The Buick Riviera is an automobile produced by Buick in the United States from the 1963 to 1999 model years, with 1,127,261 produced.
A full-size coupé or personal luxury car, the early models of the Riviera in particular have been highly praised by automotive journalists and writers
Origin of the nameThe Riviera name first entered the Buick line in 1949 as the designation for the new two-door pillarless hardtop, which was described in advertising as "stunningly smart." The Roadmaster Riviera(along with the Cadillac Coupe de Ville) constituted the first mass production use of this body style, which was to become extremely popular over the next 30 years.
In 1951 the "Riviera" designation was also used on a version of the Super 4-door sedan. The 1951 Buick Super Riviera 4-door sedan featured more plush interior trim and a wheelbase (and overall length) that was 4 inches (102 mm) longer than a regular Buick Super 4-door sedan. The Buick Super Riviera 4-door sedan was still an inch shorter in wheelbase and length than the larger Buick Roadmaster.
Starting in 1955 GM also offered a four-door pillarless hardtop body style, and the "Riviera" designation was also applied to these models. Riviera hardtop bodies were offered on all Buick lines in the next few years, including the Buick Roadmaster, Buick Super, Buick Century, and Buick Special. Since it was a body style designation and not a model, however, the Riviera name did not usually appear on the car. The last usage of the term "Riviera" to describe hardtops was 1963, as the formal designation of the #4829 Electra 225 Riviera four-door hardtop. Coincidentally, this was the same year the Riviera would become a separate model in its own right
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Origins of the personal luxury carIn the late 1950s, GM began to feel the need for a personal luxury car to compete with the highly successful Ford Thunderbird — a uniquely styled, two-door, four-passenger car with an image of both comfort and performance. The design that became the first Riviera was created as a Cadillac model, the XP-715, possibly to be called LaSalle, after Cadillac's smaller "companion" car of the 1930s. Its styling was reportedly inspired by GM styling chief Bill Mitchell's visit to London during the period, when he was struck by the sight of an elegant, custom-bodied Rolls Royce in the fog. He later said that "knife-edged" styling was what he wanted for the new model, but with a lower profile and a bit of Ferrari thrown in for performance. The design itself was penned by stylist Ned Nickles.
The management of Cadillac was not particularly interested, since the division was very successful at the time and needed all their production capacity for their existing models. In an unusual move, in 1960 the project was thrown open for competition by the other divisions. Buick, which was desperate to revive its flagging sales, enlisted the aid of the McCann-Erickson advertising agency, with which it had just signed, to create its presentation. Buick won, and the finished design was adapted to a shortened version of Buick's cruciform frame. The design was substantially the same as the original, although the hidden headlights — originally concealed in the fender grilles — were initially omitted for cost reasons.
First generation (1963-1965)The production Riviera shared its bodyshell with no other model, which was unusual for a GM product. It rode a cruciform frame similar to the standard Buick frame, but shorter and narrower, with a 2.0 in (51 mm) narrower track. Its wheelbase of 117 in (2972 mm) and overall length of 208 in (5283 mm) were 6.0 inches (152 mm) and 7.7 in (196 mm) shorter, respectively, than a Buick LeSabre, but slightly longer than a contemporary Thunderbird. At 4190 lb (1900 kg), it was about 200 lb (90 kg) lighter than either. It shared the standard Buick V8 engines, with a displacement of either 401 in³ (6.5 L) or 425 in³ (6.9 L), and Twin Turbine automatic transmission. Brakes were Buick's standard "Al-Fin" (aluminum finned) drums of 12 in. (304.8 mm) diameter. Power steering was standard equipment, with an overall steering ratio of 20.5:1, giving 3.5 turns lock-to-lock.
The Riviera's suspension used the same basic design as standard Buicks, with double wishbones front and a live axle located by trailing arms and a lateral track bar, but the roll centers were raised to reduce body lean. Although its coil springs were actually slightly softer than other Buicks, with the lighter overall weight, the net effect was to make the Riviera somewhat firmer. Although still biased towards understeer, contemporary testers considered it one of the most roadable American cars, with an excellent balance of comfort and agility.
