When we first got word of this 1969 Buick Riviera from Barn Finds reader Randy J., he was impressed enough to say to consider it gone when he gets there, and I can certainly understand his optimism. Personal luxury cars seemed to still be gaining ground in the marketplace during this era, and the Riviera was indeed a fine representation of the genre. This 1969 model here on Craigslist seems to be a great cruiser just like it is, but this one’s also a fine candidate to take up to a higher level. Priced at $13,500, this cool Buick is in Pinellas Park, Florida, and we want to thank Randy J. for submitting the excellent tip here!
One confusing issue here is the engine. The seller mentions that this Riviera came from the factory with a 455, which he says is a rare, special-order-only option. I’m not finding anywhere that anything other than a 430 was available here in ’69, including the GS. The 455 for a Buick wasn’t introduced until 1970, so unless this one was made very late in the run, I’m not seeing how this could even be a possibility. If anyone knows otherwise, please share! In any event, it’s said that over ten grand has recently been put into this car, with some of the mechanical work including a rebuilt carburetor, new fan belts, and a fresh tune-up. There’s also been new brakes installed, along with shocks, plus a new exhaust system underneath.
As decent as the body appears overall, I’d be tempted to leave the exterior alone for a while, as the patina sort of gives this one a fun appearance outside. The panels also appear quite solid overall, with no obvious rust or corrosion present, but unfortunately, this one’s been lightly tapped from the rear. The back bumper is slightly bent inward, and the trunk lid has some minor damage under the keyhole, so I could also understand the urge to make the needed repairs sooner rather than later.
Unless you’re seeking perfection, the interior is probably acceptable for a nice driver, with the seats not only looking comfortable but also in excellent condition. Both door straps are missing, but that could probably be remedied in an hour, though I’m not sure if the steering wheel cover is there for protection or if it’s hiding something. There’s a lot to like about this 1969 Buick Riviera, and I’m curious to hear how our readers would proceed here. Is this one better to just drive and enjoy, or is a complete restoration the proper choice?
Nice car, though tires are two sizes too small. A quick check of the engine serial number will prove that it does not match the car’s VIN suffix. Can’t ‘Special order’ something that does not yet exist.
The tires need to be changed simply because they are Vogues which are worthless.
Haven’t we seen this car before?
To answer my own question, I’ve seen it on CL Tampa. I catch on quickly.
455 wasn’t available in ’69. More than likeleh a 430 or an engine swap
With a stolen air cleaner top.
This could be a nice project for someone whom has a bit of moola to invest. The vinyl top appeas nice and save for worn paint.a nice respray could be done without a fortune. A bit of research could get door straps easy. Now as per the 455. If it’s an oem it makes it even more interesting. If it aint it’s still a 455. Has an H.E.I. was it added on or again an engine transplant and the A.I.R. system was probably ripped of because the 455’s had these.from the get go.
Oops i forgot. Need appropriate size tires like was previously said
There were ZERO 455’s prior to 1970. No, there were none “late in the model run”. That didn’t happen, period.
How can you be so sure? I saw a “factory” inline 6cyl in a 69 Gran Prix which was not available. It was in fact ordered from the factory and delivered to Jim Harrell Pontiac in Tampa Fl.
Give me a break, they did NOT MAKE the 455 in that era…it would be a DIFFERENT STORY if it was another engine they were already producing. Even then, it would be doubtful, though. And, without proof, I do not believe the story about the Grand Prix. They would, literally, have had to re-tool all kinds of pieces and parts for ONE CAR…not gonna happen. Wiring harnesses, fan shroud, engine mounts, should I go on? Linkage, transmission mounts…and on, and on, and on.
TEST CARS AND PROTOS HAD EARLIER ENGINES. HOW ABOUT A 1967 PLUM POLY METALLIC ELDORADO WITH THE 500 AND REAR QUARTER ROUND MARKING LIGHTS. UNICORN FOR SURE. WELL MY DAD BOUGHT THAT CAR. WILL NEVER FORGET. CAR WAS AN ANIMAL. USE TO EAT GTOs FOR BRUNCH !!!!!!!!!!!
