Ford effectively created the Personal Luxury Car market segment when it released the Thunderbird. The competition soon realized that there was a buck to be made, with Buick joining the party with the Riviera. The company took an interesting approach, because while the Riviera was beyond the financial reach of many, it proved the perfect bait to lure buyers into showrooms to hand over their cash for lesser models. This 1964 Riviera is a gem that is ready to find a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Jack M. for spotting it listed here on Craigslist in Hemet, California. The seller set their price at $30,000 for a classic with no apparent needs.

Buick first utilized the Riviera badge on the Roadmaster in 1949, but it wouldn’t be until 1963 that the badge became a model in its own right. The Riviera began life as a Cadillac concept, but when that marque dismissed it, Buick made a strong case to introduce it as its entry into the Personal Luxury Car market segment. It evolved in 1964, with only minor changes to differentiate the latest model from its predecessor. This 1964 Riviera wears subtle Arctic White paint and is said to be a Californian survivor. That means that it should have avoided the rust issues that sometimes plagued these classics. However, diving beneath this Buick to check the floors would be wise to ensure everything is in order. The visual indications are positive, with no evidence of any potential problems that may cause concern. The panels are straight, the trim looks excellent, and the glass is clear.

Buick’s 1964 Sales Brochure confirms that the 425ci “Wildcat 465″ V8 under the hood of this Riviera generates 340hp and 465 ft/lbs of torque. The three-speed Super Turbine unit had replaced the previous year’s two-speed Dynaflow automatic transmission, while power-assisted steering and brakes were standard equipment. The 425 in the Riviera produced more power and torque than the Thunderbird’s 390 powerplant, giving the Riviera a slight performance edge. The seller indicates that this classic is essentially original, with an upgraded distributor, a high-performance coil, and an electric fuel pump as the only identified changes. It rolls on new 15” whitewall tires and comes with a significant selection of documentation dating back to Day One. The tidy engine bay doesn’t flatter to deceive, because this Buick is ready to hit the road with its new owner behind the wheel.

One notable change Buick made for the 1964 model year was deleting the leather interior trim option. Buyers could select from two types of vinyl in a wide range of colors. This Riviera contrasts its White exterior with a Black interior. Its condition is consistent with a classic of this vintage that has never been abused or suffered from long-term UV exposure. The woodgrain is in good condition, as is the dash and pad. The car cements its luxury credentials with the air conditioning, power windows, and power driver’s seat. It retains its factory radio, although there is also a concealed modern stereo.

It is easy to see why the 1964 Riviera attracted so much attention: its styling is smooth, slick, and classy. It was an aspirational vehicle, with 37,958 buyers taking one home. This one looks like a gem, and the seller’s price looks realistic. If you have long dreamed of slipping behind the wheel of a ’64 Riviera, could this one be a contender?