Arguably, the Buick Riviera is one of the most esteemed American automobiles introduced in the 1960s. Some may consider the original incarnation (’63-’65) to be the Riv’s truest form. Others will take it further, up through the ’73 Boattail editions. How about Gen Six (’79-’85), the first of the front-wheel-drivers and shrunken a bit from its predecessors? Well, let’s review a beautiful, low-mileage 1985 example and see what you have to say about it. This exceptionally clean example is located in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, and is available here on eBay for $49,999 CDN (approximately $35,934 U.S.).
Buick’s famed personal luxury coupe was available in both two-door coupe and convertible body styles in ’85, with production output reaching about 65K units – the highest total of the seven-year Gen Six run. The seller tells us, “In 1985, a GM executive ordered this Riviera as a present for his wife. His wife hardly drove it and always had it stored in their heated garage, and never winter driven the car.” The seller has owned it for three years and claims complete originality except for the notorious bumper fillers, which have been replaced with fiberglass pieces. The entire presentation, including the finish, vinyl top, and chrome bits show like new. No, you’re not imagining things with the wheels, this Riv comes with both Buick alloy wheels and steelies mounted with wide-whites and finished off with wire wheelcovers.
The interior is upholstered in typical GM gray velour-like material – it’s a standard from Chevrolet all the way through the Buick division. One could argue that it’s rather pedestrian for a car of this stature, but that’s the way it was in that era. Regardless, it’s in nice shape with no indication of wear or uncleanliness. The instrument panel is unexciting, and there’s plenty of faux wood trim slathered around, but that’s to be expected, too. All in all, it shows as a comfortable environment.
Gen Six Rivieras joined the Cadillac Eldorado and Oldsmobile Toronado by moving to a front-wheel-drive architecture (E-body platform). In this case, the four-speed O/D transaxle (not a three-speed as the listing claims) is driven by a 140 net HP, 307 CI, Oldsmobile V8 engine. The seller states, “running absolutely perfect“.
The seller has included ten (yes, ten!) videos of this Riviera, and here’s the walkaround edition for your viewing pleasure. You can check out the other nine via the listing, at your leisure. These were popular cars, and this one may be, as the seller suggests, “PROBABLY THE LOWEST MILEAGE 1985 BUICK RIVIERA IN EXISTENCE!” Hard to prove, of course, but you get his point. So, is this 1985 Riviera a worthy successor to the to those fabulous versions produced in the sixties and early seventies? I have a thought on that matter, but I’d really like to hear yours.
Like it’s Oldsmobile cousin, the Toronado. Always a well appointed model the Riv. Thanks J.O. 👍
While I like this Riv. and it certainly is in near new condition I can think of a lot of cars I would rather have for $36k. Seems like the market agreed, eBay says sale ended not sold.
I had an 83 Convertible. Loved it but the 305 was lame in HP, miles of vacuum hoses on the engine, the touch control A/C was murder.
I’d love to have another, but the velour interior would have to go, and the Drivetrain replaced with a 60’s Toro 350 and transaxle would be necessary.
At that price and the Hassle of getting it from Canada—-Not worth the price.
The Toronado of the 60’s came with a 425 or 455 rocket V8 and turbo 425 transmission.
Your ’83 had the 307, not a 305.
Didn’t those have power antennas? Unless the radio was on when the pictures were taken, it looks like the power antenna needs to be repaired.
They did have power antennas. I was working in a Buick dealership parts department when those were new cars and those antennas kept us hopping.
It’s been removed from eBay. Must have sold.
Interesting…wire wheels on drivers side and road wheels on passenger side and I have not commented on his overpriced attempt.
And different width whitewalls from one side of the car to the other.
My mother had an Eldorado of this vintage with the 252 v6. Not a fan of that engine. At least this has an olds v8, but it will take a special buyer to pay that much.
Let’s study how good the road wheels and white stripes look compared to those wide whites and wire wheel covers. Easy fix on a good looking Riviera.
I went looking at his ad on E-Bay hoping he had that Mini Cooper listed, But it’s not
Had that exact car bought new in 85. Drove it several years and gave it to our son. He ran out of gas on the freeway in Houston. Went to get gas and when he returned the car was gone & never to be seen again.
Way overpriced. What’s up with the two sided wheel effect. These car don’t bring more than TORONADO. This is about 20k over.
The best Rivs were the ’67, ’68 & ’69. They had the Buick 430 and 455 motors.
The ’70 did also but for some reason they had overheating problems and the 70 was not as nice looking as the earlier ones.
Had an 81 Riv, diesel. Dark blue, white vinyl top. Rode and drove great. 30 mpg hwy. Loved it, great road car.
I like the rims and tires on the passenger side best , Not as ” Pimp ” looking.