Ran When Parked: One Owner 1969 Buick Riviera

The Riviera entered the personal luxury car scene in 1963 as a Buick. Using GM’s E-body platform, the Oldsmobile Toronado (1966) and the Cadillac Eldorado (1967) would later join it. Unlike the other two cars, the Riviera employed rear-wheel drive just like the rest of the division’s inventory at the time. The seller offers a one-owner, literal barn find where it has resided untouched for 40 years. Starting with a good bath, this car is likely going to need everything, so you’ll have to factor that into your decision to part with $4,000. Located in Dallas, Oregon, this Buick is available here on craigslist. An attaboy goes to T.J. for the tip!

Second-generation Rivieras were on the assembly line from 1966 to 1970. It used (for the last time) a 430 cubic inch V8 that produced 360 hp. The cars were upgraded to a 455 the following year, both engaging with a 3-speed TH-400 automatic transmission. Hidden headlights continued to be a Riviera trait. 1969 Rivieras had subtly changed over the 1968s, like moving the ignition switch to a locking position on the steering column. It was a safety feature that every other GM car but the Chevrolet Corvair employed that year.

Buyers liked the ‘69 Riviera and bought nearly 53,000 copies that year, including the seller’s forgotten example. We’re told its original owner drove it into this barn in 1986, and it’s been there ever since. As the odometer shows 19,000 miles, we assume it’s on the second time around. Another assumption is that the car does not run and may take a lot to change that fact. The hood is sitting on the roof, so perhaps some efforts were made over time.

There is so much dirt and grime on this Buick that its color isn’t obvious. My guess is that the paint is white, but it could be almost any color. Does the body have issues? Probably, but the seller doesn’t say, and no photos are provided of the passenger compartment. So, you have to assume some small woodland creatures may have been at work. Bring your trailer and a winch and take this home for an extreme makeover.