Vehicle Description
1965 is the most coveted year of Riviera there is. It is the last
year of the first generation cars and the only year with these
style lights. The headlamps were hidden behind electric clamshell
doors in the leading edges of each fender, as had been in the
original Riviera design. In 1965 the non-functional side scoops
between the doors and rear wheel arches were removed, and the
taillights moved from the body into the rear bumper. The power
plant is all original, with a 445 ft/lb 401 cubic inch Nailhead
engine bolted to a Twin Turbine ST-400 3 speed automatic
transmission. The power steering is so light that you can whip it
around with your pinky finger. Lets dig into the condition of this
particular car. Everything works like it should including the
courtesy lights and wipers. The two exceptions that are inoperable
are the factory radio (which has been overrode with a CD player
hidden in the glove box) and the electric motors that control the
clamshell headlamp covers. They can still be opened manually to
drive around at night. The name plate with the original owners name
is still in place on the center console. He opted for manual
windows and the guy could see into the future, because while every
other Riviera has had replacement window regulators over the years,
all 6 (back, front, and vent windows) of these rollers still work
like new. The paint has some thin spots and the white has been
stained by some leaves that sat on it for a long period of time. It
is a southern car which has left the frame and body rust free over
the years. Looking inside, the interior is in great shape. With a
perfect headliner, door panels, back seat, passenger seat, dash,
and console, cars like this are impossible to find. The driver's
seat cushion has a tear from normal use and that is the only thing
that would need fixed or replaced inside. There are some nice
looking seat covers on both seats for now. Classic car financing is
available, offers and trades will be considered. If you are hunting
down a 65 Riv few out there top this one!
