The sixth-generation Riviera, the first to feature front-wheel-drive, was a huge hit. Produced from 1979 to 1985, sales were remarkably steady, with the last of them (the 1985 model) outselling its predecessors…all of them, going back to 1963. The ultimate sixth-gen might be the T-Type with its turbocharged 3.8-liter V6. Rated at 200 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque, the T-Type had the heart of a Grand National under its long hood (or at least something similar, there were apparently a few minor differences between the engines in the Regal and the Riviera). With unique turbine wheels, no vinyl top, and beautiful deep red paint, this Buick is sure to excite anyone who is a fan of Buick’s stylish personal luxury coupes. Our sharp-eyed Barn Finder T.J. found this one listed for $13,500 on Marketplace in Katy, Texas.
I think the prices on ’79-’85 Rivieras are on the way up. A couple years ago, I would have gasped at a $13,500 price tag, but today? Aside from (maybe) the convertible, there isn’t a more collectable model than this one, and it has a claimed 55,782 miles on the odometer. Here’s Buick’s famous turbo six, an important component in the T-Type’s repertoire, but not the only one. T-Types came standard with firmer springs and shocks for tighter handling than one might expect from a Buick.
If the ’80s Rivieras are subject to criticism, it’s usually because of the dashboard, an imposing wall of simulated wood. There’s also a fully digital gauge cluster with admittedly few actual gauges: speedometer, fuel, and odometer. There’s no tach and no boost gauge, just a light that says “Turbo Power.” The leather seats are in very good condition, and the headliner and sail panels have been replaced, so you won’t have to use push pins to keep the headliner out of your teeth. If anything’s out of place, it’s the special T-Type steering wheel, which is a good bit sportier than the typical Buick fare of the ’80s.
I’ve always liked this body style, and although my tastes run toward cars that are a couple decades older (I have a ’63 Riviera), I could be easily swayed into parking this beautiful Riviera in my driveway. The bumper fillers are even intact! The seller says that it “runs like a clock,” and with a new fuel tank, fuel pump, tires, hoses, and belts, it’s ready to cruise. And unlike Rivieras with the much more common Oldsmobile 307, this one brings a little turbocharged excitement to the ride.
Simply the BEST Riviera, worthy of the name. CLASSIC elegance and panache at a fair price. So much better than later Rivierrors.
Simply the BEST Riviera, worthy of the name. CLASSIC elegance and panache at a fair price. So much better than later Rivierrors.
Rick you said it twice, yet who amongst us hasn’t lol.
Nicely written article Toth. Thank you.
And I agree w Rick. These Rivs look good from any angle. All the comforts on the inside. And as Aaron said, some extra twist when that Turbo six gets spooled up and going ↩️.
Yes Indeed! Although twice is nice, I didn’t intend for it. I’ve had trouble posting. Not sure how it happened 🤔. Guess I made a Rivierror!
I agree Rick and Stan. That Turbo V6 definitely had to have more Ooomph than the Olds 307 ( Sorry Dr. OLDS no offense) I always thought these rims looked great on these Rivieras, even with white letter tires ( I’d usually say whitewalls on a Riv, but here they look good.) Very clean, very nice find and great write up too Aaron!!!
Tony Esposito is back from the grave to sell his T-Type?! Nice car but better goalie.
Given the price of GN’s these days this will be a fast appreciating classic – I totally believe the mileage and this one is loaded. I think the price is very fair
I’d love to know how many 85 Riv turbos are left…and I can’t believe they sold many by 85. It has to be a very low number as it seems most of those late 70s/early 80s turbo cars had a relatively short life. I recall most Riv buyers of the early 80s took the V8. We had a 79 Riv turbo and got the better part of 100K of it in 3 years before moving on to our first German luxury car.
Well, there’s at least one more. I still have the one that ordered and bought new in 1985. The only option I didn’t order is the C68 automatic A/C. They were too failure prone. It has the standard C60 A/C that you can still get parts for.
Beautiful!!! IMO the car really pops without the quarter vinyl top. I don’t know why the Facebook post says the car is gray.
SWELL BUICK buy my preference is the older ones so I can have the 455 wildcat. Great writeup
Had a1981 T-Type Black with a black vinyl roof with tan cloth int. Love that car except for the turbo and I was the second owner so who ever change oil in before me cross thread the oil plug, it was tricky to put back in.
This is a beautiful car and it is indeed loaded. Even has the Delco Gm Bose music system which is relatively rare.
I had a Riv that I bought new in 84 with the 307. It had the Bose music system that was really revolutionary at the time. Loved that car but it spent almost as much time back at the dealer for various defects as it did in my driveway.
I was working for a Buick dealership when these 85’s came out.
I have previously owned a 83 Convertible, but there were so many problems with the touch control air, the 4K vacuum hoses to run the emission sensors, and I was saving it to put a Olds 350 from a Toro into it. So my son put a battery in it while drinking and totaled it.
This is a fair price in today’s market .