Looking almost like a 1940s film noir closeup of an actress, with the cloudy sheen on the lens or whatever is going on here, this 1973 Buick Riviera looks like a fun project despite the less-than-perfect photos. The seller has it listed here on eBay in Spokane, Washington, there is no reserve, and the current bid price is $2,025 with two days left to get your bids in.
The ’72 Riviera is the one to have because it has a nicer and much smaller front bumper, but this car still has the classic features of that year for the most part. The third-generation Buick Riviera was made for model years 1971, 1972, and 1973 and this car appears to be Willow Green, albeit a very faded Willow Green. The seller says this car was sitting in a field since 2006 and was next to a brush fire so that’s why the paint looks that way, and why some marker light lenses are warped.
The body is said to have very little rust-through, just on the “dog legs” by the rear wheel arches and it’s just surface rust otherwise. There are no photos of the inside of the trunk because the previous owner lost the keys, popped out the ignition, and damaged some of the rods in the steering column, so they can’t get into the trunk and it’ll need a new steering column to be usable.
And, the interior needs work. It doesn’t look horrible inside from what we can see with the oddly blurry photos. They say that some parts can be cleaned but some things will need to be replaced. The back seat looks almost perfect and it’s hard to beat the profile of this generation of Riviera, it’s long, low, and sleek. Hagerty is at $9,400 for a #4 fair-condition car, just as a reference.
The engine is Buick’s 455-cu.in. OHV V8 with 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. It sends power through a Turbo-Hydramatic 400 transmission to the rear wheels. This one will need to have that steering column fixed and a new ignition before the next owner knows how it runs. They bought it in running condition but then the key/ignition/steering column issue came up and hopefully that can be fixed so this car can get back on the road again. Any thoughts on this Riviera?
I really like the boat-tail Rivieras. My late father drove these when they were new. They were cool then, and still cool now.
Another ’73 GS came up for sale near me, and I went to see it. It was in similar shape, but running/driving (with keys). My thought was to get it into decent “driver” condition. I spent a few hours going over it and doing the math. My conclusion was, even with me doing most of the work, I would still be upside down, when done.
I think this car will be the same. Decent drivers can be had in the $20K range, and this one needs everything…..
To me the two best scenarios for this car are parts, or resto-mod.
The reality of a car that’s been sitting in a field is floor pans are shot and more than likely trunk floor as well. Odd that the keys to the trunk are missing. Cadaver in the trunk? Too many unknowns and unanswered questions. You would be no better off buying a boat sitting in the desert. IMO
@ Frog
“Cadavers in the trunk?”
Frog, you’ve been hanging around your relatives again, haven’t you?
LOL How ya been?
@Angel,
Stressed but blessed I guess. Trying to get situated before the weather starts turning the corner. Thanks for asking. How about you?
Somehow those big bumpers worked on the 73 riv
Only sitting in a field for 18 years, and in a fire? And, they bought it running, lost the keys, destroyed the lock and column, trying to get it moving? A hillbilly special deluxe.
Bought in running condition but now not running because of things the previous owner did? Ok, I don’t claim to be the smartest one around. Someone please explain that turn of events…..
What a nice Riv I always liked these. My uncle had a couple Riv,s over the years. He had one if memory serves me correctly that had the rap around rear seat. At the time me being younger opted for the Pontiac Grand Prix which I thought at the time was sportier. To the buyer I hope you can bring it back to life and get it looking good again. So you can enjoy it. To the seller GLWTA.
A locksmith could get thev trunk.open for $100. Maybe even be able to fix the column, if you get someone whose done it. Was nice at one time. 250 hp out of a 455 is just sad, but that was the smog crap years starting for American cars.
I just love the boat tails. Had a ’71 & a ’72. Don’t really care too much for the ’73. The big bumpers, wrap around parking lights, toned down rear point just kinda ruined it. The ’74 had the same basic front end but from the windshield back was a horrible car.
It’s very difficult to find one like my ’71 which had bucket seats, console, floor shift, power everything AND positraction.
The only problem with the smaller bumpers was that they bent easily. That point in the front always got bent up.
@Frog
Same. I’m sure your read that I’m moving back east and it’s just stressful trying to get boxes, packing materials and pack up the house. Then there is the driving across the country. Just stressful but hanging in there
@Angel
That’s where I’m at this point in my life. I sold my businesses in San Diego and moved back here 15 years ago to the Midwest to be closer to my mother. She passed away in September a few months shy of 97. So in addition to selling several of my cars and downsizing my household and garage fodder, I acquired alot of my mothers things as well. So it’s looking like I’m going to be here one more winter but I have my sites on going South. Can’t deal with the cold anymore.
@Frog
My condolences about your mom. 💔
@Angel
Thank you
Sitting in a field for that long I can smell that interior from Alabama!
What a great story, one bad thing after another, and now the car is really a parts car. Sad
Auction update: this one sold for $3,650.