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Fantastic Condition: 1983 Buick Riviera Convertible

Before 1982, Buick had never produced a Riviera convertible, instead having full size and intermediate convertibles before they were discontinued. When convertibles came back on the scene in the eighties, it made sense for Buick to include it in the Rivera lineup. The reason for that is these cars commanded over a $9,000 premium price over hardtops when they were new, and Riviera buyers would be the ones to most likely spring for the extra dough. The extra expense was due in large to contracting the specialty model out to the American Sunroof Company for the conversion. Here is a 1983 Buick Riviera Convertible for sale here on Craigslist in Charlottesville, Virginia.

The car appears to be in fantastic condition. All body panels on the Firemist Red car (the only other choice was white) look in original condition with no dents, dings, or rust. It has been garage kept for the last 20 years. The car was the play toy of the seller’s wife, who passed away five years ago. Since then the car has seen very little use and he has no need for it any longer.

The leather interior is in very good condition, showing only slight wrinkling on the driver’s seat. The top is, of course, power operated, along with other power accessories that include windows, door locks, and seats. There were only 1,750 Rivieras converted to convertibles in 1983.

The engine is a 5.0 liter V-8 which has seen 98,000 miles of service. The seller is asking a very reasonable price of $6,000 for this car considering its condition. This car can be picked up for a lot less than many seventies convertibles in this condition. Are you a fan of any of the eighties models convertibles? If so, this one may be for you.

Comments

  1. Avatar Bob

    Beautiful car and a reasonable price. Best of luck to the new owner.

    Like 2
  2. Avatar CanuckCarGuy

    Beautiful car, and the styling of these Rivieras lends itself very well to the convertible conversion. This is a car I would buy for my wife, and also be happy driving it myself.

    Like 1
  3. Avatar Ben T. Spanner

    Ft Myers FL craigslist has a twin with 65,000 miles asking $6500. It has been on craigslist for months and was once priced at $10,000.

    Like 2
  4. Avatar Hank

    I had a white one with the 307 engine, bought in 1994, my son wrecked it 3 years later.
    I loved the car, but it has drawbacks.
    1. Am. Sunroof Co did the 1983 conversions to cvt. in 1993 their 10 year commitment to GM was over and they threw everything they had left in the dumpster, or so they told me in 94.
    2. The roof rail weatherstripping is not available. I did try to get Steele Rubber Products to reproduce it when I was working there but they said it wasn’t cost effective. Not enough to sell when you have a limited number and 25K for tooling.
    3. the miles of vacuum tubing on the 307 for the vacuum operated emissions sensors would drive you sterile trying to fix. If I ever got another 79=85 riv I would put a late 60s Olds 350 in with Toronado transmission

    Like 2
  5. Avatar Poppy

    Doesn’t appear to be any seat belt at all on the passenger side. Shouldn’t be terribly hard to find, but still odd that it’s missing altogether.

    Like 2
  6. Avatar Jermey

    Arnold Schwarzenegger drove one of these cars in the movie, Raw Deal. Destroyed it in a gravel pit by running it into a dozer. Cool ride.

    Like 1

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