The Riviera was introduced on October 4, 1962 as a 1963 model, with a base price of $4,333, although typical delivered prices with options ran upwards of $5,000. Production was deliberately limited to 40,000 or less to increase demand.
With the same power as the larger Buicks and less weight, the Riviera had sparkling all-around performance: Motor Trend magazine found it capable of running 0-60 mph (0–96 km/h) in 8 seconds or less, the standing quarter mile in about 16 seconds, and an observed top speed of 115 mph (184 km/h), although 125 mph (200 km/h) was feasible with a longer run. Fuel economy was a meager 13.2 miles per US gallon (17.8 L/100 km; 15.9 mpg-imp).
Inside, the Riviera featured a four-place cabin with front bucket seats separated by a center console with floor shifter and storage compartment that was built into the instrument panel, and bucket-style seats in the rear. Upholstery choices included all-vinyl, cloth and vinyl, or optional leather. Popular extra-cost options included a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, power windows, power seats, air conditioning, AM/FM radio, and wire wheel covers.
The Riviera continued with minimal trim changes for 1964 including the discontinuation of leather upholstery from the option list, differing mainly in substitution of the old two-speed Dynaflow-based Twin Turbine for the new three-speed Super Turbine 400, which was marketed as Turbo Hydra-Matic by other GM divisions. This was the first year that the Stylized "R" emblem was used on the Riviera, a trademark that would continue throughout the remainder of Riviera's 36-year production run. Under the hood, the 401 (6.5L) was dropped in favor of the 425 in³ (6.9 L) V8, with 340 hp (254 kW). A 'Super Wildcat' version was optionally available, with dual Carter AFB four-barrel carburetors, rated at 360 hp (268 kW).
Changes for 1965 included the introduction of the Gran Sport option, which included the dual-quad Super Wildcat 425 V8, a numerically higher 3.42 axle ratio, dual exhausts, and stiffer, heavy-duty suspension. The 401 (6.5 L)V8 returned as the standard Riviera engine and the Super Turbine 400 transmission now had a variable pitch torque converter like the old Twin Turbine Dynaflow had two years before. Externally, the headlamps were concealed behind clamshell doors in the leading edges of each fender, as in the original design. Further back, the non-functional side scoops between the doors and rear wheel arches were removed, and the taillights were moved from the body into the rear bumper. A vinyl roof became available as an option, initially offered only in black, and the tilt steering wheel optional in previous years was now standard equipment.
Total sales for the three model years was a respectable 112,244. All in all, the Riviera was extremely well-received and considered a great success, giving the Thunderbird its first real competition. This first Riviera is considered a styling landmark, and is quite collectible today.
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Production 1963-1965
Assembly Flint, Michigan, United States
Body style(s) 2-door hardtop
Layout FR layout
Engine(s) 445.5 wildcat 401 in³ Nailhead V8
425 in³ Nailhead V8
Transmission(s) 3-speed ST-400 automatic
Wheelbase 117.0 in (2972 mm)
Length 208.0 in (5283 mm)
Width 76.3 in (1938 mm) - 76.6 in (1946 mm)
Height 53.0 in (1346 mm)
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Second generation (1966-1970)The Riviera was redesigned for the 1966 model year. It retained its cruciform frame, powertrain, and brakes, but it wore a longer, wider, more curvaceous body, a shell it now shared with the Oldsmobile Toronado, and, a year later, with the Cadillac Eldorado. A notable styling point was the absence of vent windows, a feature GM had introduced with a flourish in the 1930s. Headlamps remained concealed, but they now pivoted up above the grille when not in use. Unlike the Toronado, the Riviera retained a conventional rear wheel drive layout. It was now some 200 lb (90 kg) heavier, so acceleration with the unchanged 425 engine was slightly slower. The Gran Sport package remained available as an option.
Inside, the four-place cabin with front and rear bucket seats and center console was replaced by a choice of bucket seats or conventional bench seats as standard equipment, making the Riviera a full six-passenger car for the first time. Optionally available was a Strato-bench seat with armrest or Strato bucket seats with either a short consolette or a full-length operating console with a "horseshoe" shaped floor shifter and storage compartment. Both the buckets and Strato-bench seat were available with a reclining seat option for the passenger's side.
