This 1965 Buick Riviera 2-door Sport Coupe has been in Tucson, AZ, the Desert Southwest, for over 40 years. Rarely driven for the past 30-plus years, this rare vehicle recently received a meticulous “Concours level” restoration from its sound and “unmolested” original state to bring it back to its original splendor as one of the iconic American Classic Cars. Restoration completed August 2019 by Hi-Speed Rods and Customs, Tucson, AZ.
Engine
V8 445 Wildcat
Matching numbers engine and re-built transmission
Upgrades
Wilwood Front Disc Brakes
Data plate (correctly affixed to firewall) indicates the car was built in the third week of January, 1965 in Flint, MI.
VIN: 494475H916979
Data Plate Coded Options: EX-2KR-4F-5W
E=E21 Glass- all
X= Power Windows
2K=Air Conditioner
R= Rear Seat Speaker
4F= Remote Mirror
5W= Seatbelt with retractor
HH= Seafoam Green Paint**
TR 620=Green Interior**
**Both colors were limited in production
Exterior Description
The car has new “show-level” exterior paint which has excellent shine and overall depth. The application is even over the entire surface of the car. Body surfaces are smooth and body panels fit well. All the body seams are straight, and gaps are to a “better than OEM (original equipment manufacture) standard”. The hood, doors, and deck lid all open and close correctly with no “idiosyncrasies” required. All original chrome trim was re-chromed and is mirror-like in appearance.
The car has a level stance with the original style wheels. The fitment of all trim pieces, bumpers, exterior handles, and hardware are in excellent condition.
The quality of the restoration extends to the underside of the vehicle including the bottom of the doors, the rockers, and structural components, which while not readily visible, have an excellent standard of appearance.
Interior Description
The entire interior is in excellent condition. The seats, carpet, and all upholstered areas have been fully restored and have correct appearance for the year. Polished and chrome surfaces are correct, and the wood trim is correctly installed and not “over-polished”. The gauge faces are clear; lights work, original radio works. All interior painted surfaces are excellent. The door jams and all surfaces show evidence of careful preparation and high-quality paint application. All weatherstripping is professionally installed to a “better than new” level. The inside of the trunk was reconditioned but includes some original components attesting to this car’s sound condition prior to restoration. One small area of the original paint remains as evidence of the original color. The overall condition of the interior reflects the high-quality restoration process applied to this car, inside and out.
Engine Compartment
The engine compartment is in excellent condition and noteworthy for its original appearance. Careful attention to detail is apparent in the fit, finish, and quality of fasteners. The engine is finished in factory-correct paint and overall period-correct appearance extends to the “period correct” battery and glass windshield wiper fluid bottle. All parts are matching numbers.
Mechanical Function
The overall mechanical condition is excellent. The car starts with a pleasing sound and all controls function as they should. The brake pedal is solid with no spongy feeling. The operation of the shifter is smooth with no evidence of play in the linkage or slippage in the original re-built transmission.
The signature feature of this car is its fully functioning clamshell headlights – unique to the 1965 Buick Riviera.
