1965 Buick Riviera
VIN: 494475H904957
Realizing a void in their line-up, General Motors sought to enter the personal luxury car segment to compete against the successful Ford Thunderbird. The Cadillac Division passed on the venture, and Buick was eager to develop the automobile to give it's lagging sales a boost. Buick developed the car as a stand alone model, no longer lending the name to segment models in the other GM divisions.
First produced for the 1963 model year, the Buick Riviera had a distinctive body shell not shared with other GM divisions. Elegant ground-up styling paired with mechanical features such as the 401 cu in V8, twin turbine automatic transmission, power brakes and aluminum finned brake drums coupled with Buick's standard design suspension, gave Buick sales success out of the gate. From a drivability standpoint, contemporary testers considered the Riviera one of the most drivable American cars, with an excellent balance of comfort and agility.
The Riviera presented at auction is a three owner car that was subjected to a complete frame-off restoration approx. 6 years ago. A complete photo album chronicling the restoration is available with the car.
- Strong 401 Nailhead V-8 Engine, 325HP
- Top-end rebuild including valves, springs, rocker arms/shafts, Lifters, Push Rods, Oil Pump
- New Starter, Alternator, Water Pump, 600cfm Edelbrock Carburetor
- Clamshell headlights work with rebuilt motor and fully restored linkages
- New high-end Magnaflow exhaust
- Air Conditioning with new AC compressor for driving comfort
- 4-Wheel Drum Brake system completely rebuilt
- Rebuilt front end and new springs and shocks
- Body stripped to bare metal with Deep Blue House of Colors paint applied
- Rust free car with no body damage or fillers
- Upper front and rear bumpers and tail lamp grilles re-chromed
- All remaining chrome/brightwork in excellent original condition
- Original Steering Wheel with no cracks
- New weather seals and NOS windshield
- Re-chromed wheels with custom made Double Red Stripe Diamond Back tires
- New Custom Front and Rear Seats
- Power Windows and locks
- Original Radio
- The clock is currently ln need of attention
An excellent example of General Motor's entry into the Personal Luxury Car market. Does anyone remember the Patrick Swayze move, Roadhouse? You'll recognize the car purchased due to the fact that the headlights could not be vandalized!
This car has been consigned to the 1st Annual Sioux Falls Classic Car Auction hosted by the Classic Car Auction Group. To consign your car and/or to register to bid on this and other cars in the auction go to http://www.classiccarauction.us.
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