1967 was substantially the same except for the adoption of Buick's entirely new V8 of 430 in³ (7.0 L) displacement, 360 horsepower (270 kW) and 475 lb·ft (644 N·m) of torque to replace the old 425 "nailhead". Powerful Disc brakes with Bendix 4 piston calipers became optional for the front wheels but most Riviera continued to be ordered with Buick's aluminum brake drums which were almost as good.
1968 and 1969 had a reshaped front and rear bumper as well as hidden wipers. The interior was also new and unlike the 66-67 model, the 1968 shared its instrument panel with the other full size Buick models. There were very few mechanical changes in 1968 but the transmission lost the variable pitch torque converter. Again, Rivieras were available with front bench or bucket seats, including an upgrade to custom interiors that included Strato-bench or Strato-bucket seats.
The 1970 was restyled—with exposed headlamps and rear fender skirts. The engine was upgraded to 455 in³ (7.4 L), the largest engine Buick offered to date, rated at 370 horsepower (275 kW) gross, 245 hp (180 kW) net, and over 500 lb·ft (680 N·m) of torque. Even so, sales dropped in the final year probably because it was becoming overdue for a major styling change and competition from less expensive personal-luxury cars such as the Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Pontiac Grand Prix. But with 227,669 units sold over five seasons, the second-generation Riviera was more successful than the original, if less distinctive.
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Production 1966-1970
Assembly Flint, Michigan, United States
Body style(s) 2-door hardtop
Layout FR layout
Platform E-body
Engine(s) 425 in³ Nailhead V8
430 in³ Buick V8
455 in³ Buick V8
Transmission(s) 3-speed ST-400 automatic
Wheelbase 119.0 in (3023 mm)
Length 211.2 in (5364 mm) (1966-67)
215.2 in (5466 mm) (1968-70)
Width 78.8 in (2002 mm)
79.3 in (2014 mm) (1970)
Height 53.2 in (1351 mm) - 53.6 in (1361 mm)
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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, it was penned by Jerry Hirshberg, future head of design for Nissan, mating the fastback rear window design of the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray coupe to the Riviera's platform. The design was originally intended for the smaller GM A platform, and the use of the Riviera's body—expanded for 1971 by three inches (76.2 mm) in wheelbase and more than 120 lb (55 kg) heavier—produced controversial looks. (Collectible Automobile ran an article about 1971-76 full-sized Buicks where one sketch design for their 2-door coupes which was rejected resembled the 1971-73 Riviera.) The 455 engine had a lower compression ratio to meet EPA emissions requirements, reducing power to 255 hp (190 kW) with 265 hp (198 kW) in the Gran Sport. Performance remained reasonably brisk, but the Riviera's sporty image was rapidly fading. One noteworthy advance was Buick's Max Trac system, a traction control system that prevented wheelspin during acceleration on slippery surfaces. The 1971 Riviera also features GM's "Full-Flo" ventilation system and two large deck lid louvers are prominent on the trunk lid. (Unfortunately, under certain conditions a vacuum was created that sucked rain and exhaust back into the car and the "Full-Flo" ventilation was redesigned and the louvers were removed from trunk lid for the 1972 model year.)
Despite these features, Riviera sales for 1971 dropped to 33,810, the lowest to that time. The 1972 Riviera was little changed, with the 455 engine switching to net power ratings, 225 hp (168 kW) or 250 hp (187 kW) with the Gran Sport, although the actual drop in net power was only 5 hp (4 kW). Sales remained moribund at 33,728. For 1973, the 250 hp (186 kW) engine became standard, with 260 hp (194 kW) with the Stage One package, which also included a positive traction rear differential and a chrome-plated air cleaner. The "Gran Sport" package was still available as a separate option package consisting of a ride-and-handling package that included a rear stabilizer bar, J78-15 whitewall steel-belted radial tires, a specially tuned "radial roadability" suspension, additional sound insulation and special "Gran Sport" badging. The 1973 model is also distinguished from the 1972 models in that the rear "boat-tail" is somewhat less pronounced than on the 1972 model, resulting in a flatter rear bumper.
