid. Otherwise, perfect.
This was my first car in 1972. I purchased it from my uncle for a whopping $850.00! It had 48k miles. Pretty pricey for a 16 yr. old at the time. What a great vehicle. I had it for over 20 years and gleefully drove it to 223k miles. Many memorable trips to Florida for spring break. Superb road machine as I recall. My overall favorite vehicle ever!
Not me,I prefer the boat tail Riviera GS. Wish I could find one for sale. But this is a great looking car