- Seller: John D
- Location: Clinton Township, Michigan
- Mileage: 115,830 Shown
- Chassis #: 494877H942540
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 430 cui V8
- Transmission: Automatic
There is something undeniably sad about seeing a classic left for years exposed to the elements, leading many enthusiasts to ponder what the future might hold for such vehicles. This 1967 Buick Riviera demonstrates that graphically. It ran when parked in its current location, and whether it will serve as a project or a parts source, it has much to offer the winning bidder. The owner is ready to send the Riviera to a new home, listing it exclusively with us at Barn Finds as a no reserve auction!
While Ford created the Personal Luxury Car market segment with the Thunderbird, General Motors produced worthy competition with vehicles like the Buick Riviera. Although initial sales weren’t what the company expected, the badge hit its stride with the unveiling of the second generation. This Riviera rolled off the line in 1967, ordered by its first owner in White with a contrasting Dark Green vinyl top. Scrutinizing the supplied photos reveals that the paint is past its best, with checking across many surfaces. The vinyl has waved the white flag as Mother Nature has taken her toll, but this might be a case of not judging a book by its cover. There is visible rust in some lower extremities and the state of the car’s underside is unclear. However, there are plenty of panels, badges, and trim pieces that could see service on another project build if the buyer views this Riviera as a parts car. The tinted glass is excellent, and the sports wheels could also present well after an intense cleaning and polish.
As a personal Luxury Car, it is fair to expect this Riviera to feature some welcome creature comforts. It delivers with air conditioning, power windows, a tilt wheel, an AM/FM radio, and a full gauge cluster featuring an ultra-cool “rolling barrel” speedometer. The front seatcover is torn and the headliner has suffered a seam separation. However, the back seat is in good condition and, as with the exterior, there are plenty of pieces that would present nicely following a deep clean. Once again, this is an aspect of the Buick that could provide many of those small parts that are often difficult to locate during a project build.
Unfortunately, the owner has been unable to pop the hood so that we get a look at the engine bay. He does confirm that the car ran when parked, although a few years have passed since that day. Standard Riviera fare in 1967 was the 430ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. Emission regulations hadn’t reared their ugly head when this classic rolled off the line, meaning that the V8 delivered an impressive 330hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque. The car tips the scales at over 4,200 lbs, but the power and torque allowed it to offer performance on a par with the standard-setting Ford Thunderbird. The mechanical components are pretty robust, and if the engine turns, revival could be surprisingly easy.
Project or parts? That is the biggest question hanging over this 1967 Buick Riviera. The company struck a sweet spot with the Second Generation model, with 42,799 cars finding buyers in 1967. This one is begging for a new home and, depending on where the auction heads, it could be a classic that you could park in your workshop without spending a fortune on a project candidate. If you already have a build on the go, having a ready source of parts is always a good thing. Either way, this Riviera deserves far more than a passing glance.
No more plastic tarps.
This must be field find week. It was Ash Wednesday too so remember that these cars shall return to dust. And they’re on the way.
Years ago, while working in an automotive accessories retail shop, I innocently mentioned to an older female customer who had come to pick up her vehicle that she seemed to have something smeared on her forehead. Boy, did I get a verbal butt kicking! Actually, I should have known better, having survived Catholicism myself…Oops!
The problem with restoring a car that sat, is you can’t just piece them together. You’re almost better to tear down just about everything instead of trying to repair as you go along. Bag and tag your bolts as you go along, and hopefully it doesn’t take you hours to find the right replacement bolts. It took me 2 days to find a fitting for a fuel pump. I finally found one at a forklift repair shop, and I’m in a big city…
Man the flatchulance that poor drivers seat suffered really took a toll!
Sure hope that air cleaner on the back floor is from another car, not this one. If it belongs to this car, that’s NOT a good sign.
Years ago, these cars left in the field should’ve been given to people who would’ve cared for them. Again, what a absolute travesty. I can’t believe people are so uncaring. Why on earth would they even keep them like this? This is incredible incompetence!
Without knowing the life circumstances of the owner or owners, casting aspersions seems unfair. I get the sentiment with respect to the vehicle, but not to the owner. I would also add that a very rusty Michigan car with almost 120K on it would usually have been to the crusher, no matter its name or heritage.
A running/driving video would be helpful
A running/driving video would be helpful !
i would buy just to have access those little thing you need as a previous commenter said
Yes, please educate your readers on the destruction that putting a plastic tarp on a car left outside to protect the paint. IT DOES EXACTLY THE
OPPOSITE. It traps the moisture and that corrodes the paint plus the blowing wind rubs whatever does not get corroded.
Can’t imagine how rusted out the frame and underbody is on this car
Great parts car,sadly
I had one back in the early 80’s. The headlights actually come down from being tucked into the radiator support. What really worries me about having a transport company picking it up is how badly things are frozen underneath. Putting a winch on this and dragging 4000 lbs of metal onto a trailer seems like fun…..
Same thing here, looks like another lazy facebook market place want-a -be ad.
This car needs a sympathetic local to do it justice. In its current condition it isn’t economically sensible to pay shipping in the hope it is rebuildable. The Riv is hard to overestimate as a trend setter, especially the 1963. I saw this as the perfect owners wife’s car and that is exactly where I first saw one when she came to get my Mom for some civic lunch. The sharp edges of the original had been smoothed off for the martini lunch crowd. 43,000 is a bunch of sales, especially with the competition of the day. And it wasn’t cheap by any sense of the word. Even in a world where an ordinary four door Bulgemobile is considered “collectible”, I hope someone saves this icon of the ’60’s.
Must have been nice when it was new. Lots of nice options. Although, bucket seats and console would have been nice. I’m amazed the Buick Rallye/mag wheels look as good as they do and that, from what I can see, still retain the correct center cap.
What ever happened to that rear bumper?
I am selling this for a friend. This car has been in the family since pretty much new complete would make a really good Parts car everything still there would make a great Rusto rod or if somebody were so inclined it could be restored we all know that would be a labor of love and it’s not for profit. I left it in. It’s intentional position so you knew what you were bidding on. Good luck.