1971 Rivieras can be extensively seen in the television show Due South, as they are an obsession of lead character Detective Vecchio.
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Production 1971-1973
Assembly Flint, Michigan, United States
Body style(s) 2-door hardtop
Layout FR layout
Platform E-body
Engine(s) 455 in³ Buick V8
Transmission(s) 3-speed ST-400 automatic
Wheelbase 122.0 in (3099 mm)
Length 217.4 in (5522 mm) (1971)
218.3 in (5545 mm) (1972)
223.4 in (5674 mm) (1973)
Width 79.9 in (2029 mm)
Height 54.0 in (1372 mm)
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Fourth generation (1974-1976)Although carrying over the same platform, mechanicals, and some body panels seen on the "Third Generation" Riviera, Buick replaced its distinctive 'boat tail' roofline with a more conventional-looking "Colonnade" treatment. This turned the car from a hardtop coupe into a pillared coupe, as it featured wide B pillars and fixed quarter opera windows. A landau half-vinyl roof option was available. The car did retain its forward-jutting grille, albeit in slightly modified form. Thus modified, the car looked far less distinctive than its predecessors, and even its platform mates, the Oldsmobile Toronado and Cadillac Eldorado. The tamer-looking Riviera was no lighter, and its standard 455 V8 lost more power, dropping to 230 hp (172 kW) and 245 hp (183 kW) for standard and Stage One models, respectively. Max Trac was dropped from the option list after 1974 due lack of buyer interest. The revised styling did nothing for sales, which plummeted to 20,129 in 1974.
For 1975, the Riviera received an updated front fascia, which lost its forward-jutting theme through the redesign of the fiberglass front end cap. Quad rectangular headlights were mounted horizontally. The new vertical-bar grille echoed the "stand-up" theme that many GM cars of the day incorporated. Parking lights wrapped around the fender sides. The Stage One performance package was dropped for 1975, though the Gran Sport handling package would continue to be offered. The standard engine's output dipped to 205 hp (153 kW). Sales for 1975 were 17,306.
Minor changes greeted 1976 models, the most notable of which was a new crosshatch grille insert. The Gran Sport handling package was replaced by an 'S/R' package that had similar sporting pretensions. Sales rallied slightly to 20,082 for 1976.
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Production 1974-1976
Assembly Flint, Michigan, United States
Body style(s) 2-door coupe
Layout FR layout
Platform E-body
Engine(s) 455 in³ Buick V8
Transmission(s) 3-speed ST-400 automatic
Wheelbase 122.0 in (3099 mm)
Length 226.4 in (5751 mm) (1974)
223.0 in (5664 mm) (1975)
218.6 in (5552 mm) (1976)
Width 80.0 in (2032 mm)
Height 54.0 in (1372 mm)
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Fifth generation (1977-1978)Buick downsized the Riviera for 1977 (unlike rivals Cadillac and Oldsmobile, which downsized a couple of years later), sharing the new smaller GM B platform. While the other E-bodies were front wheel drive since 1966 (1967 for Cadillac's Eldorado), the Buick E platform used a B-body undercarriage (along with the cruciform frame of pre-1965 GMs for the 1966-70 generation). All B-bodies (including C and D platform GM RWDs) were downsized for the 1977 model year which prompted the short-lived 1977/78 generation.
It was, in most respects, a Buick LeSabre coupe with unique styling (with quarter windows mimicking the 1975-78 Cadillac Eldorado). Unlike its LeSabre counterpart, the front fascia is vertical as opposed to slanted. It was reduced to a wheelbase of 115.9 in (2944 mm), down 6.1 in (155 mm), and an overall length of 218.2 in (5542 mm), down 4.8 in (122 mm). Weight dropped some 660 lb (300 kg). The 455 was gone, replaced by a 350 in³ (5.7 L) Buick V8 engine with 155 hp (116 kW) or Oldsmobile-built 403 in³ (6.6 L) with 185 hp (138 kW). California models had a 170 hp (127 kW) Oldsmobile 350.[2]
For 1978, a special "LXXV" edition was released to commemorate Buick's 75th anniversary on the market. Special two-tone paint schemes and additional luxury features were made standard on this package.
