Choosing a favorite classic from some decades is easy, but others pose a challenge. For me, the 1960s fall into that category. I find myself irresistibly drawn to First Generation Pony Cars, while a ’64 Ford Galaxie 500XL would be a strong contender. However, I have always loved the 1965 Buick Riviera. The company nailed the styling perfectly, creating what many believe to be a motoring work of art. This Riviera is simply stunning following a comprehensive list of recent work. The seller wants it to head to a new home, and they are willing to trade either up or down to make it happen. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Buick listed here on Craigslist in Dunedin, Florida. They set their price at $37,000, although interested parties should keep in mind that the seller will entertain more than just cash.
The 1965 model year marked the end of the line for Buick’s First Generation Riviera range. It sold in respectable numbers, proving to be an excellent alternative to the Ford Thunderbird for those searching for a Personal Luxury Car. The first owner ordered this gem in Burgundy Mist, one of the fourteen shades available to ’65 Riviera buyers. The seller doesn’t mention a cosmetic restoration history, but the car’s deep shine and lack of paint or panel defects suggest someone has lavished it with TLC. Finding fault is seemingly impossible, and with the underside shots revealing no evidence of rust, this Buick’s beauty is more than skin deep. What the seller does reveal is that the tinted glass is new and that the bumpers made a recent trip to the platers. The Rally wheels look excellent, and when combined with the narrow whitewalls, represent the perfect finishing touch to the exterior.
The 401ci “Nailhead” V8 was the entry-level engine in the 1965 Riviera range. However, its ability to deliver 325hp and 445 ft/lbs of torque means it was no 98-lb weakling. This car’s 401 is teamed with a three-speed Super Turbine 400 automatic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes to cement the Buick’s luxury credentials. The Riv might tip the scales at 4,210 lbs, but its ability to deliver a 15.7-second ¼-mile ET was considered pretty respectable in 1965. Okay, it’s time to draw a deep breath to discover why this Riviera is a turnkey proposition with no mechanical needs. The seller recently rebuilt the engine and transmission and replaced the starter, alternator, water pump, power steering pump, gas tank, fuel pumps, and fuel lines, and installed a new Edelbrock carburetor. That is just the beginning of a list that encompasses the electrical system, cooling system, brakes, and suspension. In fact, it would be easier to list the items that haven’t been refurbished or replaced, so comprehensive was the work. It is fairly safe to say that the buyer won’t need to spend a dime on this classic beyond the purchase price.
The long list of new items isn’t confined to this Riviera’s mechanical components, with the interior receiving similar attention. This includes a new headliner, dash, timber trim, carpet, door panels, seat belts, sound deadener, and a mahogany wheel. The power window motors are new, as are the Bluetooth stereo and four speakers. This Buick also features air conditioning and a tilt wheel for those wishing to enjoy the best that life offers. There are no obvious cosmetic needs, and it is fair to say that the overall presentation of this Riviera would be close to showroom fresh.
Remaining impartial as a Barn Finds writer can be challenging when you harbor an admitted love for a particular vehicle. Such is the case with me and this 1965 Buick Riviera. In my mind’s eye, I can picture this car parked snuggly in my garage, awaiting the day when I wheel it out for a large dose of classic motoring fun. I am not in a position to make that happen, and I envy you if you do become its next owner. However, I would like to say that I can make myself available if you feel the need for a chauffeur. I would even perform the role for free. What can I say? I’m that type of guy!
Clarkey, the Riv is one of those models that people from every camp can agree on. We’d all love to have one in the driveway.
I couldn’t agree more. These make me almost go weak at the knees.
Couldn’t have said it better myself. Its beautiful. I mean, C’mon, is there even a Bad angle on a first gen Riviera???….
Nope……
And this color is one of my favorites on a Riviera too.
Just beautiful.
Agreed, Stan. These look better than almost any other American car from ’65.
Gorgeous!
Beautiful. I had a 66′ not as square bodied as the 65′. Another funny thing about the 2 door 66′ is that there are 4 door handles so the people sitting in the back can get out. Kinda cool, but not when your driving around with a bunch of drunk buddies…
My Dad bought a new ’65 Riv in light green. It was a beautiful car. The crisp lines of the roof, etc, are just beautiful.
This particular car is quite stunning, however I’m saddened by an aftermarket steering wheel…the original wheel is so clean. Also disappointed the front seats were not reupholstered in the correct design.
And ‘lakes pipes’ on a Riv??? Nah.
Roadhouse!
One of the best shapes Buick ever put out.
Absolutely stunning car, and I am in complete agreement with nearly every other fan of automobiles out there that these mid-sixties Riviera’s are one of the most beautiful cars ever produced. While the asking price may sound high, with the list of new parts and the overall condition, I think that this car is super desirable. As for the exhaust cut outs, I don’t understand why they exist, but they certainly wouldn’t be a deal killer for me.
