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Buick Riviera
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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.
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 (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.
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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 name
The 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 (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 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.
Origins of the personal luxury car
In 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 .
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 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 . A 'Super Wildcat' version was optionally available, with dual Carter AFB four-barrel carburetors, rated at .
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 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 is considered a styling landmark, and is quite collectible today.
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 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 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.
Third generation (1971-1973)
The Riviera was radically redesigned for the 1971 model year with flowing and dramatic "" 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 with 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 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.
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 and 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 . 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.
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 or Oldsmobile-built 403 in³ (6.6 L) with . California models had a Oldsmobile 350.
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, 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.
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 . The became Motor Trends 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 (phased in during the 1980 MY). The standard engine was now Buick's 252 in³ V6, and a new option was an Oldsmobile diesel engine with a mere . offered through 1985. 1982 also saw the first-ever Riviera convertible, although relatively few were built, owing to very high prices. A 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.
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 SAE and 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 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. 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.
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 and 275 ft·lbf (373 N·m). Also available was the standard 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 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 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 "" 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).
Engines
| Model | Year | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|
| Riviera | 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 |
2007 Concept-car
At the 2006 Shanghai Motor Show, Buick showed a concept named Riviera.
2008 Coupe Concept-car
The Riviera concept made its North American debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.
Rivieras in popular culture
Probably due to its distinctive styling, the 3rd generation Riviera features widely in film and television:
Due South, Detective Raymond Vecchio (played by David Marciano) drives, and is obsessed by 1971 Rivieras.
Road House, Patrick Swayze's character drives a '64 and '65 Riviera.
The Last Boy Scout, Bruce Willis's character drives a 3rd generation Riviera.
Crank, Jason Statham drives a 3rd generation Riviera.
Gattaca, Vincent (Ethan Hawke) is conceived in a 3rd generation Riviera
The Ice Storm (film), Kevin Kline drives a 3rd generation Riviera.
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).
Death Race (2008), Pachenko (Max Ryan) drives a '66 Buick Riviera chop top.In Fletch (1985), Irwin Fletcher drives a 3rd gereration Riviera
External links
- Graphic Control Video (Youtube)
- has many helpful links for Riviera information, including more in depth articles on the Riviera History, production figures and dimensions.
- has many helpful members for Riviera information
- (enthusiast history)
- has information on the 1971-1973 Rivieras
- (enthusiast history)
- also has information on the 1971-1973 Rivieras Boattails
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- forum & discussion board for the Riviera by Buick, primarily the '95-99 supercharged.
- Buick Riviera Forum The Netherlands / Video
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