The final eighth generation for the Buick Riviera nameplate was produced through the 1995 to 1999 model years, and during that time, GM manufactured just a single body style – a two-door hardtop coupe. However, beyond what was offered from the factory, a limited number of Rivieras were modified from new by Coach Builders Limited in Florida (now known as Drop Top Customs) to create a line of eighth-gen Buick Riviera convertible models. This particular model is one of those vehicles.
Listed for sale by Toth Buick GMC, this custom 1996 Buick Riviera is believed to be one of about 10 mid-90s Riviera convertible models produced by Coach Builders Limited, almost all of which were sold through Ed Toth’s Buick dealership in Ohio.
“Much like a custom high-top van, this car was sent to Coach Builders from the factory where they customized it with a convertible top,” reads the vehicle description. “It was then sent to the dealer and sold as a new vehicle.”
Apparently, the vehicle was owned by a series of collectors, and boasts pristine condition inside and out. The paint is finished in white, while the soft top is in a dark blue. Viewed in profile, this droptop Buick Riviera looks quite elegant, emphasizing the rounded edges and sloping shoulder line.
The cabin space is finished in grey, while a swath of wood paneling and trim can be found on the dash, door panels, and center console. Critically, there appears to still be plenty of cargo space in the trunk.
Providing the motivation is the supercharged 3.8L V6 L67 engine, which connects to a four-speed automatic transmission to drive the front wheels exclusively.
Now, this custom 1996 Buick Riviera convertible is listed for sale by Toth Buick GMC in Akron, Ohio, for $19,949. Mileage on the odometer is registered at 35,197 miles.
Does this droptop Buick Riviera catch your eye? Let us know in the comments, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Buick Riviera news, Buick news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Source: Toth Buick GMC
Comments
That is crazy money for a car that isn’t even a true GM offering.
For the same money you can get a new Cascada. Or, you can get an old Cascada and drop a 3.6L V6 in (and I’m mulling that myself – Trifecta showed it can be done easily and is productizing that swap for Cruze).
Interesting car. But a potential buyer would be wise to inquire from the company who built it just what they did to reinforce the unit body to maintain it’s integrity when the top of the original car was removed. If the ‘subframe’ isn’t properly braced, the car will eventually fold up, causing the doors to no longer close properly and possibly even the windshield to crack.
The body was reinforced when the convertible top conversion was performed. My dad, Ed Toth, has one that he never sold and has never been titled. He drives it regularly and it has over 70k miles on it with no structural issues. The price does seem crazy but you’d be surprised, there’s a market for this car. It will take a while to sell but we just need to find the right buyer. We sold nearly all of the new convertible Rivs that were converted in the late 90s and have bought back and resold a few over the years. I guess you’d have to be a Buick guy to understand but those that love them…..REALLY love them! My dad get comments non stop on his. Thanks for the exposure!
I don’t think the price is out of line at all, if, as you state, the conversion was properly done.
Good luck with the sale.
I actually want to do this to mine, I have a 1997 Buick riviera supercharged that I had since 2007, it’s the only car I plan on keeping for the rest of my life, it is beautiful and looks like nothing else on the road, my only goal left with it, is to get it converted to a convertible.
Is it still for sale
Love to see a photo with the top up.
Check out more pics here.
https://www.tothakron.com/VehicleDetails/used-1996-Buick-Riviera-2dr_Cpe-Akron-OH/3505623193
Thank you, Nick.
I own one of these cars. Ironically I purchased it from a guy in Ohio from eBay. I’m in California
We had a few of these converted to a convertible in 1996 when I was with Jerry Ackerman Buick. Beautiful car with lots of room for a two door. The Champagne exterior with Brown top was great looking.