My older brother had a 65 back in 66.He had gotten the car in a very strange trade with the Cadillac dealer in town. He had a 1947 Cadillac limo that he and our neighbor down the road had restored. The guy was a retired body and paint man.The car had some rust and accident damage to rear of car and both back fenders and right rear door. They had worked his junior, senior years when there was no football and track.So whenthey worked on it I got to gopher for them. Cut this short this was one gorgeous car, there was not one ounce of filler in car, all damage was repaired using lead, and he taught us both how to do it. Well when it was done my brother took it to Caddy dealer to show it off to old guy in parts that had helped them so much, well owner saw it and offered to buy it, my brother wasn’t interested in selling, but had been looking at Riviera on used car lot, so suggested they do straight trade, the dealer agreed and paid tax, title and plate fees, try to get dealer to do that today!! So my brother kept it for a year, and sold it when he joined Navy instead of going to college. Boy would I love to have that car now!!!!
sorry about all the long comments, but getting really old (76) and these ads bring back great memories, OK enough. One thought though that keeps brothering me is that Riviera had nail head with 2. 4bbl.carbs.Any body know if my memory is faulty on this???
2 4bbl carbs were usually found on the Riviera with the GS option.
One old timer to another: your memory is correct. As a matter of fact, when I first saw this ad I was thinking how cool it would be if this car had that option.
Boy! glad my memories are still good so/far hee hee .I believe you’re right car had GS options, like everyone says love to have one now.Damn might have to go check out rumour that there is guy locally that has 2 or more cars. Would love to find out it was true, and he was amenable to dealing on them, will let you know if true.
The list of components repaired/replaced to me is a red flag that this could be a hurricane car. I would definitely have it inspected before buying, although it’s freaking gorgeous!
Gorgeous car with fabulous styling. I absolutely agree; the 1960’s had them all. Trying to choose just one? Ugh…impossible. 1960 Starliner, 1961 Impala SS, 1962 Thunderbird Sports Roadster, 1963 Corvette Coupe, 1964 Barracuda, 1965 Riv…the list could go on and on forever. An amazing decade of American iron! And even the price seems reasonable on this one. Nice find!
My ultimate car.
why would a beauty like this with only 78000 miles need an unbelievable list of new parts giant red flag .
Figure it out. A 60 year old car with only 78,000 miles when looked at closely and objectively is going to need a ton of mostly small parts to make it right. I would feel a heck of a lot better about a car that someone had taken the time and spent the money on to make it right as opposed to one that was just rolled out of storage and put up for sale.
sorry…all those pieces and parts along with a compliant engine and trans rebuild at 78000 because it was 60 years old? where was it stored ? for how long ? . sure its nice to see someone put the work and cash for this but why did it NEED so much.
Because it is 60 years old and 78,000 miles means that it was driven far less than the national average for probably 10 years, which means it sat for 50 years. If you get a chance go check out a car that sat in a normal dry garage for 50 years. I think that you might be surprised what father time can do to a car left unattended.
That’s my point I’m surprised that this car needed a complete rebuild and replacement of virtually everything unless it was a neglected forgotten rot wagon which I don’t believe it was so either there is a story untold of it’s past or the owner is a replace everything guy with a huge wallet weather it needs it or not I want a new 65 Riv .
Both scenarios are possible, but my thought is just this: doesn’t really matter what caused the owner to spend the time and money that it took to get this car to this point, the bottom line is that he did. Whether it was neglected, or even a flood survivor, it is essentially a new car and if I didn’t already have my “forever car”, I would buy this in a heartbeat. Somebody is going to get a piece of automotive art.
Had a 65 in 1980.gave a $150 for it.Kept it a year and sold it for a $150.
Great looking car but that after market wheel looks waaay out of place ugh!
Those are factory Buick Rally rims.
Is it me, or does the firewall look a bit odd, like it’s patched together? All the work done to it is a bit of a red flag, but I would love to own one.
@Dan D… Those rims are Buick.
Steve I think you’re right I see a large scab patch at top where hose runs across , and further down what looks to be more rivets, holding what could be another large patch.
Having personal experiece with Rivieras ( my brother owned a 65), and I don’t remember anything like that, looked like all GM Body By Fisher cars with stamped one piece firewalls, I could be wrong been a longtime ago since I was under hood of a Riviera.
Another subject, I said I had heard a rumor about collector( maybe hoarder ?) with multiple cars.Was provided general area where they are, am going hunting today, can’t wait till tomorrow as we have measurable snow forecast for tomorrow, and 4 wheel drive waiting for parts, so have to use wife’s car.
A BUICK when the name meant something. Buick has not built anything close in years. Nuff said!