There’s no denying that the “Boattail” Riviera, Buick’s halo offering from 1971 to 1973, is polarizing. It is, however, better to be remembered for being polarizing than forgotten for being bland, and indeed the Boattail has taken off in collector terms over the last few years. It was arguably the last Riviera for a while that lived up to its reputation for spectacular styling, and although it didn’t come out exactly as the designers intended, nobody can deny that it leaves an impression.
That expressive tail (after which this generation of Riviera was popularly named) was actually toned down a bit for ’73. GM design chief Bill Mitchell was well-known for his love of classic-era styling motifs, and he leaned heavily on the ’30s-inspired boattail during his tenure. One was an undeniable hit (the ’63 Corvette), while the Riv was somewhat less well-received. Sales fell during this generation (although not much from the redesigned ’70) and the similar ’74 had a toned-down rear end that really wasn’t as cohesive as the Boattail’s.
The designers’ original intention was for the Riviera to be shrunk down to roughly Monte Carlo/Grand Prix size for ’71, and Mitchell argued that GM’s decision to instead up-size the Riviera to the B-Body platform threw off the Boattail’s proportions in a deleterious way. It is a big car, almost 80 inches wide and over 223 inches long, 15 inches longer than the original ’63 Riviera.
Our featured Riviera is claimed to be a GS, which was a handling option in 1973 (the Riviera Owners Association says that 3,933 GSs were sold). The seller doesn’t list the mileage, but judging by the hasty orange paint atop the seemingly untouched big 455, it’s probably not the lowest-mileage example in the world. The 455 Buick itself was a torquey big block; even with 1973’s net ratings, it produced 375 lb.-ft, so these big Buicks were deceptively quick. A Stage 1 engine was also available, although this Riviera doesn’t appear to have that one on the options list.
A Riviera calling card has always been the fancy interior, and the ’73 fulfills that requirement in a ’70s way. It has a wraparound instrument panel, cool “L-shaped” shifter, and bucket seats, all befitting a GS Buick. The seller mentions that the interior has been well-maintained over the years, implying that it’s mostly original. It will need a steering wheel medallion/button, but it looks complete and clean. Extra points for those Tri-Shield floor mats.
This Riviera is being offered on eBay with no reserve, and the seller says that this Riviera is a solid car with a brand new paint job in the original “Burnt Coral” color. Located in Miami, FL, it has a current high bid of $8,500. The ad mentions that similar Rivieras have been selling for over $20,000; how high do you think this Boattail will go?
I always loved the Boat Tail
On Bucket list
Need much storage space to drive this boat 🚤 land yacht
Super cool 😎
I always considered the boat tail Riviera to be one of the all time beautiful designs
💯 JDC. They’re stunning in person. The big motor, Turbo Hydramatic, smooth ride ensured, they weigh around 5000lbs.
Buick equipped 2.93 gears ⚙️ to these boats when they left the factory. 🛣 😎
Good write up Toth 👍
Needs small lowrider wire wheels and whitewalls.
Seriously? EWWWW! Every car I see with these (like my ’84 Cutlass after I sold it) I want to throw a grenade in the back seat & put the car out of its misery. Same thing with the others with those outrageous 22″ on up rims.
But to each their own I guess.
Date code on the tires?
Mileage?
Air work? Converted? Cold?
Not knowing these variables, hard to seriously bid…
The more I look the more I like. But only an AM radio? Interesting shifter handle too. I thought it was a T handle at first but it looks more like a hockey stick.
The radio is not a GM original unit. It is a modern AM-FM Bluetooth retro-look replacement. These work well, but not for purists. The aftermarket steering wheel, missing the horn button, also looks out of place. Easy fixes. Nice ride.
If this car was local, I would strongly consider it. Most of the boat-tail Rivs I see are too rusty to save, or over-priced.
This is a Buick. The 3 cylinder CUVs they sell today don’t hold a candle to this beautiful automobile!
Somebody please get rid of the stupid spacers that make the wheels stick out like a bad ‘70s die cast car! Cool car pretty much otherwise.
I believe the 71 model was the best. Smaller bumpers and sharper looks. The big bumpers and Blunt look of the rear just doesn’t do it for me. I’m not a purest on old classics, but but I prefer modern wheels. Maybe 18 inch will look good on this. I would invest a $100 into new valve covers instead of a $3 paint job on the engine. And if I were to buy and drive it, I would definitely need AC out here in Las Vegas. I like it and i’m going to keep my eye on this during the bids.
Agreed on the 71. Cleanest version IMO.
And that’s about the laziest rattle can rebuild I’ve ever seen!
That steering wheel is factory for a GS.
Somebody ordered it right. But I wouldn’t pay a premium and I’d be prepared for some surprises.
Though that 455 is NOT a Stage 1, nevertheless it has the chromed air cleaner lid which WAS found under the bonnet when a buyer specified the Stage 1 on the order sheet.
Had a code 46 (Green Gold) ’73 w/a beige halo vinyl roof. A dangerous car on long trips because its smooth, floaty-ride lulled you to sleep behind the wheel. Tons’a torque w/that bullet-proof 455 & T400 trans.
What spacers?? This is stock appearance.
No reserve on eBay.
But is showed up on Hemmings dot com with a price tag of $26,900
@ Utesman:
The chrome air cleaner lid was included in the GS package.
You couldn’t order the Stage I option without ordering the GS package.
Just like you couldn’t order the 1972 and later Riviera power sunroof without ordering power windows.
Gorgeous car, wish I had room, that steering wheel and radio are atrocious,otherwise it’s perfect
I’m sorry but I’ve always wondered how do Florida cars avoid or survive water damage. As much as I like this beautiful boat tail Riviera.Maybe someone can give me a different opinion.
Before moving out here to Las Vegas, I lived in Florida. Cape Canaveral area for 10 years. Florida has improved their drainage system, especially near lower areas. As a love for my 65 Buick Skylark convertible, I always kept it out of the weather in a single car garage. I’m sure the owner of this 73 Buick rivey botel did the same. We classic car guysTake care of our equipment like family. We keep our babies out of harm’s way.
Just a beautiful 73 Riviera Boat tail. She looks ready to drive and enjoy. Price is a little light, IMO, it’s worth every bit of $10k in this condition. Glad it’s far away from me.
Here’s another. The ex-BIL I went to Nashville with, he had this exact car. He wanted the biggest and therefore safest car for his family, and he found it with the ’73 Boatailed Riv. It should, nay, must be mentioned, its atrocious appetite for fuel. Hey, safety isn’t cheap. This is one of the few cars that got better mileage in town than on the highway. Single digits all day. More than once I had to bail out my sister in law, that ran out of money for gas going home. That aside, it is a fantastic car, one of the best American cruisers made, and we can be mighty proud of that.