Vehicle Description
Attractive older repaint with fantastic original interior. 401
Nailhead V8 with dual 4-barrel carburetors from a later Riv. Very
solid western car. Recently serviced, runs great, very strong.
Isn't it time you owned a classic Riviera? <BR><BR>The
cowl tag says this one was originally code T Fawn Mist, so that's
what it's wearing today. Hailing from out west, this super straight
Riv wears the paint extremely well, with ripple-free bodywork, good
gaps, and crisp character lines that make the most of Bill
Mitchell's greatest effort. Finish quality is very good and as far
as we can tell, that's all original sheetmetal on the car. The
doors open and close easily without a big slam and body lines are
good all around. The cool creases on the roof are almost sharp
enough to give you a paper cut and if you sight down the sides of
the car, you'll find that someone invested a lot of time in
blocking the bodywork before a drop of paint was sprayed. The
chrome is probably original, and in good condition, but there are a
few light signs of age such as some fading on the hood ornament and
some discoloration on the rear bumper from the exhaust, but overall
it presents quite well. <BR><BR>The code 737 Sandalwood
cloth and vinyl interior is simply spectacular. It's original, so
it's not perfect, but for being 60 years old it's rather
extraordinary. The dashboard is a beautiful combination of black
camera-case textured surfaces and brushed metal, a very period look
that seems upscale and elegant to us today. The two big, round
dials for the driver include a speedometer (with speed alert) and
warning lights for the secondary functions. You'll note that this
car has factory A/C which energizes but does not blow cold-it's
still R12 and we do not have the ability to recharge it. The
original AM radio still lives up high in the dash, although it's
sadly not operational, and the ventilation controls are neat
aircraft-type sliders under the dash hood. Demerits include a small
tear in the driver's seat, some fading on the door panels, and, of
course, the clock doesn't work. On the other hand, the gauges are
bright and crisp, the chrome and trim is excellent, and there are
floor mats keeping it protected. The trunk is upholstered with a
correct mat and there's a full-sized spare and jack assembly just
in case.<BR><BR>If you haven't experienced the
effortless power of a Nailhead V8, this is a great opportunity.
Actually, I should say it's torque that you'll be experiencing, and
this big luxury coupe moves like a muscle car thanks to the robust
401 cubic inch Buick V8. Not shared with any other division, this
smooth powerplant is the ideal choice for the top-of-the-line
Riviera. This one has been upgraded with the dual 4-barrel
carburetors from a later 'Super Wildcat' V8, and the added oomph is
noticeable when you tip into the throttle. It's nicely detailed
with finned valve covers and a big chrome air cleaner up top that
looks OEM correct. The overall condition is pretty good, perfect
for a driver (this is not a show car, but you already knew that)
and we can't argue with the way it moves. It runs quite well,
starting with a surprisingly robust bark from the dual exhaust
system and there are no disappointments on the road where its
torque curve is as wide and flat as Death Valley.
<BR><BR>The Turbine Drive transmission is a descendant
of the Dynaflow, and it works extremely well behind the Nailhead.
It just accelerates without a hitch, pulling the big coupe along on
a massive wave of torque. Tallish 3.23 gears in back make it a
fantastic highway cruiser that feels like it could run forever
without getting tired. Smooth road manners, powerful brakes, and a
well-sorted suspension give this car the feel of a much more
contemporary machine. The floors are unquestionably original and in
very good condition with no evidence of rot and there are air
shocks out back to keep it on an even keel. We also see evidence of
recent brake work and a new gas tank hangs out back. Gorgeous Buick
Road Wheels are the right choice and they carry 215/75/15 Goodyear
whitewall radials for the perfect '60s
look.<BR><BR>Early Rivieras are not going to get more
affordable and if I had to pick five cars that were going to be
worth more in five years than they are today, this car would be on
that list. Great colors, beautiful interior, and pleasing road
manners all add up to a first-rate hobby car at a price that just
can't be beat. Call today!<BR><BR>Harwood Motors always
recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any
vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
