So, what’s better than finding an iconic 1971 Buick Riviera? How about finding two ’71 Buick Rivieras. That’s right folks, buy ’em both and get a discount! Both Buicks are project cars with one being in a bit better shape than the other, so let’s look them over. Riviera Blue and Riviera Red are both located in Raymond, Washington and are available, here on craigslist for $12,000, OBO (Blue); $5,500 (Red) or $16,000, OBO for both. Thanks to Gunter K for this find!

Riviera Blue is said to have come from an owner that is now in a retirement home.  It’s wearing an older, faded repaint and topped with a vinyl roof cover. It appears to be in reasonably good condition with no obvious signs of rust or crash damage. The trim all appears to be in place too.

The interior of Riv Blue is an interesting study. The dash/pad is an unnatural shade but it appears to be in OK condition. The matching blue carpet is well faded and worn, but still passable. The seating upholstery is another matter as the seams are separating. From what can be spied of the instrument panel looks to be fair and additional equipment is said to include an after-market cruise-control unit – how unusual!

There’s no visible image of the engine but it is claimed to be a 335 gross HP 455 CI V8. Research indicates that the standard ’71 Riviera came standard with a 315 gross HP, 455 CI engine, while the amped-up “GS” was blessed with an additional 15 HP or  330 gross, so the advertised rating does not appear to be accurate. Regardless, it’s a non-runner but will run with “servicing“, whatever that entails. This 66K mile example is said to have been regularly maintained and is in possession of a new carburetor as well as some other unidentified parts.

Riviera Red is proclaimed d to need more work than Riviera Blue. The finish is scruffier but the body is in a similar condition though not without dents, contusions, and a few missing teeth from its grille. It’s also wearing what looks like aftermarket chrome-plated, deep-dish wheels. It is identified as having the same 335 HP, non photographed engine but it has been modified with Offenhauser accessories. As with Riviera Blue, it too is leaking from either the transmission or radiator, which is unknown.

The interior image is very poor so it’s difficult to get a comprehensive look at it but the upholstery, other than being dingy and drab, does not look torn or deteriorated. There is a center console in place, so that’s a nice inclusion. The mileage is listed as 06950+ so it’s assumed that we’re talking at least 106K miles.

So, what to do, both of these Rivieras seem capable of standing on their own as projects, it’s not as if one is needed to source parts for the other. Unfortunately, there’s not enough detail to really delve into what’s here – two cars, two complete sets of issues. I admire this generation of Riviera – it shows that GM, and Buick in particular, still had a pulse in ’71. I’ve never wanted to own one, much less two, but if a boattail Riv floats your boat (and your tail?), you can double your pleasure, right?