Riviera ownership is rewarding because if all else fails, you can simply sit around and look at the car. This is especially true for any Riviera from the 1960s, as the almost equally attractive first- and second-generation models fall into this sweet spot. As early Rivieras have become more and more expensive, many would-be owners have set their sights on the smooth ’66-’69 examples, and their values have been inching upward as a result. See for example this very nice ’68; with 66,000 miles on the odometer and the condition to match, it’s not a bargain-basement ride, but it’s probably worth the price. Located in Wisconsin, it’s currently for sale on Craigslist.
You may have noticed that this deep blue Riviera has a vinyl top, which scares many people away because it is one more rust trap. Aside from looking good on this bodystyle, however, it shows no sign of the typical bubbles and bumps that condemn so many cars of this era. Unlike the concurrent Toronado that doesn’t have a natural quarter panel shoulder, the vinyl top is right at home here (in my opinion).
The interior looks as if it’s been redone at some point in the past, but it could be well-maintained original equipment. With a split bench seat and a column shifter, it’s a far cry from the space age “four-bucket” layout of the first-generation cars, but it’s still a swanky place to spend some time.
Under the hood is Buick’s torquey big-block 430, which was in its sophomore season in 1968. With an effortless 360 horsepower channeled through GM’s nearly-peerless Super Turbine 400, the Riviera was among the best long-distance cruisers of the late ’60s. This one appears to have been treated to a new power brake booster along the way; in fact, the seller implies that everything on the car works and it’s ready to drive.
The undercarriage is also clean, albeit treated with a quick spray bomb, and indeed the seller claims that it’s a rust-free car, which is rare in Wisconsin. The exhaust system looks fresh, too, so that’s a significant savings on its own.
Buying a car from an original owner who knows its complete history has to be worth something, and that price is (in this case) $25,500. Rivieras have been on the rise for a while, so that seems fairly reasonable for a car this clean. Like many of you, I will always buy an inferior example and spend thousands of dollars and several years to end up with a car that is worth what I paid for it. The smart money is in buying the nicest car you can afford, and even if I never heed that advice, I can always be envious of those who do. Thanks to T.J. for sending us yet another beautiful find.
Wow, blue beauty. 💙
475ft/lb and a 3.07 ⚙️ final drive ratio.
Buick equipped the GS model with steeper 3.42 gears.
Cruise in power, and style with the Riv.
Neighbors across the street in the late 60’s were childless and the husband liked big GM muscle. He had one like this and a later one from the early 70’s, along with an early Toronado, ‘65 Impala SS convertible, ‘69 Olds 442, the list goes on. He traded almost every year, or as my envious dad said “when the ashtrays got full”. This one will be a nice ready-to-go weekend cruiser for the winning bidder and the price seems fair for the condition.
” when the ashtrays 🚬 got full” 😃
Hmmm…do I see a color change? The hinge area of the fender appears to be a light blue. The open doors looking into the fender areas also show lighter paint exposed. Car is beautiful but a color swap done poorly can be a challenge to re-do.
Good eye. You’re correct. You can definitely see the original exterior color on the inner fenders where the hood hinges are mounted. Looks like a lighter shade of blue originally.
Actually looks to be located in the NW suburbs of Chicago. A beauty!
Little bit of hyperbole that could be misleading: “Original owner purchased new!”….yes….yes they did.
Incredible condition. Beautiful and well cared for. Good luck!!
Haha, good catch Big_Fun.
Looks like the original seat covers. There is some seam separation from shrinkage on the drivers seat top and bottom. Nothing to be overly concerned about unless you are xxx plus size. Beautiful example of a time capsule.
He claims power locks; where? and delay wipers, not unless an aftermarket add-on. I may be wrong, but I don’t think delay wipers were around until ’71.
The one thing I hated about the ’68 Buicks was the thumbwheel climate control functions. Did you notice that lasted only a year?
A classic beauty. This year is the best.
I don’t see a belt around the A)C compressor, I doubt that the a/c works.
The opportunity to buy an original owner car built in the 60’s is dwindling. Grab one while you still can!
pick pick pick pick pick pick pick pick pick pick pick. why can’t it be seen for what is? a nice clean 1 owner riv at a good price
“Original owner purchased new! ” image that…..
When I was nine years old my mother spotted a 1968 Riviera on a dealer’s lot and had to have it! She still has great taste at 90!
This is a beautiful car that brings back great childhood memories!
Some of her picks ’68 Riviera; ’71 Eldorado Coupe; ’75 Eldorado Convertible; ’79 Eldorado (2); ’88 Bonneville SSE this list goes on until she decided a dependable (that can be debated) would be great for her last car which she is still driving today.