While the late 1970s has been regarded as The Malaise Era, a few good cars emerged from the automotive rubble. This 1976 Buick Riviera could be one of them. It is a one-owner classic that is in remarkable condition for its age. It would seem to need nothing beyond a new owner who will continue to treat it with the respect it has received throughout its life. It is loaded with desirable optional extras and has a genuine 36,000 miles on the clock. Its overall condition is probably as close to finding a perfect Riviera of this era as you are likely to get. Located in Firwood, Oregon, you will find this Buick listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner has set the sale price at $10,500, and I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L for referring this amazing time capsule to us.
It’s hard to know where to start with this Continental Blue Riviera. It is a one-owner survivor that presents superbly. The paint shines richly and appears free from any flaws or defects. A white landau-style vinyl top complements the Continental Blue, and its condition also looks impressive. The panels are laser straight, and the gaps are tight and consistent. With spotless chrome and glass, and its original wire hubcaps, it is a classy-looking vehicle. Its cause is helped by its narrow whitewall tires, and first impressions of this classic are promising. It carries all of the hallmarks of a car that has been treated with complete respect since Day One.
While large-capacity American V8s of the late 1970s were being hamstrung by tightening emission regulations, the 455ci monster in this car still produces 205hp. The power finds its way to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission, while power steering and brakes should make the driving experience effortless. This Riviera would not be on first-name terms with a muscle car, but its 18.2-second ¼ mile ET still looks respectable for what is essentially a luxury cruiser. Since new, the vehicle has had one elderly owner and has clocked a mere 36,000 miles throughout its life. The whitewall tires are virtually new, and the trunk continues to house the original spare. This Buick is in excellent mechanical condition and runs and drives perfectly. It is a turnkey proposition that the buyer could drive anywhere with total confidence.
The original owner wielded their pen freely on this Buick’s Order Form. As well as that beautiful blue paint and the landau vinyl top, they equipped this classic with white leather upholstery, air conditioning, power front seats, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM/CB radio. These features remain intact, and all function perfectly. Beyond that, there is little to be critical of inside this classic. The white leather upholstery shows some minor wear on the outer edge of the driver seat, but there’s no significant staining or marks. The carpet has a small amount of wear under the driver’s feet, but not enough to justify replacement. The dash and woodgrain trim are spotless, and the pad is free from cracks. There is no wear or cracking on the wheel, and climbing aboard this Buick would be like stepping back to 1976. You look at the overall condition and feel that this car is begging to be driven by its lucky new owner.
It is probably tempting fate to describe a forty-five-year-old car as being in as-new condition, but that wouldn’t be stretching things with this 1976 Riviera. Its overall presentation is well above what you might expect to find from a car of this era, and it is hard to find fault with it. I usually avoid using the term “time capsule,” but it seems appropriate in a case like this. It is loaded with many desirable options, making it a comfortable place to spend time while the miles roll under its wheels. Its price looks very competitive when you consider what is on offer, and I suspect that the seller will find a buyer pretty quickly. Are you tempted to be that person?
Beauty. Aren’t these easy 2tons plus ? Huge boat.
Id point this land yacht due W for Tillamook and cruise the 110 hwy down the coast and enjoy.
That has to be one of the greatest bargains of the year on BarnFinds! With 36,000 miles on that 455 it’s barely broken in. What else is 10 grand going to buy you nowadays in this hobby that doesn’t require a ton of work?
Always like these Rivs. A friend has a light cream-colored one with buckskin leather guts & landau top. His has the ULTRA-rare power glass Astro-roof! He let me drive it once; what an effortless beast. IMHO, second only to the Eldorado cvt. that year.
I sure wish I could bring this beauty back to Flint/Buicktown where old school Rivey’s and Deuce and a quarters are still revered and cherished
After the boattails of ’71 through ’73, the Riviera lost its distinctive looks, IMHO.
Thanks to the huge heavy 5mph mandated bumpers.
Still can’t figure out WHY the bumper standards were later relaxed & then later/today they became/are TOTALLY USELESS in protecting the rest of the body – & themselves!
Looking at that car reminds me of the Seinfeld show where George wares sweats. The show stated that when you go out waring sweats, you just gave up….That car is a reflection of giving up.
Car is in great condition though.
Breaker 19, Anybody have a SMOKEY report. Great looking RIV. This is one sweet ride. Always love the Riviera till they made it a front wheel drive 6 cyl.
Am I missing something. This car was purchased by “an elderly couple” in 1976 and they have owned it ever since? How old are they, 130?
No, you’ll find them in the trunk.
Fred, I purchased this car from their estate. Passed around 2012 I believe.
I always thought GM’s foray into high-mount taillights was so classy. I had a blue ’76 Estate Wagon which wasn’t the most reliable car I ever owned, but it was pretty just like this car. Very snazzy.
I remember stopping at the Buck dealership to admire the 76 bicentennial Riviera convertible that sat in their showroom, I was in love with that car.. Shiny white with red leather interior… I was 13 at the time… This brought back good memories.. Beautiful n classy machine
**Buick dealership **
I would think that type of clock(like on the Bricklin) would be murder on the battery if the car was used say even once a week, let alone longer than that.
Are the factory blue floor mats available? Please, no weathertechs or ugly “modern” ones!
Would anyone answer you on that CB these days?
Are there really 6 bullbs used on this car for the 3rd brake lights?!
Considering how expensive the boat tail Rivieras are becoming, this is a bargain. I would drive this with pride!
However I have a bit of an issue with the 1 owner claim. If the owner is 95 years old now, they were 50 when this car was new. What 50 year old is going to buy this car & let it sit? None I know of.
Well, after considerable effort on the part of Joel at Mercury Auto Transport (and several vehicle transporters), this beauty is finally in my stable.
It’s as nice as described, and aside from needing some minor maintenance and detailing, will need nothing to make it my pride and joy at upcoming car shows. Thanks, Barn Finds!
Thanks for the update Jim!