The 1969 model was one of the best-selling Rivieras of all time; it wasn’t until 1984 that its production total of 52,872 was broken. Of that total, about 10 percent had the GS Handling Option, and this appears to be one of them. So what’s the GS all about?
Honestly, the GS wasn’t drastically different from the standard Riviera. According to the brochure, it had heavy-duty front and rear suspension in addition to a “positive traction differential” with a standard 3.42 gear ratio. In other words, the GS buyer got more confident handling and a little extra spring in the step off the line.
GS or no, it’s hard to beat any 1960s Riviera when it comes to looks. The first-generation from 1963 to 1965 is almost universally regarded as a styling classic. The second-generation Riviera looked totally different but was also a beautiful car, pretty enough that the basic design lasted five model years. The final edition in 1970 received a heavy facelift that was a little less popular than the earlier versions, but five years was still a long run in the era of the annual styling change.
Because it was mostly a handling package, some owners will “clone” a GS by adding a little extra badging, although that is probably more common on the initial GS, the 1965 model, especially considering how rapidly those have been appreciating as of late.
All Rivieras in 1969 had the same engine under the hood, the 430 big block with a Rochester Quadrajet on top. With 360 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of Buick torque, the Riviera was livelier than its curb weight would have you believe, especially with the steeper gears of the GS. Unfortunately, this specific Riviera will be a mechanical project; it doesn’t currently run and it will need to be towed from its Indiana home. It does have air conditioning, which seems to be an important option to many would-be Riviera owners.
The seller is throwing in some new interior parts with the car, including a headliner and some weatherstripping. Aside from mentioning that he drove the car extensively years ago, that’s about all the information included in the ad.
The seller says it’s a GS in the Marketplace ad, but that might be worth verifying if you decide to inquire about this Riviera. It’s clearly a project, and I’m not sure if the values of 1969 models have quite reached the point where an extensive restoration makes much financial sense. At $2500, however, it’s worth a look. It’s probably the best looking $2500 car for sale out there today. Thanks to Ted for finding it for us!
This is one of my favourite Rivieras. The hideaway headlights and the GS package are on my must-have list. This car appears to be a very promising project. Most of the the project Rivs I have encountered have been far rustier. If it were local, I would snap it up. This will be a great winter project for someone.
GS or not, doesn’t make much difference value-wise. It’s a major project for someone with the love… and the $$$.
Makes a big difference if it’s documented…and the 3.42 Posi (standard on the GS) was not available on any other Riviera and makes it a completely different car to drive. The suspension upgrades also help a lot. The GS emblems were specific to the Riviera in that era so, if you know what to look for, it’s easy to tell if it is real.
This is a great car and, a great buy…but it has a lot of rust.
My mom had a 69 GS when I turned 16. Bucket seats too! Any way the car would smoke the tires like no other car I can remember. The cool part,it was my mom who would light them up! She had a BB Chrysler before that.
I owned a ’69 GS Riv. It was burgundy with a black top and black interior. It had buckets and console. That was one sweet ride and it was fast.
The engine and trans alone should be worth $2500.
sounds like the interior was taken out who know what else is going on with. it’s not a 455 nobody really wants the 430 unless you need it. if it could be bought for 2k or less might be worth it
nothing like the 1st gen, I agree (but 1st gen toranado, only, as well).
One local guy has both. He brought over the T, sitting in his garage 14 yrs. We got it running but aint seen the R. yet (9 mo ago, It aint commin, least not this yr, all ways hope 4 next). I love tinkering w/them, gettin them to their tip top running… Much of the rest, no, but ya gotta take one with the other
8^ )
I owned a 1969 Riviera back in the 70’s. I put GS emblems on it. Unfortunately the car was a real rat. It was a color combination that I have never seen again. It was a lilac color called Sunset Silver with a burgundy vinyl roof and a red custom strato back bench seat interior.