Sales were up modestly to 26,138 for 1977 and then fell to 20,535 for 1978[1], although this was strictly a stopgap model until the all-new E-body cars would be ready for 1979. To date, 1977 and 1978 Rivieras are considered a rare find since it was only produced for two model years on the downsized GM B platform before the 1979 redesign on the FWD E-platform (there are two reasons why the B-platform was used - the existing 1976 B-platform was phased out for the downsized variant where RWD E-platform vehicles were produced on the B-chassis. Buick could have continued production although the frame stamping facilities and undercarriage/chassis components were being retooled in late 1976 for downsized B-platform production where the FWD E-platform did not downsize since they were produced on a separate assembly line.
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Production 1977-1978
Assembly Flint, Michigan, United States
Body style(s) 2-door coupe
Layout FR layout
Platform B-body
Engine(s) 350 in³ Buick V8
403 in³ Oldsmobile V8
Transmission(s) 3-speed TH-400 automatic
Wheelbase 115.9 in (2944 mm)
Length 218.2 in (5542 mm)
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Sixth generation (1979-1985)1979 saw the debut of the first front wheel drive Riviera on a trimmer, 114 in (2,896 mm) wheelbase, once again sharing its mechanical design and platform with the Cadillac Eldorado and Oldsmobile Toronado. The Olds 403 and 350 were dropped, but the Buick 350 remained, as did a new turbocharged Buick V6 of 231 in³ (3.8 L) displacement with 185 hp (138 kW). The Riviera became Motor Trend's Car of the Year. Sales more than doubled, to 52,181 for 1979 and 48,621 for the very similar 1980 models.
1981 saw the Turbo renamed T-Type and the demise of the 350 engine in favor of the Oldsmobile-built 307 in³ (5.0 L) with 140 hp (104 kW)(phased in during the 1980 MY). The standard engine was now Buick's 125 hp (93 kW) 252 in³ V6, and a new option was an Oldsmobile diesel engine with a mere 105 hp (78 kW). offered through 1985.
Rear view of the Riviera convertible1982 also saw the first-ever Riviera convertible, although relatively few were built, owing to very high prices. A turbocharged Riviera convertible was chosen to be the pace car at the 1983 Indianapolis 500, although most convertible Rivieras had the V8 engine.
Overall sales made the 1980s Riviera a great success, reaching 65,305 for the 1985 model year.
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Production 1979-1985
Assembly Flint, Michigan, United States
Body style(s) 2-door convertible
2-door coupe
Layout FF layout
Platform E-body
Engine(s) 231 in³ Buick V6
252 in³ Buick V6
307 in³ Oldsmobile V8
350 in³ Buick V8
350 in³ Oldsmobile diesel V8
Transmission(s) 3-speed TH-350 automatic
4-speed THM325-4L automatic
Wheelbase 114.0 in (2896 mm)
Length 206.0 in (5232 mm)
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Seventh generation (1986-1993)The E-body coupes were converted to unit body construction and further downsized for 1986, to a 108 in (2,743 mm) wheelbase shared with the Buick Regal. The V6 was now the only engine, rated initially at 142 hp (106 kW) SAE and 200 lb·ft (270 N·m) of torque. It used the Turbo-Hydramatic 440-T4 automatic with a 2.84:1 final drive ratio. This generation was noted for advanced electronic instrumentation, including the first automotive touchscreen controls, which were on a dash-mounted 9-inch (230 mm) CRT display. Four-wheel disc brakes were standard. With a choice of three suspension packages available, up to the performance oriented FE3 setting, handling was notably improved. The Riviera placed fourth for Motor Trend's 1986 Car of the Year contest.
Fuel economy was notably improved for the 1986 Riviera, but the substantial investment in the downsized, transverse engine front wheel drive platform resulted in a substantial price increase. Downsizing also resulted in a dimensional similarity to smaller, less expensive offering from GM, with shared styling cues reinforcing the unfortunate resemblance.
The smaller dimensions, generic styling, and lack of V8 power soured buyers, and sales plummeted to 22,138 for 1986, only 15,223 for 1987, and a dismal 8,625 for 1988. A restyle for 1989 that added 11 inches (279 mm) to the overall length (on an unchanged wheelbase) helped, but only incrementally, boosting sales to 21,189 for 1989, but dropping to a low of 4,555 for 1993, the shortened final year of that model.[1] The last 1993 Riviera rolled off the Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly plant line on December 10, 1992.
