UPDATE – I guess you could call this article “The Return of the Ravishing Riviera,” as this highly-original, beautiful ’67 Riviera that was featured on Barn Finds two months ago is listed for sale again. This former California car is now on the east coast and calls Ft. Myers, Florida home. It’s for sale here on craigslist for a slightly reduced price of $28,900. A big thank you to Michael for bringing this sleek, sexy Riviera our way. The car’s history and story isn’t provided and the description in the ad is skimpy as well: “100% original car with build sheet and matching numbers. Former California car with no rust at all. Everything works but the clock.” The seller shares that in addition to moolah, he/she will consider “Trades like Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon or Ford F-150 of 2015 and up are welcome. I am interested in classic SUV’s as well.” I’ve always been a fan of the first generation Riviera (especially the 1965 with those cool clamshell headlights), but the ’66 and ’67 models look more sculpted. No wonder it was recognized as the “Handsomest Car of 1966” by Car Life magazine and “Best Full-sized Sports Sedan” by Car and Driver. Even with a vinyl top, this ’67 could be displayed in an art museum. The previous article from fellow Barn Finds staff writer Aaron Toth is below.
FROM 01/30/2025 – Imagine working in the Buick design department and being tasked with following up the first-generation Riviera. In the face of that nearly impossible task, Buick unveiled what Car Life magazine called “far and away the most handsome car of the current crop” as a 1966 model, and in doing so, cemented the Riviera’s reputation as a styling leader. It wouldn’t always achieve such heights, but it’s hard to go wrong with any 1960s Riviera. Barn Finds reader Mitchell G. found this 1967 model, which the seller claims is “100% original,” in Fort Myers, Florida.
Some cars have all the luck. This California car made its way to Florida over the years; meanwhile, any number of Rivieras had to endure the salty quagmire of my home state of Michigan (or any other rust belt state). This is clearly not a restored car, but I like them better that way. An interesting thing about the second-generation Riviera is that it shared much of its substructure with the Oldsmobile Toronado and Cadillac Eldorado, both front-wheel-drive cars. Buick opted against using the “Unitized Power Package” and stuck with the old X-frame, and the second-generation Riviera was indeed the last GM car to use such a structure (the Boattail Riviera used a more conventional perimeter frame).
The Toronado and Riviera also shared the unique “rolling drum” speedometer. Although the first-generation Riviera was well-known for its bucket seats, deep console, and floor shifter, the second-generation car was available with a bench seat and column shifter, which we find on this car. The interior looks excellent.
In 1967, Buick said farewell to the classic Nailhead and introduced a brand-new big block with freer-breathing cylinder heads. Later to be immortalized as the “Stage 1” 455, the ’67 version displaced 430 cubic inches and produced 360 horsepower with the help of a Rochester Quadrajet under the air cleaner. This one has air conditioning, a nice option if you live in a climate where they don’t salt the road every day for five months a year.
As the owner of a ’63 Riviera, I’ll always be biased toward the spectacular original; it’s one of my favorite cars. But not too far down my list is its successor, and in some ways, its even swoopier lines are, to quote Car Life again, “frankly sensuous.” It even looks good with a vinyl top. This one comes with a build sheet and a packet of documentation for $29,800, or if you’re willing, the owner will trade for classic SUVs, Escalades, etc. In my opinion, the Riviera’s new owner is getting the better end of that deal.
Yes, agree, beautiful car for the money.
Certainly nicer than the rust bucket from Michigan a couple of weeks ago.
A beautiful example…if it was a GS, it would be perfect. Still, a wonderful car. 1967 and 1969 are the BEST years for these cars.
My absolute favorite year Riv. A work of art.
I have an F-100 I would trade for it! And the are priced equally.
A near perfect example, for a realistic (USD) price.
If it were in Canada, I’d be on it.
Beautiful car! For myself, I find a four-door sedan or hardtop, or a station wagon, more practical. This is more of a showpiece, than a car I would risk running as a daily driver. But if I had the money, I’d be tempted — simply because I like a traditional American full-size car.
Beautiful car! For myself, I find a four-door sedan or hardtop, or a station wagon, more practical. This is more of a showpiece, than a car I would risk running as a daily driver. But if I had the money, I’d be tempted — simply because I like a traditional American full-size car. And I am a watchmaker by trade: I would FIX THAT CLOCK, first thing!
Riviera. A top 5 model of all time. 🏆