Some cars really make an initial statement and I would posit that Buick’s redesigned 1971 Riviera “boattail” edition sucked a lot of air out of the new model car show venues in late ’70. Yes, it made a notable marketplace impression. A repeat followed in ’72 and mostly in ’73 too, though the “transom” of the ’73 boattail didn’t seem to have quite the sharpness of its predecessor. It also grew a railroad tie-sized front bumper and that notable Buick V8 power was starting to wain – thanks to federal regulations. Still, it was an impressive personal luxury coupe, and with just 66K miles on its life clock, today’s ’73 Riviera subject car presents exceptionally well. Interested parties will find it available, here on eBay for a BIN price of $23,000. There is a make-an-offer option too.
This Buick is being represented by a classic car wholesaler and though the listing doesn’t state its location, his 747 area code leads me to believe that this Riv is currently calling the Los Angeles area home. It has obviously been well cared for and looks great – no issues with the silver finish or the black vinyl top. As referenced earlier, there’s one humongo bumper affixed to the front of this Buick and while I usually give failing grades to most ’73 models for the tacked-on obtrusiveness of said rammers, this big coupe wears it well. Rounding out the corners are Buick’s ubiquitous road wheels – always a nice inclusion.
The “Big Mo” is provided by a 250 net HP, 455 CI V8 engine tethered to a Turbo-Hydramatic 400 three-speed automatic transmission. The seller tells us that the engine is strong and it is “a great daily driver“.
Inside we find a black vinyl, clean and tidy bucket seat environment that employs a “consolette” as opposed to a full center console. It is a very uncluttered arrangement and while functional, the instrument panel seems a bit average. The extensive fake wood veneer is a matter of taste but the shelf-sized dashpad looks great. I’ll give it two thumbs up – it needs no attention except… one concern, this is an air-conditioned car but the Frigidaire A6 compressor is missing and that’s a problem.
This is a fine road car that I’m confident will live up to its reputation. I don’t know about making a daily driver out of it – this one seems too nice for that fate – but as a now-and-again cruiser, it’s perfect. My only hangup is the price, it seems too enthusiastic (especially with inoperative A/C that’s not disclosed) and I’m not feeling it, how about you?
My late father was a corporate lawyer with partial ownership in several GM dealerships. As part of the deal, our family was provided with “demonstrators”. Throughout this era, Dad picked Rivieras (Mom got stuck with the station wagon). I have fond memories of riding with Dad in these cars, and being excited when he brought home another new one. They were always loaded, and most had the GS option.
I would like to add a boat-tail to my collection at some point. Most of the Rivieras I have found locally over the past decade or two have been rusty, or otherwise too far gone. The really nice ones have been few, and usually not for sale.
I do like this car here. Nice colours, not rusty, decent interior, and mostly original.
I don’t love this car though. For me, it would have to be a GS. It would also have to be loaded. This car has crank windows.
After decades of collecting cars, I have learned to be patient, and not just settle for what is available. A loaded GS will cost more, so it depends on how much that is worth to you.
From time to time, I’ve seen some boat tailed Rivs on Classic Car Trader. I dream of owning one of those. 👍
Too bad about the AC, but everything is fixable. Nice car if you could get it for like
10 grand. Good luck
Uhm, maybe. But it does look like a fit issue with the trunk lid.
It’s more than just the fit of the trunk lid, the Riviera script is missing on the right corner. You can see the two holes for it.
Our local sheriff drove a tan 71 Riviera with Sheriff decals and equipment for a couple of years back then, pretty cool.
First time I’ve ever seen a Riv w/crank windows…
All I care about is it’s a boat tail Buick Riviera. Lol 😆
It is stripped, although it has dual exhaust which may or may not have been factory.
Many years ago I bought a copper colored 73 out of AZ. Loaded with options except the GS. It was a beautiful Buick that rode like a dream. No rust and pretty much white glove clean. Definitely towards the top of the list of ones I wish I still had. Sold it to a teacher I believe in Kenosha or Racine Wisconsin. Hopefully she is still tucked away in a garage somewhere.
These really must have blown the minds of even the most jaded seventies shopper. Still love these cars as much as when I was 10-years-old. GM led the way in styling and got the most out of the last year of bumper standards in ’73. Tail lamps in the bumper would be mostly a thing of the past save for A-body wagon and truck. I really like the basic interior. 1974 would be the last year for base model C&E-body cars and their roll-up windows. Power glass and seat was, of course, an option.
Beautiful example of a Riviera. Now, fix the air conditioning!
Yes, the missing A/C compressor should’ve been mentioned, especially since it’s a CA car. But I prefer the ’71 anyway.
It has not the DeLuxe interior, no trip odometer, no cruise control, no power door locks. But it has crank windows with the consolette and the rear window defogger. Weird choices were made in the showroom back in 1972….
I also spot “Buick Motor Division” centre caps from other full-size models instead of the correct centre caps with the Riviera R logo.
Auction ended, zero bids, car is not sold.
Nope, nope, nope, tired of seeing these cars with non-working or missing a/c parts. Fix it or don’t sell it as far as I’m concerned.
Base model. Very few options. The interior is “all wrong”. Needs a lot of work.
I didn’t look the closely. The writer says it has a/c, but missing parts. It may not even have a/c, it was still an option in those days.
I have some grave concerns about this seller. I have attempted to contact them regarding many of the cars they have listed on several sites and have never been able to connect or heard back.
This seller? has cars posted all over the country with the same plate and boasts about being the largest collector in the country. Before I call BS and a scam I would like to know if anyone has ever had a successful purchase with them.
12 k
My uncle had one, he was a dairy farmer, the Buick was his wife’s ‘driving into town car’ and was driven sparingly.
That’s a nice 6 to 8k car. Not much higher than that. Good for cruising around.
The Riviera is what a Buick should, no need for a ENCORE, this is a break from the Enclave, it’s limited numbers make it very REGAL, definitely the barn find of the Century! If I lived on PARK AVENUE I would purchase and do a complete factory spec restoration!
Too bad about the AC, but everything is fixable. Nice car if you could get it for like
10 grand. Good luck