Sales in the personal luxury coupe segment were in decline from 1986 onward, although it is unclear whether the general market trend was initiated by the poor public reception of GM's newly downsized offerings or an inevitable shift in the tastes of the buying public.
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Production 1986-1993
Assembly Hamtramck, Michigan, United States
Body style(s) 2-door coupe
Layout FF layout
Platform E-body
Engine(s) 1986-1990: 3.8L 165 hp (123 kW) V6
1991-93: 3.8L 170 hp (130 kW) V6
Transmission(s) 4-speed THM440-T4 automatic
Wheelbase 108.0 in (2743 mm)
Length 1986-88: 187.8 in (4770 mm)
Width 1986-1990: 71.7 in (1821 mm)
1991-93: 73.1 in (1857 mm)
Height 1986-88: 53.5 in (1359 mm)
1989-1990: 53.6 in (1361 mm)
1991-93: 52.9 in (1344 mm)
Curb weight 3,309 lb (1,501 kg)
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Eighth generation (1995-1999)There was no 1994 Riviera, but a restyled, larger model returned for 1995, now with the option of a supercharged version of the 3800 V6 rated at 225 hp (168 kW) and 275 ft·lbf (373 N·m). Also available was the standard 205 hp (153 kW) naturally aspirated 3800 V6. The new Rivieras were built in Lake Orion, Michigan, riding the same Cadillac-derived G platform as the 4-door Oldsmobile Aurora. The very first of 41,422 Rivieras made for 1995 rolled off the assembly line on May 23, 1994.
1996 brought an increase in power on the supercharged versions to 240 hp (179 kW) and 280 ft·lbf (380 N·m). 18,036 Rivieras were manufactured for 1996.
1997 saw revisions to the suspension which lightened the car and gave it more nimble handling, and also an upgraded 4T65E-HD transmission featuring a larger 258 mm torque converter and heavy-duty gearbox. 18,827 were made for 1997.
For 1998, the 240 hp (180 kW) supercharged V6 became standard. GM's OnStar service was added as an option, and a few interior changes were made. 10,953 units were produced for 1998.
1999 was the last model year for the Riviera, a very short one, with production of 1,956 cars ceasing on November 25, 1998. The final 200 cars had special silver paint and trim, and were denoted "Silver Arrow" models, a designation which hearkened back to several Silver Arrow show cars that had been built off Riviera bodies by Bill Mitchell.
The 1995-1999 Rivieras received the most powerful Buick engine since the legendary Grand Nationals of the 1980s. The supercharged OHV V6 gave impressive torque and acceleration, pushing the car from 0 to 60 mph (100 km/h) in under 8 seconds, and turning the 1/4 mile in 15.5 seconds. These numbers, combined with the Riviera's large size and unassuming looks, qualified it as a sleeper, a car with not-so-obvious yet potent performance potential. Additionally, supercharged Rivieras achieved a respectable fuel efficiency figure of 18/27 (city/highway mpg).
