The second-generation Buick Riviera had quite an act to follow, and it never seems to quite get the recognition the 1963-65 models do. This gold one is a beauty and it’s for sale here on eBay with bidding that hasn’t met the reserve yet but is up to $6,400 as I write. It’s located in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
When the Riviera was redesigned for 1966, the new body was both larger and heavier than the original. However, with the new fastback design and “coke bottle” styling it was considered very modern at the time. This one wears it’s 110,000 miles well and benefits from a single repaint in “close” to the original color.
A small dent in the bumper hurts the symmetry some but it’s still a stylish rear end! Those dual exhausts are attached to a 430 cubic inch V8!
This Riviera is equipped with air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and seats. We’re told the headliner is split and taped but a new one is included with the sale. The seller also has a short video loaded here with some more details.
Don’t you love this air cleaner? I wish the belt were on the air conditioning compressor but you can’t have everything. Do you see this Riviera as gold, a diamond in the rough, or just a rock?
Gee whiz….what a car. And what a statement that car made.
In 1966, I was working in my uncle’s garage and gas was about .35 a gallon. That may help explain how a car with two doors and weighing 2 tons would be considered a personal luxury coupe. I miss this era. When new, these types of cars had almost a ‘space ship like’ quality. Quiet, powerful, smooth riding, effective climate control and yes fast. If hydrogen is the most abundant element on earth and only makes water for emissions then bring back the luxury personal coupe. There are buyers waiting.
Beautiful car! Wish the air conditioning was connected. Drove a 1966 Riviera GS once..hit 90 mph on a freeway entrance ramp with very light gas pedal pressure so merging into traffic was easy! I miss the styling of personal luxury cars.
2nd gen Rivs rank right up there with ’68-’70 Chargers as the most beautiful American cars ever made.
The Riviera for 1966 is nice but second in class when compared to the ’66 Toronado.
the Toronado was the ‘ sister ‘ to the Riv.
The Olds is closer to the Eldo then the Riv. All had the same mission statement and market though. Which was men and Playmates.
The Riv, Toronado and Eldorado were similar under the skin but the Riv was rear drive and a far superior ‘performance car’, especially in GS trim like this one. When new the suspension was excellent- supple but not squishy.
Any of them could pass everything but a gas station.
Colorado Dusty Rhodes?
Was the toronado front Wheel drive?
I prefere the riv
I’m in that camp that likes this second gen styling even more than I liked the first, it just has that continuation of line front to back that is very pleasing.
While a common reference, the “Star Wars” air cleaner description always makes me go hmmmmmm…………it predates the movie by a decade. Since Lucas is a car guy perhaps this air cleaner design inspired HIM rather than the other way around that some think.
Pure gold but it came in much nicer colors.
Ohhhhhhhh… baaaayyyy- beee. Chick magnet. Well, it was back then. Might still work at igh school reunions. Neverthe less, still kool.
Awesome looking Buick Riviera. I’ve always loved this gen Riviera. It’s the best looking Riviera I’d seen since the 1963-64 Riviera.
Nice one owner – for about that 6 grand bid – down in Austin on CL being sold by the family.
That Star Wars air cleaner is worth it’s weight in gold
One of the handsomest cars GM ever made. Not a wasted line on the entire car. I owned one in 1980 when they were just old beaters, paid $450 sold it a year later for $900. Quiet, smooth, fast comfortable. What more could you ask?
If I had a place for it I’d snag it, convert it to EFI/HEI and put the redlines back on it.
One of my favorite all time designs and cars.
I like these cars and think they are a good investment. Didn’t know about the star war’s air cleaner. What’s That all about? Is it the factory air cleaner. I guess uncle Bob will have to splain it to me!j
An executive hot rod.
I still think these beautiful Rivieras should be considered 3rd generations since they built Rivieras in the 50s.
Okay, but the early name use denoted a body style and trim level of the standard Buick 2-door instead of a separate entity.
American version of a Bentley Continental. Stunning design, but not in gold. Mid 60’s top of the list design from GM and Buick.
Like the ’66 more…if only for that iconic 425 nailhead when you popped the bonnet!
I don’t like the design of the Buick oiling system. First of all the oil pump is a set of gears inside the aluminum front timing cover. The original covers are always damaged bolts snap off inside cover, usually warped as well. Replacement covers very expensive. If my memory is correct there is also a very long oil pick up,which combined with a week bottom end assembly, not good design for engine longevity. Not in the performance world.
The broken bolt is stuck in front cover area of block. So here you are with cover off bolts snapped off some flush with the block. Not the end of your day but a bad start or finish for sure. Sorry my Buick Brothers I write the facts. My favorite Buick and only 65 Le Sabre two door 300 cast iron four barrel super turbine 400