Even though more than six decades have elapsed since the first cars rolled off the line, the First Generation Buick Riviera is considered by many to be the most elegant example of an American Personal Luxury Car. Its styling captured the buying public’s imagination, and the Riviera still generates significant interest when a tidy vehicle or a promising project candidate hits the market. This 1965 example is largely original, although its lack of rust and freshly rebuilt engine make it a prime candidate for restoration. The bidding action proves that people like what they see, and are willing to let their wallet do the talking. Why not take a close look and see if you agree?
This 1965 Riviera emerged during the final year of First Generation production, with its first owner ordering the car in Regal Black. I’m typically not a fan of that paint shade, but feel it perfectly suits the Riviera’s low, sleek lines. The seller believes that most of the paint is original, although they point to a second-rate touch-up as evidence that somebody tried to improve its presentation. This is understandable because there is evidence of significant deterioration and checking on almost every surface. The best approach would be to strip away the factory finish to bare metal because that strategy maximizes the chances of a high-end result. The panels have a few minor bumps and bruises, but with no mention or evidence of rust, it appears there is no need for steel replacement. The seller confirms that the clamshells for the headlamps are missing a linkage, and must be raised and lowered manually. The trim looks acceptable for a driver-grade restoration, and the tinted glass is free from significant defects.
The theme of TLC continues when we examine the Riviera’s interior. Black is the dominant color, although it is prevented from becoming oppressive courtesy of the timber and plated components. The seats look good, and there are no significant issues with the console, dash, or carpet. I noticed a couple of fitment shortcomings, but addressing these should involve nothing beyond tweaking and adjustments. The pad is a mystery because it is hidden below a cover. Cracking is common, and the buyer may need to splash cash on a replacement. The door trims are very tired, although the new replacements included in the sale will consign that problem to history. The first owner passed on air conditioning, but this classic features a power driver’s seat and power windows that work as they should.
Potential buyers can consider this Buick as a turnkey proposition. It has clocked under 2,000 miles since the 401ci V8 and three-speed automatic transmission received a comprehensive rebuild. The upgraded Edelbrock carburetor and HEI ignition may have unleashed a few additional ponies, meaning the driver might have more than 325hp and 445 ft/lbs of torque under their right foot. The cash splash didn’t end there, because the Riviera wears four new tires, 2″ lowered springs, a front disc conversion, a new master cylinder, booster, brake lines, rear brake hardware, fuel lines, belts, filters, heater core, battery, and plug wires. The seller retained the original springs and will include them if the winning bidder wishes to recapture its factory appearance. The comprehensive mechanical refurbishment means that this classic’s needs are purely cosmetic.
The seller listed this 1965 Buick Riviera here on eBay in Boise, Idaho. Thirty-four bids have pushed the price to $6,100, which is below the reserve. There is time for the situation to change, and I suspect that it will. How high the sale price climbs will depend on how determined two or more people are to park it in their garage. It is easy to see the attraction, particularly for enthusiasts seeking a relatively straightforward restoration. The winning bidder could take their time to assemble the budget for the build since this classic has no immediate needs. I hope that one of our Barn Finds readers becomes its next owner because I know I’m not alone in my desire to see photos once it has returned to its former glory.
I would like to know the BIN price! The seller says mechanically perfect, just needs a paint job. How much for a paint job? That’s a loaded question with lots of variables. Especially if you have it all done professionally, and it is going to have to be stripped to bare metal. I like the car, but it could bite you bad.
The black color detracts from what should normally be, what I consider, the most beautiful car made. Just look up ’65 Rivs. The blues, the reds, yes, even the greens, just make the lines pop. Black looks like it rolled out of the mortuary. What happened to color? Happy people expressed their happiness through color, depressed people want black, or gray, equally depressing. I say the color of our cars accurately depicts the mood our country is in. 50s, 60s, 70s,, even some 80s, happy times( with some exceptions), wild color times, today,,,,doesn’t get much more boring than black.
265 viewers, and “only” $7grand, terrible, watching tele auction prices, aside from ’69 Chevelles, seems to have taken a big hit on many custom jobs and even cars like this, barely cracking $10grand. Heck, some have that in the paint job. So hey, what’s that rusty Bronco up to?
That’s quite an extrapolation from a simple car color Dr. A. I like red or blue- white is fine. Don’t like green or black in most cases- but the Riv wears it well, IMHO.
I’ve heard lots of “societal indicators” bandied about- but this one’s new to me. Maybe you’re onto something…🤷♂️
There’s a guy somewhere in Silver Spring MD who has a 65 Riviera GS in a deep metallic green. It’s a stunning color for those shapely hips and flanks. I followed it once for miles on my bike just to catch him at a light and give him a thumbs up on it. It’s one of those cars you don’t mind being behind because the view is that nice.
The Midnight Blue of ’64 and ’65 was my favorite color. Deep, deep blue, with a hint of deep green. Perfect. But, every color looks good on this car, it’s just highly logical!
I’ll just leave THIS here! :-)
Rolling art with unique thrown in for fun. Nice!
While a fan of the early cars with the 4 headlights you just can’t get past the fact that it’s one of the best looking cars ever built. Personally, I think it wears the black paint well and I’m not a big black color fan. With the exception of my ’48 Cadillac Hearse and ’86 Dodge Daytona Turbo Z all of our cars have been bright colors. Do the indicated repairs, get in and drive it with a smile.
Bothers, you are right. I think the ’65 Riviera is THE most beautiful and series car ever built. How I have not ever owned one is a mystery!
I guess this looks like a good starting point for restoration. I’d have to imagine that the quality of paint job you’d want on this car would cost 20K, assuming no color change.
Next comes the interior, which appears to need headliner, dash pad, seat covers, carpet probably, package shelf, maybe door cards. 5K at least if you can find a shop to do it.
It appears to be a factory AC car, so it’s a shame the AC wasn’t upgraded when the engine was (presumably) out during the rebuild. Probably 2.5K for the AC. Then brakes, tires, sorting, etc. I think you could put 30K easily into this car, so if the buy-in price isn’t too high, it might work.
ACs are not that hard to fix or very expensive. Expensive part would be paint but it would have to look worse than it does now before I’d do anything to it. Fix the interior, hop in and drive.
This guy is a Rivera lover for sure. Check his other items on eBay.
No A/C!?
Not a fan of it being lowered–it makes it look tired…
I love first generation Rivieras. I’ve got a 64 I owned for more than a dozen years. The best thing about the 65 is the clamshell headlights; very unique design.
I don’t particularly like black cars but some people think all cars should be black. I’ve seen one with metal flake Candy apple dark green that was a real eye catcher. I must agree these are the best looking cars ever.
God Bless America
Overall really like the car but what is that steering wheel out of,jcwhitney?
WOW, where was this when I was looking. I hove my 54 but THIS OH YEAH! The paint is just fine just like my 2012 2 door lowered Silverado
Much more respect for you UDT FROG, now that I know you have a lowered Silverado!
yup, 1st gen Riv, 1st gen Toranado, nuttin like them (& this from ‘a ford guy’).
Just like ta C the faces on the euros/Oz guys when 1 these went by 3 – 6 mo old (same w/the C1 – ’58/’60 I guess).