The 1978 model year marked the end of the line for one traditional piece of engineering on the Buick Riviera. Since the badge debuted in the 1963 model year, every Riviera had featured a rear-wheel-drive configuration. From 1979, that was set to change as the Rivera moved across to the FWD E-Body platform. It was also the final year that Buick offered the Riviera with anything larger than a 350ci V8 under the hood. This car features the larger motor, and it is a tidy survivor in search of a new home. Located in Excelsior, Minnesota, you will find this Buick listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set the BIN at $7,900, although the option is available to make an offer. Once again, I have to say a huge thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this gentle giant for us.
From Day One, the Riviera seemed to have a sense of presence. This car is no different, and this is accentuated by its two-tone Blue paint and Blue landau-style vinyl top. The paint presents superbly, with a beautiful shine that is difficult to fault. It exhibits all of the hallmarks of a classic that has been treated with respect, and the arrow-straight panels further reinforce this. The owner isn’t forthcoming with a lot of information, but I get the impression that this Buick may have been garage-kept since new. That would help to explain why the paint shows so nicely. There is no visible evidence of rust, and the owner doesn’t mention any in his listing. However, since his description runs to less than thirty words, it seems that he prefers to let the pictures do the talking. The trim is in excellent order, as is the tinted glass. Rounding out the exterior presentation is a set of original chrome 15″ Rally wheels.
If the exterior of this Buick presents well, the interior brings us more of the same. The owner has installed a Pioneer radio/cassette player in place of the original radio, but otherwise, the interior is as it left the factory. The seats are upholstered in Pale Blue velour cloth, and what we can see of them looks promising. The remaining upholstered surfaces wear matching Blue vinyl, and once again, there’s not much to fault. The dash and pad continue the spotless presentation, while the contrasting Dark Blue carpet and the lashings of faux woodgrain trim add to the sense of luxury. There is some paint wear on the steering column, but the buyer might be able to address this with little effort. If you like your creature comforts, the Riviera can accommodate your needs. It comes equipped with air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a remote trunk release, and a tilt wheel.
The owner offers no engine photos and very little information beyond the original owner ordering the car with the 403ci V8. This motor was the largest available in 1978, and it provided 185hp under the driver’s right foot. When combined with a 3-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes, the ’78 Riviera’s performance was more sedate than many of its predecessors. The trip down the ¼ mile would take 17.7 seconds, although if the driver gave it enough space, the needle could nudge 120mph. The owner indicates that the car has 44,000 miles showing on its odometer, although it isn’t clear whether these are original or whether it has rolled over. If I were a betting man, I would opt for original given the car’s overall condition. He says that the Riviera runs and drives well, which suggests that it is a turn-key proposition that is ready to be enjoyed by a new owner.
I’ve always felt that there’s something to be said for buying the last of a breed. With the 1979 Riviera following the market trend into FWD territory, that is what is on offer with this 1978. Buick produced 20,535 examples in the 1978 model year, which doesn’t make them a high-volume seller in the grand scheme of things. Today, spotless examples will still command sale prices of around $13,000. The condition of our feature car appears to be better than average, which makes the BIN look extremely attractive. If you do fancy vehicles with a touch of luxury, this 1978 Riviera could be an affordable entry into the world of classic car ownership.
Nothing against the owner of this car, but this is probably the worst year for the Riviera until 1986. This car lost its identity with this model, it’s just a rebranded Lesabre. The next generation had looks but poor performance, but they were good looking. It was the way cars from all manufacturers went, not a bad car, but not something I would invest in. A very sad time in in car production.
It’s hard to believe this was what evolved from the classic 1971 to 1973 Boattails. it became a generic uninteresting design.
I’m a boat tail fan 71 72 and 73, I owned a new 83, which was a beautiful car but horrible performance, I now like these
Nice car, but 1977 and 78s were merely a stopgap until the FWD 79 models came along.
I know it’s not the absolute best year as far as styling, but it’s not awful. I don’t hate it, because it’s still more interesting than many new cars. Probably a great highway cruiser, and I dig the shades of blue. I’d rock it.
I like the 77 and 78 Rivs. The designers took a step back toward the original 63 and 64 with the smaller rectangular brake lights and the coke bottle rear fenders. I look at it more as a move toward the 79 (which moved closer to the original by adding the rear fins and further revising the side profile) than a stop gap. I have and 85 convertible and a with a 78 403. They’re both great cars to drive, each with their own special characteristics.