When Buick joined the Personal Luxury Car party with its First Generation Riviera, many people were awestruck by the stunning styling. The subsequent models grew in physical size but still retained the focus on luxury. This 1970 Riviera is a perfect example of that breed and is best considered a genuine survivor. Close inspection reveals a few flaws, but none demand immediate attention. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the Buick listed here on Craigslist in Laguna Hills, California. The seller set their price at $16,900 for a classic with a claimed 61,000 original miles on the clock.
Buick released the Second Generation Riviera in 1966, with cars remaining on sale until 1970. Our feature Riviera is a final-year example finished in Emerald Mist Metallic. Its history is slightly hazy, making it unclear whether it is a one-owner survivor. The paint shines extremely well, and with the vinyl top recently replaced, it is unsurprising that this aspect of the car is perfect. The panels are straight, and the gaps are consistent. It is worth noting that this car isn’t flawless. There is minor paint damage on the driver’s side front corner and a more obvious fault on the passenger door. Neither is severe, and a reputable shop should have no trouble eliminating them. The trim and glass are excellent, as are the wheels.
Buick didn’t mess around when it came to deciding what engine to slip under the hood of the 1970 Riviera. Buyers received a 455ci V8 that, according to the Dealer Sales Brochure, generates 370hp and 510 ft/lbs of torque. The company didn’t provide a manual transmission, with a TH-400 automatic undertaking shifting duties. As a Personal Luxury Car, power-assisted steering and brakes were standard features. Pure performance wasn’t the aim of the exercise from a car tipping the scales at over 4,300 lbs. However, tackling heavy city traffic or cruising at freeway speed were pretty effortless undertakings. The seller claims that this Riviera has a genuine 61,000 miles on its odometer without mentioning verifying documentation. They say that it has been appropriately maintained, raising hope that the Service Records might confirm the claim. The seller states that the Buick runs and drives exceptionally well, and since they encourage in-person inspections, it appears they are confident that this classic is all that they claim.
This Riviera is consistent because while the interior isn’t perfect, its condition is consistent with what could be considered a high-end survivor. There are scuff marks on a couple of plastic pieces and an under-dash gauge cluster. Otherwise, it is as it left the factory. The Dark Green vinyl trim is in good order, the pad isn’t cracked, and there is no evidence of UV damage. The only other flaw worth noting is scratches on the steering column that were obviously inflicted by the keys hanging in the ignition. The Buick’s luxury credentials are further enhanced by the air conditioning, power windows, a remote driver’s mirror, and an AM radio.
Describing this 1970 Buick Riviera as a time capsule seems fair, with the under-dash gauge cluster appearing to be the only aftermarket addition. It harks from a time before emission regulations took a big bite out of engine performance, allowing this classic to provide a perfect blend of luxury and power. It has been on the market for under a week, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it found a new home fairly quickly. Would you?
Holy wow, love this, I wouldn’t even bother fixing the paint. I’d hope for verification of the mileage but at this price maybe I don’t care ….
Wow is right Michelle 510lb/ft 🏁
Wow. If this is original, I agree with Michelle, I wouldnt touch the paint. Its beautiful. I always thought the Buick factory rims are a work of art, right up there with Pontiac 8 lugs. They just dress whatever model Buick they’re on nicely. And that 455, with all that torque they had, under normal circumstances, they had enough oomph that you rarely ever had to open up those huge secondaries on that Rochester 4 barrel. This is an amazing find!!! Thanks for writing it up Adam.
Always liked these would like to own it but my financial advisor(WIFE) says it’s not in my cards…
maybe you need a new financial advisor……..
What? On Valentine’s day?
Daleone 3,
I think if you haven’t learned from the first there is no second chance. My friends hate and envy me at the same time.
That Buick 455 makes this car irresistible & keep up with modern traffic with the a/c blowing cold you bet! What a deal!
YES YES & YES! And I don’t want to argue about the price.
Green on green on green is a deal killer for me. Beautiful car, otherwise
Put this next to a 70 Grand Prix. Yup, GM definitely had it together in the style department that year.
The perfect example of a boulevard cruiser.
These came out in late summer 69…. when I was 19… and there was one in our small town…. brown with a brown vinyl top… parked on the street. I imagined having it and taking off all over the U.S….. as if the Draft didn’t exist…
HOLY FAT COW!!!!!!, this is a monster invitation. I just sold my 1954 for more than double that. BUT now that I am debt free and 93 years old i have finally learbed my lesson UNLESS a 57 Cabellero shows up then BOINK!!!!!
The 2nd generation evolved so well. I love the green colors and the notchback bench. Effortless torque. From when GM couldn’t build an ugly car.
This makes me cry!
I had a ’70 Riviera in a slightly darker green with the green vinyl roof & black interior.
Mine was a sportier version with bucket seats, console, cycle floorshifter, no full skirts but the “shorty” skirts as on this car. Believe it or not, under the paint on the shorty skirt is chrome. They were fully chromed then painted leaving the edge chrome showing.
These were fast and powerful cars as well as luxurious. Mine had all the power options. It wasn’t a GS but had posi-traction also.
God I’m still kicking myself for getting rid of that car.
Haven’t seen one like. Most have a bench seat and column shift. Many don’t have pw.
P.S. those doors, as with most 2 door cars of the 70s weighed a TON!
Hello, Angel! Not to nit-pick Adam, but car has an AM-FM mono, otherwise the stereo box would be at the bottom of the dash under the glove box. Not many of these, or other cars for that matter, even in 1970 had cruise control.
I love the colors in & out. I wonder if the spear strip was painted darker one of the owners to match the vinyl roof, or if they came that way. I’d personally match it up with the body color.
A school teacher in my hometown had one of these. Can’t remember if he had the GS, but he did have the console with that cool shift handle. Traded his ’63 ‘Vette for it.
To be kiddingly nosey, do you have some of those “shorty” skirts in your closet? Hee-hee. You know one of us cheeky guys would think of that!
I am in love, but it is valentine’s day after all.
This one has the “High Profile wheel opening covers”, that’s Buick names them in their 1970 brochure.
Very sought after, they go nowdays for US$ 600 or more.
This is a “Riviera III” model: high profile skirts, vinyl top and the side trim option.
Just like the 1969 models, the 1970 Riviera came with an in-tank electric fuel pomp that cuts off when the oil pressure is getting too low.
Beautiful car. Always thought the side trim/stripe really accented the body lines so well. Masterful!
Love it, love it, and love it! I’m glad it’s all the way on the West coast so I can’t get it. 65-70 Rivieras as well as the 71-73 Boat tails are my favorites. Just beautiful. She’s led a pampered life, from the looks of it.
GREEN MONSTER indeed! I love this car. If I had a 100-car storage facility and adquate funding, this car would be in my permanent driving collection. Love it (and the current license plate).
What a spectaculer Buick. No mention of gas mileage.
If you have to ask then you can’t afford it.
I wanted one of these so bad. In 81’ I was looking for affordable transportation and I saw in the nifty nickel a 1970’ Riviera $500 was in accident but can be fixed so my buddy and me went to look. It needed the front clip which I didn’t want to bother with and the guy kept saying buy it I’ll help you fix it lol I was just 20 years old little naive but smart enough to know when it came time to fix it I’d never see the guy. If he was so gunho in fixing it why didn’t he?