Oh, Buick, where have you gone? Compare this magnificent 1969 Buick Riviera to today’s dreck pushed by GM’s upper-scale division, and you might find yourself asking the same question. This looker is a mix of originality as well as refurbishment, and the combination has left us with a beautiful car that wants for nothing. Excelsior Springs, Missouri, is where you’ll find it, and it’s available here on Facebook Marketplace for $26,900. Thanks are due to T.J. for this tip!
A member of the Riviera’s second generation (1966-1970), the 1969 Riviera was offered in a single two-door hardtop body style, spread across two trim levels, standard (our subject car) and Gran Sport (GS). Sales were brisk, with 52,000 copies finding new homes that year. The seller tells us, “Very clean, original, and good running 1969 Buick Riviera coupe survivor…Body is super straight and rot-free, with solid floors, trunk, and frame. Body panels have minor flaws, chips, and dings since half the paint and body is factory original GM, but the car presents very well as a super clean, correct driver.” The hue is known as Twilight Blue and is claimed to be “rarely seen.” I can’t factually support that claim, but I will admit to not encountering it often on a Riviera. It is said to be 50% original, and everything flows together well; I see no evidence of mismatched panel colors. The white vinyl top is spotless, there’s no evidence of ground-in mung or material fraying. The Buick road wheels are always a standout option, and in this case, they work perfectly with the period-correct, narrow white stripe tires.
The white vinyl bucket seat interior’s status reflects that of this car’s exterior; it’s excellent! White tends to yellow with age, but I discern no evidence of that here. The optional bucket seat/center console adds an element of sportiness to this large coupe, and the instrument panel reflects a car of this stature; it’s not cheap-looking or minimalist in its functionality. The seller states that the A/C works, and that’s always an added feature – one that’s frequently not the case in a car from this era. No demerits to be issued here!
An exalted model requires more than adequate power, and in this case, that mission is accomplished courtesy of a 360 gross HP, 430 CI V8 engine. The power plant and its surroundings are spotless, and the visuals have been enhanced with cast aluminum valve covers. The seller adds, “75k original miles, with over $10,000 in recent mechanical restoration (receipt included), including rebuilt engine, transmission, and servicing of brakes, rear differential, exhaust, and more. I just replaced the in-tank fuel pump, rubber hose, oil pressure switch, in-line fuse, and in-carb filter.” Rear wheel drive is facilitated via a Turbo-Hydramatic 400 three-speed automatic transmission.
What’s not to like? I hesitated, at first, over the price, but upon further consideration, I suppose it’s competitive. And, pricing is subjective anyway. OK, note to Buick, “Are you paying attention? You had the tiger by the tail at one point; this Riviera is evidence. Try something, anything, to recapture the elegance, styling, and performance that were traditional Buick hallmarks.” Do you think they’ll listen?
Lol, GM to recapture a Riviera like this J.O…#dream
100% agree, Stan and to your statement as well JOD. GM has relegated Buick to the level of an unwanted but annoyingly needed necessity with its rebadged “also-rans”.
Sad to see what GM is nowadays.
This beauty reflects a better time and stands as a potential icon of where we need to return-build quality and design as examples.
Someone will be getting a great car with this buy.
GLWTA
🎯 Nevada.
GM is now Obama’s legacy. Government interference in running a business.
In-tank fuel pump ? Euh contribute to my education here was that oem ?
Not original, but GM did add them to some 1982 and newer Camaro and Firebirds to help hot starting issues.It was a pusher pump, low pressure
The ’69 and ’70 Riviera had an electric in-tank fuel pump from the factory. The oil pressure switch – if it malfunctions, then the circuit does not allow the electric fuel pump to work, and then you are not going anywhere. All by design from the factory. That is why those parts have all been replaced.
That number is registered to a classic car dealership…
The only tie to the Buicks of the late 1960s left at GM is actually GM NA President Mark Reuss. His father Lloyd was a legendary Buick engineer who (like John DeLorean) rose up through GM ranks only to be axed as GM President in the 1992 Board room coup.
Mark, are you listening?
These and countless other Buicks from that bygone era are unforgettable vehicles. The only reason Buick even exists today and didn’t join Olds and Pontiac into automotive oblivion, is because for some reason, the Chinese like them. GM can actually sell them there.