The Buick Riviera is a personal luxury car that was produced from 1963 to 1999, with the exception of the 1994 model year. As General Motors’ first entry into the personal luxury car market segment, the Riviera was highly praised by automotive journalists upon its high-profile debut. It was a ground-up design on a new GM E platform debuting for the 1963 model year and was also Buick’s first unique Riviera model.
First generation (1963–1965)
The production Riviera was introduced on October 4, 1962, as a 1963 model, its distinctive bodyshell was unique to the marque. The design was substantially the same as the original, less expensively hidden headlights concealed in the fender grilles with elegant ground-up styling.
Inside, the Riviera featured a luxurious four-place cabin with front bucket seats and bucket-style seats in the rear. A center console with a floor shifter and storage compartment built into the instrument panel divided the front. Upholstery choices included all-vinyl, cloth and vinyl, or optional leather. A deluxe interior option included real walnut inserts on the doors and below the rear side windows. Extra-cost options included a tilt steering wheel, power windows, power driver’s seat, air conditioning, a remote-controlled side-view mirror, and white sidewall tires.
- Body style 2-door hardtop
- Layout FR layout
- Platform E-body
Powertrain
- Engine 401 cu in (6.6 L) Nailhead V8
- 425 cu in (7.0 L) Nailhead V8
- Transmission Twin Turbine Dynaflow automatic (1963)
- 3-speed TH-400 automatic (1964-1965)
Dimensions
- Wheelbase 117.0 in
- Length 208.0 in
- Width 76.3 in –76.6 in
- Height 53.0 in
Second generation (1966–1970)
The Riviera was redesigned for the 1966 model year. It retained its cruciform X-frame, powertrain, and brakes, but its new body was longer, wider, and 200 pounds (91 kg) heavier. Vent windows were absent. Headlamps remained concealed, but now pivoted behind the grille when not in use, and they were once again horizontal. The car’s added weight slowed acceleration with the unchanged 425 engine. The Gran Sport package remained available as an option.
Body and chassis
- Body style 2-door hardtop
- Layout FR layout
- Platform E-body
Powertrain
- Engine 425 cu in (7.0 L) Nailhead V8
- 430 cu in (7.0 L) Buick V8
- 455 cu in (7.5 L) Buick V8
- Transmission 3-speed TH-400 automatic
Dimensions
- Wheelbase 119.0 in (3,023 mm)
- Length 211.2 in (5,364 mm) (1966–67)
- 215.2 in (5,466 mm) (1968–1970)
- Width 78.8 in (2,002 mm)
- 79.3 in (2,014 mm) (1970)
- Height 53.2–53.6 in (1,351–1,361 mm)
Third generation (1971–1973)
The Riviera was radically redesigned for the 1971 model year with flowing and dramatic “boat-tail” styling designed under Bill Mitchell’s direction.
Body and chassis
- Body style 2-door hardtop
- Layout FR layout
- Platform E-body
- Engine 455 cu in (7.5 L) Buick V8
- Transmission 3-speed TH-400 automatic
Dimensions
- Wheelbase 122.0 in (3,099 mm)
- Length 217.4 in (5,522 mm) (1971)
- 218.3 in (5,545 mm) (1972)
- 223.4 in (5,674 mm) (1973)
- Width 79.9 in (2,029 mm)
- Height 54.0 in (1,372 mm)
- Curb weight 4,247 lb (1,926 kg)