If a turnkey 1980s classic is on your Wish List, you may find it difficult to look beyond this 1982 Buick Rivera. It presents exceptionally well for its age, and recent significant work ensures it is a turnkey proposition with no mechanical issues. It hasn’t generated a mountain of interest, but there are reasons to take this Buick seriously. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the Riviera listed here on eBay in Wilmington, Delaware. The seller’s auction has received no bids after opening at $14,000. However, it appears to be a No Reserve affair, meaning that a single bid may be all that stands between this classic and your garage.

Buick introduced the original Riviera in 1963, and the badge remained a staple of its model range until 1999. It has since unveiled a couple of concepts bearing the name, but there are no indications of a new Riviera on the horizon. The Sixth Generation graced showroom floors between 1979 and 1985, with this Riviera rolling off the line in 1982. The first owner ordered it in Pastel Sandstone with a subtly contrasting vinyl top. The seller’s photos aren’t the best that I’ve seen, but they paint a generally positive picture. I can’t spot any significant paint issues, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. I believe this classic is rust-free, as the photos don’t suggest otherwise. The vinyl looks crisp and clean, and there are no shortcomings in the trim or glass. The seller mentions recent work in their listing, and the sparkling set of NOS wire wheelcovers is the first item on the list.

Air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power driver’s seat, cruise control, a rear defogger, remote exterior mirrors, and an AM/FM radio/8-track player. That list confirms that the first owner focused on comfort when ordering this Riviera. If that list isn’t comprehensive enough, you can add Doeskin leather trim as the icing on the cake. The seller states they recently replaced the headliner, but the rest of this classic’s interior appears original. The leather shows elegant age wrinkles, but looks soft and inviting, and the pale carpet looks remarkable for its age. The faultless faux woodgrain trim accentuates the luxury feel, and there are no visible aftermarket additions.

The original Riviera enjoyed a well-earned reputation for luxury and performance, but this 1982 model falls short on outright power. The 307ci V8 produces a factory-quoted 150hp, which is a reasonably modest figure. However, Buick’s decision to introduce a four-speed automatic transmission for this model year improved both outright performance and fuel economy. We’ve reached the point where the list of recent work on this classic becomes quite long. The seller installed a new radiator, brakes, suspension, and tires. They state that the Riviera has a genuine 55,000 miles on the clock without mentioning verifying evidence. They use the word “spectacular” to describe the driving experience, suggesting that this Buick is a turnkey proposition.

The seller’s opening bid figure for this 1982 Buick Riviera looks realistic, especially at a time when values are climbing steadily. Therefore, if it sells for around that price, it could be an excellent buy for the right person. However, there could be one further twist in this story. The listing text suggests that the seller may consider realistic offers. If they haven’t received any bids as the auction reaches its conclusion, they could be flexible if someone approaches them with a respectable figure. Is that the path that you would consider, or would you take your chances by submitting a bid?