Buick threw caution to the wind for the redesign of the third generation Riviera in 1971. Styling was a radical departure from prior editions, going with a pronounced “boattail” look in the rear whose curved rear window was a throwback to the C2 Chevy Corvette of 1963-67. Sales would be consistent from 1971-73 as Buick created some exclusivity for the car in the 30,000+ unit per year range. This 1973 Riviera was Dad’s “Summertime land yacht” as the seller puts it. His father has passed on and its time for the car to do so as well. It’s located in Fairport, New York and available here on craigslist for $11,500. Hats off to Ikey Heyman for another great tip sent our way!

The Riviera was Buick personal luxury car entry from 1963 through 1999, skipping 1994 for some reason. If you wanted the luxury of a Cadillac but the affordability of a Buick and you wanted it in a sporty package, the Buick Riviera was GM’s answer. GM’s head designer came up with a total change for the Riviera in the early 1970s, with the car now featuring a prominent forward-jutting prow with a vee’d grille and a beltline along with a “sweepspear” that was borrowed from the 1953 Skylark. Its roof treatment worked its way into a “boattail” rear. It was one of those cars that either you liked, or you didn’t.

Styling of the Riviera was toned down a bit in 1973 in advance of a total re-do that was coming for 1974. This particular car has a bit of a story which always makes reviewing one more interesting. As we understand it, the seller bought the car as a present for his father’s 70^th birthday (we don’t know how long ago that was). It apparently was a fair-weather use vehicle as we’re told its never seen the tough winters of northern New York, often tucked away inside a garage. His dad enjoyed the car for several summers and then sadly died, so the car has been in storage for the past five years. It is said to have been running when it was put away. We’re guessing it doesn’t run now, but that’s not exactly stated.

The old man apparently liked a little pop with his wheels, so it wears a custom exhaust system with Cherry Bombs which would be quite noticeable. Really out of character for a car like this, but they could always be swapped out. Under the hood resides a 455 cubic inch V-8 with 4-barrel that would have been good for 250 net hp back in the day. There is no indication this is the more desirable GS model and 62,000 is said to be the reading on the odometer.

48 years of on and off use are starting to take its toll on the body and paint. The seller tells us the car is virtually rust-free with some surface corrosion on the driver’s side front fender. The paint is faded and tired in many places, so a new coat should be put on the to-do list. We’re told the interior is in great condition, but it looks a bit dirty and one of the photos shows what might be some mildew on a headrest. The presentation for this car could have been a lot better by pushing it outside and giving it a thorough washing and cleaning. For more interesting reading on this gen of the Riviera, check this story out!

A history of the car compliments of its prior owner will come with the Riviera as it appears that party was in possession of the Buick for at least 30 years. If you like the styling of these cars and don’t mind their size, NADA says the average resale on these boat-tail wonders is about $20,000. So, by the time you bought it, got it running and put some paint on it, that’s likely what you’d have invested. Be the only kid on your Cars & Coffee block to have one!