The sixth-generation Riviera moved to GM’s B-body platform which gave them front-wheel-drive for the first time, along with the Oldsmobile Toronado and Cadillac Eldorado. These were not inexpensive cars, at $24,000 in 1985 dollars, or $65,000 in equivalent 2022 dollars. The seller has this beautiful Red Firemist 1985 Buick Riviera convertible listed here on eBay in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. There is no reserve and the current bid price is $14,050.
That original selling price that I mentioned was reportedly the highest-priced GM car of the time, including Cadillac models. Another fun piece of Riveria ragtop trivia that some folks may not know is that they were only available in two colors, this gorgeous Red Firemist color or another exotic-sounding color: White. I know, they could have come up with Flowing Birch White or something. The only interior available in the almost 4,000 convertibles made would be this equally-beautiful red leather. In my opinion, you just can’t go wrong with red leather seats.
The sixth-gen Riviera was made beginning in 1979 and they were made through 1985 which, for me at least, gives this car another incredible desirability factory. I always like first and last-year vehicles, maybe last-year even more so because the bugs had typically been worked out by then. This would be the last big “real” Riviera, and I don’t say that to demean the following two generations of cars, but they were the last of the big classic designs with sharp edges and 1970s touches. The convertible option was available beginning in 1982, six years after Cadillac’s Eldorado convertible was thought to be the last American-made convertible, maybe ever. That’s another example of why folks should never get overly depressed at big changes in vehicles, things usually swing around again.
You can see that the body on this car appears to be in outstanding condition and the seller says that, well, all they say is that it’s “extra clean” inside and out. The interior looks perfect to me, other than some very light wear on some surfaces I don’t see anything alarming at all inside, other than it’s not inside our garage. The dark red – or, what I could call burgundy or maroon rather than red – leather seats look almost perfect both in the front and in the rear.
The engine in this Riviera is an Oldsmobile-sourced 307 cubic-inch V8 which would have had 140 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. Hagerty is at $21,500 for a #2 excellent condition car so this one may be a good buy with only a day left on the auction. Have any of you owned a Riviera convertible?
I think these tend to look more elegant than the Cadillac variation. I’ve driven several, including my “almost” purchase in 1990. Yes they ride like a car from the 80’s. If you’re okay with that, nice daily driver that hasn’t shot up in value so you won’t feel like you’re wasting money. If it stays around 14k, I would deem it a bargain. I’ll be watching, I’m in FL so possibly an impulse buy?
There was also an Eldorado convertible done by the same contractor but only in 1984-5 so this would not have been the most expensive GM car in ’85 but was at launch and likely still was more expensive than any tintop Caddy.
A non Pininfarina with an attitude. They stood here always in the
shadow of the prone shittylac Eldorado/Seville. Unless the new
Eldorado model with first lame 4.5 later bit better 4.9 appeared.
The Buick enjoyed the better quality reputation at that time but
the prices for used ones always lagged behind the Eldorado.
Except for the last full size park avenue which have the same
base as the – oversized – caddy brougham. This here shows a
good balance in design and could be a classic.
I worked at a Buick dealership during that time. I did motor vehicle registration and covered lunch for the service department receptionist.
One of the girls in the office told me a customer purchased a Riviera, and even with a substantial down payment, his monthly payments were $450.00. That was twice my rent, plus electric and groceries.
That’s the price you paid being poor in a very upscale area of N.J.
Just one observation: The 1979-85 Toronado/Riviera/Eldorado was built on the GM E-body platform, not B-body, which was the Caprice/Parisienne/Delta 88/LeSabre.
Dad owned one identical to this. Which isn’t surprising since there were only two exterior colors. It was a fun car to drive on warm summer nights. Until you hit potholes, railroad tracks or any road irregularities. The body flex was quite something. You did not want to have your fingers in the gap between the door and front fender panel. Ouch!!
I still love the looks, and overall, it was a fun car to drive.
I recall the club champion at our local course driving one of these elegant GM cars….it was circa 1987
Bradenton FL. USA 🇺🇸
Auction update: this beauty was “sold” for $14,050 but has been relisted.