In an ideal world, this 1964 Buick Riviera wouldn’t appear on Barn Finds. That would be because I had already bought it and safely squirreled it away in my workshop. However, the world isn’t ideal, allowing someone to grab this classic and give it the TLC it richly deserves. Apart from being complete and surprisingly solid, this Buick is cheap. That may make it irresistible. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Riviera listed here on eBay in Buckhead, Georgia. The seller set their BIN at $4,500 with the option to make an offer.
Buick released the First Generation Riviera in October 1962 to gain a foothold in the Personal Luxury Car segment. The reality was that the car served a second purpose: it proved an effective weapon for luring potential customers into showrooms. The Riviera may have been beyond the financial reach of many, but once through the door, the company had a golden opportunity to sell these individuals something more affordable. This Riviera left the line in 1964, and the layer of surface corrosion makes it virtually impossible to spot any of its original Wedgewood Blue paint. That means that it doesn’t make a great first impression, but we must dig deeper to discover its true strength. The seller states that the driver’s side floor has penetrating rust requiring repair. Otherwise, it appears that this classic is rock-solid. A session of media blasting or hours of sanding would eliminate the surface corrosion, revealing healthy steel beneath. Therefore, it may take more time than money to prepare this car’s panels for a fresh coat of paint. Some trim pieces require restoration or replacement, but the tinted glass appears to be in good condition.
The horsepower war of the 1960s continued within the Personal Luxury Car market. Buick equipped this ’64 Riviera with a 425ci “Nailhead” V8, delivering a factory-quoted 340hp and 465 ft/lbs of torque. New for 1964 was the three-speed Super Turbine 400 automatic transmission, replacing the previous two-speed Dynaflow unit. As befits a vehicle of this type, buyers received power steering and power brakes as standard equipment. Buick targeted Ford’s Thunderbird when marketing the Riviera, emphasizing the fact that it held a performance advantage over its blue-oval rival. The photos suggest that this Rivera has spent years in hiding, and the seller confirms that it doesn’t run. They haven’t attempted a revival, leaving that task to the new owner.
We can describe this classic’s interior needs in one word: Everything. The Riviera’s Blue vinyl upholstered surfaces are shredded, the seat foam is collapsing, the pad is badly cracked, and it is missing a few minor pieces. The buyer faces the expense of a complete retrim, but it could be worth the cost and effort. If the car’s body is as sound as the seller suggests, whipping that aspect of the Buick into shape shouldn’t be expensive. That would leave money “in the pot” to spend inside this classic. It isn’t lavishly equipped by modern standards, but the first owner ticked the boxes beside air conditioning, a remote trunk release, and an optional rear speaker for the radio.
I have always struggled to choose a classic from the 1960s to park in my hypothetical dream garage. A 1966 Mustang GT would seem a no-brainer, although any first-generation pony car would be a contender. I am equally drawn to the original Buick Riviera because I believe it possesses an almost perfect combination of stunning styling and impressive performance. This 1964 example requires work to present at its best. However, if you remove the relatively minor floor rust from the equation, a patient enthusiast could address most of its shortcomings in a home workshop without spending a fortune. That could make it an affordable project build for those on a budget, which is why I believe this Riviera deserves a closer look.
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