The 1973 Riviera was a one-year styling compromise advanced by Bill Mitchell to correct the unpopular sharp-edged boat tail he introduced on Buick’s flagship car in 1971. While the mid-60s Corvette suffered not one whit from a similar tail, Buick customers were not thrilled, so in ’73, Mitchell softened the lines of the rear end. Unfortunately, at the same time, the US insisted on 5 mph bumpers, adding a full 5″ to the front of an already impossibly long car while simultaneously emissions controls downgraded the power from the big 455 cu. in. V8. This last year for the boat-tail Buick was the worst-selling of its generation. Though the ’71/’72 cars were poor enough sellers to prompt a re-style, in today’s market they command a premium over the ’73, retaining the same popularity relationship of yesteryear. But for fans of this one-year style, here on eBay is a 1973 Riviera bid to $10,100, reserve not met. The seller took a 120 mile trip in this car recently, so a new owner can expect it will ferry him home from Kokomo, Indiana without a hitch.
Note to sellers: please include an engine bay photo! Anyway, under this incredibly long hood is Buick’s 455 cu. in. V8, dressed with a four-barrel carburetor and good for about 250 hp. The engine is backed by a Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed automatic. Special options in this year included the Stage 1 “Gran Sport”, with another ten ponies on tap; and an early version of traction control, called MaxTrac. Though the seller doesn’t show the engine, he does mention that the tires, brakes, wheel cylinders, exhaust, distributor, plugs and plug wires are all new. The carburetor has been rebuilt.
This was Buick’s “personal luxury” car, so the cabin is suitably plush. This third generation Riviera received a completely new dash – earlier cars had a flat panel with all your gauges, switches and glove box spreading across its expanse. In 1971, the dash turned into a triptych, with the two outer wings tilted to the driver. The surface was turned metal. In ’73, faux woodgrain replaced the more expensive finish. Despite the car’s impressive length, the back seat didn’t offer much leg room. This interior is in fine condition and as icing on the cake, the original buyer ticked a box costing over $500 to obtain air conditioning – and all its components have been replaced.
The quarters are clean, though the seller notes a few chips and a generally faded aspect to the paint. I’m a sucker for these “wire” wheel covers, which usually indicated someone checked an expensive option box, or the car is a top trim level. These would have set Riviera buyers back $75 each as an option. Meanwhile, out in the market, nice examples sell for around $20k, though it’s easy to pay more for low mileage cars. Any Riviera fans out there? What would you pay for a ’73 boat tail?
Even the safety bumpers can’t detract from the elegance of the Riv.
Buick nails everything w this model.
Big motor, 2.93 gear ⚙️ 400 Turbo Hydramatic.
I’d prefer the Buick Road Wheels on this beauty! :-)
Quarters are clean? I saw some rust back there on the right side. Beautiful interior, not worth the ask.
Back in the 70s my Wife’s father was active in dinner theatre in Milwaukee. One summer they were doing a production of “Oliver!”, with Leonard Nimoy playing Fagan.
A cast party was held at my in-law’s house and my brother-in-law tells of Nimoy pulling into the driveway with a brand new boattail Riviera. This really impressed my BIL, enough that years later he bought one and “restored” it. It cost him a fortune.
I would pay some real money to hear Nimoy sing “I;m reviewing the Situation”. It had to rank up there with Shatner singing “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”
Great pic thanks Rex. 👍
Shatner had a ’63 vette with a luggage rack on the back!
And here it is!
Okay, when you saw “Kokomo” How many of you went “Aruba, Jamaica…”?
I don’t know why so many sellers fail to post an engine bay photo. Either they are not motorheads and don’t realize potential buyers want to see it or the engine bay is a dirty mess that is an indication of the general lack of care and attention the car has received.
I agree Todd J!!!
The over the top styling is what makes these so special. Imagine thinking you could have something else or you can have a Riviera! Great white over red and with exception to the wire wheel covers is a splendid looking car.
Wonder if you could fit a bumper from 71/72 and get rid of the diving board on the front. That and road wheels would go a long way in improving this car’s looks. I’d like shots of the underside too, Indiana (and Illinois) winters are tough on cars.
These gave up some of the shark nose with the big bumper. Different grille, too. Could look like it has an overbite.
Even removing the bumper guards makes a big improvement, but then you have to find the rub strip to fill in the void they leave,
Owner is sure it’s not a rust bucket! But no pictures to back it up. If you want it, I would want a first hand look.
I love these, my buddy had a 72 w factory sunroof in the mid 70s, very thirsty car, rode beautifully, passed everything but a gas station, I’ve been looking for one, not this one cause of the colors and no sunroof, but I’ll find one, car looks straight, one bad quarter isn’t the end of the world, but your gonna be in it for 10,000 in paint and body work so it’s selling high now, I would have fixed the quarter then sold it
My 74 Caprice had the rubber inserts rotted mostly out when I bought it 20 years ago. I drilled holes in the shocks and pushed the bumpers in and adjusted them up. It looks like the car should have looked and shortened a still certifiable land yacht by about 10 inches.
https://youtube.com/@billclark2411?si=jmyTBomiFw7ITmwE
No reserve on eBay, or better yet, Barn Finds Auctions, may be in this Riv’s future; it doesn’t seem to be selling at a fixed price. It isn’t “worth” that much to buyers. There weren’t any engine photos in this craigslist ad either; sigh…
https://barnfinds.com/part-of-a-100-car-estate-1973-buick-riviera/
My favorite year Riviera boat tail. Stupid that they’re are no engine pics. Kudos that seller made the effort to get this luxury car’s AC working again. Much better than claiming that all it needs is a recharge. I remember Danny Koker buying a driver 73 like this for $5K.
Perhaps the last of the great PLCs. In terms of beauty I put the 65-73 Riviera, first gen Olds Toronado, and the 67-69 T Birds. The Catalina 2+2s get an honorable mention.
SOLD for $14,500.