Stunning Midnight Blue 1965 Buick Riviera Up For Auction
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When Bill Mitchell became the VP of GM’s Styling Section, he wanted to escape the shadow of the outgoing VP Harley Earl. Earl had been a trendsetter, the first person to use modeling clay in the development and mock-up of new models, the first to integrate car hoods and fenders, and the first GM exec to use concept cars as his personal daily drivers. To make his own mark, Mitchell began by designing a modern personal luxury coupe that eventually became the Buick Riviera.
The initial thought was to build the new luxury coupe for Cadillac, but Caddy already had the Eldorado personal luxury coupe. Buick needed something to boost sales, so the new model would become the Buick Riviera. The Riviera name was taken from the Italian word for coastline, and had previously been used as a trim level for the Roadmaster in the 1950s.
The new Buick Riviera debuted in October 1962 as a 1963 model. Its primary competition was the Ford Thunderbird. Built on a shortened Buick Electra frame, the Riviera was fully seventeen feet long, but weighed four hundred pounds less than the shorter T-Bird. The Riviera was designed to set a new standard of quality for Buick. Doors and door windows were installed before the door skins were fitted to assure the most exacting fit.
The Buick Riviera was a full-on luxury car. Power came from the standard 401 cubic-inch Nailhead V8 that produced 325 horsepower and a massive 445 pound-feet of torque. The optional 425 cubic-inch Wildcat 465 bested those figures, making 345 horses and 465 pound-feet of torque. The list of standard and available options included door panels with both front and rear interior handles so rear-seat passengers would not have to trouble those in the front seat to open the door, leather upholstery, power seats, tilt wheel, power windows, power lock, AM-FM radio, separate controls for heat and air conditioning, cruise control, an electric trunk release, and a center dash cascade that became a full length console dividing both front and rear seats.
The Buick Riviera was restyled for the 1965 model year. Vertically stacked headlights were hidden behind clamshell-style doors that opened when the lights came on. The previous year’s faux rear fender scoops were smoothed, and taillights moved to the rear bumper. Tilt steering was standard, and an optional vinyl roof could be had. The dual exhaust grew to 2.25 inches for freer flow, and the standard gearbox was the Super Turbine 400 three-speed auto. The Gran Sport performance package was first offered for 1965, consisting of the Super Wildcat 425 with dual four-barrel carburetion, a heavy-duty suspension, and a 3.42 rear gear.
Our feature 1965 Buick Riviera was originally finished in Arctic White over a blue vinyl interior, but was changed to Midnight Blue under previous ownership. It is powered by the 401 Nailhead V8 with dual four-barrel carbs, and Offenhauser intake, hydraulic cam, and Sanderson headers, backed by a modern 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission. It is equipped with a power driver’s seat, power windows, remote mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, automatic trunk release, and a modern sound system with a trunk-mounted subwoofer. The headlights have been converted to Xenon units, and the dash lights have been swapped for LEDs. The whole affair rolls on Dayton knock-off wire wheels shod in thin-stripe bluewall tires. Included in the sale is the Protect-O-Plate, the owner’s manual, a knock-off mallet, service records, and a set of original wheels.
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Modifying this generation of Riviera is, IMHO, like adding sugar to a can of pop.
Missing the air cleaner. That is costly.
Beautiful car in a great color. Hope it gets big bucks at auction.
I miss this era when cars had style. Some you liked some you didn’t but they were not vanilla. Too many of the cars today look the same. Trucks are even more boring, they may get a grill update. Hooray?
The newer cars are designed in a wind tunnel too increase airflow. That’s why they all lock the same. I miss the artistic designs of the older ones.
one of my faves…I also liked the Bonneville triple white (convertible); Send them both to my door ASAP at any price!
I have great dreams, but I talk (and type ) in my dreams!!
I own a 1966 Rev it was of the best car that I owned it was White / Black interior my center console gear shift was different than the one shown. I got a lot of compliments from people who knew cars
Beautiful! Swapping out the Dynaflow is a definite desirable upgrade. Loved my collector ’69 Wildcat, but I drive ’em and it just used too much gas.
If I’m not mistaken, I believe the 1965 Riv had the Super Turbine 400 which was Buick’s name for the Turbo Hydramatic 400 and was not a Dynaflow. The TH400 was a beast of a trans; other than the 700R4 having the overdrive, I think the TH 400 was far superior and tough as a tank.
Of the many high points in automobile styling over the past 125 years, the early 1960’s GM cars are certainly one of the peaks. And the ’63-65 Rivieras are the peak of the peak (closely followed by the 1965-66 Bonneville coupe). These Rivieras are beautiful cars that transcends time.
Wasn’t this the Green Hornet car? Ahh that was a Chrysler Imperial.
Chrysler Imperial Crown was the Green Hornet’s car…the Black Beauty!
GM had car people back then. They also introduced NEW body designs annually. Todays product gets refreshed. Google 2020 Cadillac you’ll have a better understanding of same old body style. GM marketing doesn’t want to manufacture a ct6 luxury sedan , or an Eldorado rag top , etc.so I have moved on and enjoy my Mercedes rag top while in Florida. No complaints. Will replace it with another Mercedes when the time comes. It’s absolutely a waste of energy to complain about MGT not manufacturing a CT 6. Mary is not going anywhere until Mary wants to. Check out the board of directors. Will be checking out Mecum for a Camaro muscle car to enjoy while in Fla.
The Rivi was the best factory-customized car ever. You don’t need to do anything to it because it already looks cool. However, Jimmie Vaughan’s Rivi was customized by Gary Howard with 30 plus body mods and is so subtle you’d never know what was done to it without asking. Many mid-60s Riv’s are being customized without taking too much away and they look good.
Great Car! BUT GM Authority——— your videos show nothing but ads repeatedly.????????
I know some were flops but there were cars that had more individual flair before the 70’s.
I think in the 70’s they decided to share parts to reduce costs and everything slowly went downhill.
They had a bit of a resurgence in the 80’s when they got their butt kicked by Toyota.
Then back to same ole same ole.
59 Chevrolet Bel Air with those wings in the back. The Trans Am, The Buick Grand National was cool.
The old 1967 Corvette rag top was so cool. List goes on of unique cars. Heck even the Gremlin was odd but
cool.
Great car!
the 700r4 gave me pause. Riv’s h.p. with that junker behind it is tantamount to a ticking time bomb. I tore it out of my ’82 diesel Suburban and put in a three-speed rock crusher from the boneyard (clutch, brackets, shifter hole, rear driveshaft), and from 0 to 60mph only the best drivers could just beat me! No one ever asked me how I did it…put that in the Riviera! The Suburban was sold when I installed a crate ’92 diesel in it and is still on the road today!!
Although the 700R4 had its issues, if properly rebuilt and beefed up, it was quite a formidable transmission. No comparison to the Turbo Hydramatic 400, but then again, the TH400 has always been and still is, the King.
I also love my 6-speed automatic in my 2012 Yukon Denali…I’ll put that in my Riviera!
How do I bid on this Riviera?