Vehicle Description
1965 Buick Riviera
Passing over such jewels as "Centurian" and "Drake," product
planners ultimately chose "Riviera," which evoked the elegance of
the Italian and French coastal playground. Of course, it was a name
long familiar at Buick, having been used for the maker's pillarless
hardtops since 1949, but it would gain new meaning from the design
on which it would now appear. The intensity Buick had built up in
preparing its competitive presentation continued into its strategy
for marketing the Riviera. Roland Withers, the division's head of
marketing, was a man who did things in grand style. The Riviera
would be crucial to Buick's recovery, and he wanted the car to have
a special image.
For consignment THE Riviera to have with its hidden headlights, and
this particular 1965 model equipped with the 401ci nailhead engine,
a new interior and new shocks, brakes and brake hardware. AND the
clamshell headlights actually work! Aptly named Frankenstein 2018.
It's ALIVE!!!
Exterior
Sporting a blue paint job which has some overspray and inclusions,
it's a deep paint color. The hood has short white stripes which
lead us forward to the raked forward functioning clamshell hidden
headlights, to the clean ribbed rocker trim, wheel well trim, and
special badging, side view mirrors, door handles and bumpers all
chrome is in good condition with few faults. The large steel slabs
are straight and true and present with good gaps. Styling is mid
century modern from front to rear including the 60's looking rear
bumper with wrap around sides and inset tail lighting. Standard
Buick rally style wheels are on all 4 corners of this car.
Interior
Miles of black vinyl wide tuck and roll, with some V stitching,
buttons and black piping are present in the form of large wide
buckets in front, and a split by a V shaped speaker on the rear. A
rectangular console sweeps up the center, has wood grain applique,
and houses a glovebox, and a nifty Seattle space needle style shift
lever and knob. This console rises up the the center of the dash
with more V styling and wood applique, where it houses the air
circulation controls and aftermarket AM/FM/CD stereo. Dash is a
combination of black dashed and brushed aluminum along with
textured back accenting. Wood applique is scattered throughout as
well. The instrument cluster includes dual round gauges on drivers
left the speedo, and right a cluster of gas gauge, oil, temp and
amp warning lights. Carpet is deep black and in very nice clean
condition and the headliner is new and tight. One side note worthy
of a mention... Secondary door handles are strategically placed on
the inside rear of each door armrest for speedy rear seat egress.
Speaking of the door panels, these have wood applique surrounding
black vinyl framing bling with the R badge and are all good.
Drivetrain
Based on stamping codes we now have a 1966 401ci V8 capable of
325hp. The mill is topped by a single 4-barrel carb, and backed by
a 3-speed automatic ST400 Super-Turbine transmission. The rear axle
weighs in at 3.23 gear ratio. The block and intake are painted a
very nice green, and the entire engine bay is very clean with a
bevy of wiring and supple hoses.
Undercarriage
A solid sturdy X frame is bordered by lightly surface rusted newer
floor pans and solid rockers. Not too much surface rust is noted,
with the front of the undercarriage appearing painted in black
rattle can paint. Independent coil springs up front and a 4 link
with coil springs on the rear are the suspension. Brakes are power
drums all around. A chambered dual exhaust is seen working its way
from the mill to the back of the car.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and smooth accelerator there is plenty of power to
get you up to speed in a hurry. The transmission shifts smoothly,
and the ride was very nice and even handled well for a large car.
Buick was not out for the handling, mainly the ride, and this car
is exemplary of that fact. Note the clamshell headlights are now
operated via a toggle under the dash, and the wipers did not
work.
The mid 1960's were the beginnings of the muscle car wars, and this
Buick with its 401ci 4bbl V8 is not to be left out of that battle.
Also, the styling on this car gives it real provenance with mid
60's fans. This car, mostly original, has been well cared for and
sports a good paint job and good chrome. Priced very right it will
not last long as we've had one other, and it went fast! (Driving
wise and selling wise!)
VIN DECODE
494475H929318
4-Buick
94-Riviera
47-2 Door Hardtop Coupe
5-1965
H-Flint, MI Assy Plant
929318-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.