The second generation (’66-’70) of Buick’s famed Riviera is my favorite, except…the ’70 edition, and that’s what I have for your review today. Why, you ask? I’ll explain in a bit. That said, the condition of this Salem, Oregon resident is so fine, I had to cover it – it looks great! Curvette wins an undisclosed prize for this discovery, and those with an interest can find this iconic Buick listed here on craigslist for $12,000, OBO.
For ’70, Riviera came in four iterations: Riviera I, II, III, and GS. Our subject appears to be a Riviera III, as noted by its vinyl top and thinly sculpted fender skirts. Riviera II featured the same abbreviated skirt and a color-keyed side trim spear that extended from the fender’s leading edge all the way to the rear edge of the quarter panel. That trim piece was slender at both ends and then grew some girth at the door’s rear shunt line before becoming svelte again (note the above image). And that’s item one I never cared for. The other is that slim fender skirt; minimal as it is, I prefer the no-skirt look (and Riviera I came equipped with a full rear wheel opening skirt).
OK, I’m digressing. This Riviera is one of 37K assembled in Buick City (Flint), Michigan, 56 years ago, and the production volumes for Gen-Two remained robust throughout its life except in this final model year. Production dropped 31% from 1969, which is not an unusual trend; as models age, generally fewer are produced and sold in their final year. Our subject states 34K miles of use but offers no authentication; still, it could be the case. The Burgundy Mist finish is deep and luxurious, and the black vinyl top shows as new. The 215″ flanks are razor-straight, the chrome is sound, and the Buick road wheels do what they always do – make any Buick look perfect!
Big power comes from a 370 gross HP, 455 CI V8 engine under the tundra flat hood of this personal luxury coupe. A Turbo-Hydramatic 400 three-speed automatic transmission sends the power to the rear wheels, and the seller claims it “runs great.” The engine room is surprisingly clean, which further makes me think the mileage recording is accurate.
Inside, we find black strato-bucket seats and a center console. Research indicates that both a bench seat and buckets were standard equipment – a buyer was able to choose either, though a strato-bench seat was optional at an additional cost. The interior is as nice as the exterior – further indicating careful and restrained use. And that quality condition extends to the carpet, door panels, and headliner. The only drawback, and it’s minor, is the instrument panel; there’s nothing wrong with it; it’s in fine shape – just not too inspiring for a car of this caliber. Oh, one other item: this is an A/C equipped car, but the compressor appears to be beltless – something worth an inquiry.
OK, there you have it: $12,000, OBO, and it needs virtually nothing! I’d rate this Riviera a strong buy; how about you?
Never saw a Riviera model that I didn’t appreciate. They had the most refined body lines, compared to the TBird, Toronado, Mark IV, and Eldorado. I am sure I will receive a few arguments over this, but Buick had the “Gentleman’s luxury performance credentials” dialed in, with available power under the hood to match!