No need to shout, John. :)
QUIET WOKESTER
Wonder if it had front disc brakes option, but IMHO probably not. Very interesting interior.
My father ordered a 1969 GS Riviera and it was understood by me, a child (car guy/kid) at the time that it had a 455. Many years later I learned that only 430 was the engine for 69, but this car now rekindled my 455 possibility. Fond memories of that GS! I’m now a young senior citizen, still enjoying vintage Pontiacs. :–)
Never happened…they were all 430’s in 1969.
YES THEY WERE GM PROTOS AND TEST CARS. THE BEST WAS MY DADS 500 67 PLUM POLY METALLIC ELDORADO. IT WAS ALSO A DEALER DEMO. BEEN UNDER THE HOOD STARING AT THE 500 FROM NEW. UNICORNS FOR SURE. SO, YES TO ALL THE WOKESTERS THESE CARS REALLY EXISTED. ONE OF ONES USUALLY
Would someone tell John where to find the cap lock key on his computer. I asked him nicely to not shout, and he dissed me. I’m not upset,,,,, but reading all caps is difficult for this old geezer. Thank you.
They show a picture of the block casting number in the CL ad. I’m seeing 72-75 455 block here. Regardless its super cool. Get some taller tires and enjoy
I owned a 69 Riv GS. It was one of the best cars I ever owned. That 430 would haul butt down the road.
no full-size Buick prior to 1970 has a 455. all the blocks are stamped 455 on the back. this was put in somewhere along the line. need the letter code between cylinders #5 to know what it is. looks to have good bones for a refresh. tires that are on it are just plain stupid. worth more like 9gs like it is.
Tires from the factory were sizes 225/75SR15’s, or 205/SR15’s.
No 205’s, sorry. The factory size tires were equivalent to a 225-75-15 but, here are the actual specs:
8.55 x 15 white sidewall tires (standard)
H70-15 wide oval tires are available (Riviera GS)
the 8.55 x 15 standard tires were equivalent to a 225/75/15
The optional H-70-15 was the equivalent of a 235/70/15
You have to laugh, be clear headed about what you are actually buying, and carry on. These sellers pop up regularly with some fairly tale about “special order, rare dealer installations, the original owner worked for GM,” etc. etc.
As long as price if fair for what the vehicle really is, so what?
nota big cheb guy but ! …
This & toranado (’66/70) really ‘get me’ (both only in 1st gen).
So if it was (’63/5) I’d drive it w/a 4 cyl ! LOL
(o0OP mustn’t forget the ’56/60 vette, cheb II, ’64/6 cheb van,
(no window/8 dor), ’65/9 corvair 180HP, & a few others)
This is one beautiful classic car. I do believe if the 455 is original to the car, it must be a stage one, has to be. However, the 455 was not offered until the 1970 model year so a 69 model year would have the 430 engine as the largest capacity in terms of cubic inches and power. If it’s a true stage one which was the only 455 engine oh its type installed in the 70 model year then it would be a nice upgrade but again only the 430 was offered in 1969. If it’s not a stage one engine, it wouldn’t be an upgrade to the car Just be another nonoriginal engine because these were tuned in later years as well.
Wrong, most 455’s in 1970 were not Stage 1’s, lol…only a very few.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C6KNUzV8U/
I’d like to see some chassis & trunk photos and a pic of the floor under the carpet, but I’d say $13,500 is a good starting point for a seller. As long as that 455 is a solid runner, I’d call it an upgrade, but the faux rarity wouldn’t add anything to the price for me. I’m a lowrider guy, so the lower price tires work for me. The door window tint has to go, too. Nice Buick.
If someone swapped the 430 out for a 76 455 they cut the horsepower in half, that’s not an up grade at all.
They did, and that engine is a weak dog compared to the original 430 that was in it.