EnginesRiviera 1995 3.8 L L67 3800 Series I Supercharged V6 225 hp (168 kW) @ 5000 rpm 275 lb·ft (373 N·m) @ 3200 rpm
Riviera 1995-1997 3.8 L L36 3800 Series II V6 205 hp (153 kW) @ 5200 rpm 230 lb·ft (312 N·m) @ 4000 rpm
Riviera 1996-1999 3.8 L L67 3800 Series II Supercharged V6 240 hp (179 kW) @ 5200 rpm 280 lb·ft (380 N·m) @ 3600 rpm
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Production 1995-1999
Assembly Lake Orion, Michigan, United States
Body style(s) 2-door coupe
Layout FF layout
Platform G-body
Engine(s) 3.8L 205 hp (153 kW) L36 Buick V6
3.8L 225 hp (168 kW) SC L67 Buick V6
3.8L 240 hp (180 kW) SC L67 Buick V6
Transmission(s) 4-sp auto 4T60-E (95-96)
4-sp auto 4T65E-HD (97-99)
Wheelbase 113.8 in (2891 mm)
Length 207.0 in (5258 mm)
Width 75.0 in (1905 mm)
Height 55.2 in (1402 mm)
Curb weight 3,788 lb (1,718 kg)
Related Oldsmobile Aurora
Designer William L. Porter
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2007 Concept-carAt the 2006 Shanghai Motor Show, Buick showed a concept named Riviera:
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Autoblog Chinese has the early word on Buick's Shanghai Motor Show concept, and it's got another familiar name attached to it: Riviera. Better still, it's a coupe -- no Dodge Charger-style door growth here. The Riviera is being called a "global" concept that showcases Buick's future design DNA. Penned at GM's Pan Asia Technical Center, the Shanghai show is just the first venue at which it'll be shown. According to AB Chinese's report, it will travel to other international auto shows afterward. Hopefully that schedule will include next year's North American exhibitions, where there will likely be no shortage of people interested in seeing the Riviera nameplate on a modern Buick coupe, concept or otherwise.
The Riviera features a traditional coupe profile with short front and rear overhangs and a tall nose that we sure meets pedestrian safety requirements in a number of markets. Not traditional, however, are the car's oversized gullwing doors, which allow for wide entrance into the Riviera's apparent 2+2 interior layout. We should have a lot more on this car next week as the Shanghai show gets rolling.
We're left scratching our heads as to why the US division insists on using silly names like LaCrosse and Lucerne for its cars, while China manages to see the value in leveraging the traditional American monikers with some history behind them, like Regal, Park Ave, and now Riviera.
2008 Coupe Concept-carThe Riviera concept made its North American debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.
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Body style(s) 2-door coupe
Wheelbase 2870 mm (113 in)
Length 4710 mm (185.4 in)
Width 1940 mm (76.4 in)
Height 1415 mm (55.7 in)
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Rivieras in popular cultureProbably due to its distinctive styling, the 3rd generation Riviera features widely in film and television:
In Due South, Detective Raymond Vecchio (played by David Marciano) drives, and is obsessed by 1971 Rivieras.
In Road House, Patrick Swayze's character drives a '64 and '65 Riviera.
In The Last Boy Scout, Bruce Willis's character drives a 3rd generation Riviera.
In Crank, Jason Statham drives a 3rd generation Riviera.
In Gattaca, Vincent (Ethan Hawke) is conceived in a 3rd generation Riviera
In The Ice Storm (film), Kevin Kline drives a 3rd generation Riviera.
The album Hit and Run by Girlschool has a 3rd generation Riviera on the cover.
In Driver: Parallel Lines, the Cerva is clearly based on the 3rd generation Riviera.
The Vegas road-trip segment of Go prominently features a 3rd generation Riviera.
The car involved in the meteor crash at the beginning of the film Evolution (film) is a "classic '73 Buick Riv'," as described by its owner Wayne (Seann William Scott).
In Death Race (2008), Pachenko (Max Ryan) drives a '66 Buick Riviera chop top.
In Fletch (1985), Irwin Fletcher drives a 3rd gereration Riviera
"Buick Rivera", a 2001 novella by famous Bosnian Croat writer Miljenko Jergović, which tells the story about the accidental encounter of two Bosnian men in North Dakota (one appears to be a war criminal), was made into the movie "Buick Riviera", directed by Goran Rušinović. The film won the main award at 2008 Sarajevo Film Festival
Side Notes:The Riviera GS was a high-performance version of the Buick Riviera, produced from 1965 through 1975.
In 1965, it was called Riviera GranSport and the later models were still officially called Gran Sport but showed GS badges instead of GranSport. Unlike the mid-size GS models, the Riviera and Wildcat GS package included a standard 3.42 positraction rear axle until 1973. The 1965 (and optional in 1966) Riviera GranSport also came with a 425 cubic "Super Wildcat" engine, with dual carbs and dual snorkel chrome air cleaner. You could add H2 option (Ride and handling package) for even better road handling. Shorter gear ratio for steering, 1 inch lower suspension.
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1965 Buick Riviera Gran Sport[/align]
There are few people that have not heard of the Buick Riviera. For more than four decades the name has symbolized style, luxery and power. While it has never really been considered a muscle-car, big motors and sleek two-door styling have made them a desireable car for collectors and restorers. The Riviera represented one of the most sucessful American attempts at capturing European styling and performance in a large automobile, and an indication of it's popularity is the fact that it has been in continuous production since 1963, and has undergone 7 different generational changes.
This particular Riv belongs to the Lee family. A full, frame-off restoration, it took a little over a year to complete. The Lee's seem pleased with the result. Some things are worth the wait.
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The Riviera name actually goes back to 1949 when Buick introduced a two-door, pillarless hardtop, which was described in advertising as "stunningly smart." The Roadmaster Riviera (as well as the Cadillac Coupe de Ville) were the first mass production vehicles to use this body style, which became very popular over the next 30 years. 1963 was the year the Riviera would become a separate model in its own right, but unlike other GM models, it would not share it's body-shell with any other model in the Buick line-up. Because it came with every conceivable luxury option, it soon became the flagship of the Buick line.
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The Riviera rode on a cruciform frame similar to the standard Buick frame, but shorter and narrower. The suspension used the same basic design as standard Buicks, with double wishbones in front and a live axle located by trailing arms and a lateral track bar, but with the roll centers raised to reduce body lean. With the same power as the larger Buicks and less weight, the Riviera had great all-around performance. According to Motor Trend, it was capable of running 0-60 mph in 8 seconds or less, and the standing quarter mile in about 16 seconds. The Riviera was introduced on October 4, 1962 as a 1963 model, with a base price of $4,333.00 (although typical delivered prices with options ran upwards of $5,000). Production was deliberately limited to 40,000 or less to increase demand, and Buick sold all 40,000.
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The Riviera continued with minimal trim changes for 1964, differing mainly in substitution of the old Twin Turbine for the new Super Turbine 400. This was the first year that the Stylized "R" emblem was used on the Riviera, a trademark that would continue throughout the remainder of Riviera's production run.
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Changes for 1965 included the introduction of the Gran Sport option, which included the dual-quad Super Wildcat 425 cid V8 (360 bhp), a numerically higher 3.42 axle ratio (plus posi-traction), dual exhausts, and stiffer, heavy-duty suspension (to answer handling complaints). The 401 (6.5 L)V8 returned as the standard Riviera engine and the Super Turbine 400 transmission now had a variable pitch torque converter. All this added to an estimated top production speed of 125-mph for the Grand Sport..
Externally, the headlamps were concealed behind clamshell doors in the leading edges of each fender, as in the original design. Further back, the non-functional side scoops between the doors and rear wheel arches were removed, and the taillights were moved from the body into the rear bumper. The 63-65 models constituted the "first generation" of the Buick Riviera. Total sales for the three model years was a respectable 112,244.
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There's only one kind of interior that truly fits a black Riviera. In this case it's Lobster Red, Reno leather, offset with a plush black loop carpet.
Flamed pinstriping on the door and interior wood panels (real walnut veneer), are a neat touch.
Riviera luxery made it the flagship of the Buick line-up. That's still the case.
This Riv is equipped with an airbag suspension system. The system controls and pressure guage were installed in the center console behind the shifter. We also added and Alpine stereo/CD system and a Vintage Air Gen-II super cooler to keep things sounding and feeling cool.
Engine & Chassis
The Riv is powered by a dual-quad, "Super Wildcat", 425-cid nail-head V8; rebuilt and updated with Edelbrock carbs and Mooneyes air and valve covers. Throttle and kickdown ends are Lokar.
A modern 4-wheel disc-brake set up from Stainless Steel Brakes provide stopping power for this brute.
Here's a good look at the Riviera's cruciform frame.
Airbags by Air Ride Technologies cushion the ride. A 9-inch Ford rear end from Currie puts power to the rear wheels and a Quickor sway bar keeps it all in place.
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I dont know about you lot, but this thing turns me on. ;4 DROOLL!!
I'll post the restoration pictures in another thread later.
Source: Various on the internet
Phone 02 9829 5072
Phone 0438 658 458
Phone 0432 136 333
