Vehicle Description
Real-deal Riviera Gran Sport with original LX engine. One of only
849 built in Midnight Aqua. Beautiful original interior. Loaded
with options. Yes, the headlights work. Stunning repaint and
detailed engine bay. A high-quality Riviera GS with a strong
pedigree.If it weren't for a certain split-window coupe, the
first-gen Buick Riviera would have been the most exceptional car of
the 1960s. Bill Mitchell's crowning achievement, it was the exact
opposite of everything the 1950s represented: clean, lean, minimal
chrome, and with chiseled good looks that drove Buick into the new
era. And while the hidden 'clamshell' headlights were intended from
the beginning, it was only in 1965 that they became reality. The
same is true of the Gran Sport option, which included a long list
of features to make the Riviera the ultimate gentleman's muscle
car. This particular Riviera Gran Sport is finished in code L
Midnight Aqua, a somewhat rare color, with only 849 being ordered
in this lovely hue of dark blue/green. We believe the 66,366 miles
shown on the odometer are an accurate reading, and as a result this
car has never needed a full frame-off restoration. A few years ago
it was treated to a very high-quality repaint in its original
color, and the laser-straight sheetmetal, even panel gaps, and
excellent trim are all testament to the quality of the work. The
chrome was refinished and probably looks better than new, and yes,
the clamshell headlights are operational. Correct 'Gran Sport'
badges are installed in the usual locations, advertising that this
isn't some garden-variety Riv, and the ribbed rocker panel moldings
are in fantastic condition. This is not only a car that lived an
easy life, but someone spent a great deal of money to take it to
the next level. You can see just how well-maintained this car
really is by the interior, which remains mostly original. Code 613
Fawn cloth and vinyl is an unusual yet attractive choice with the
Midnight Aqua bodywork, and aside from replacement carpets, it
appears to be almost entirely original. On the Riviera, the wood on
the door panels and dashboard is real, not a plastic facsimile, and
the mid-century modern styling of the angular dash will never go
out of style. There's a considerable list of options, including
A/C, a tilt steering column, power windows (including power vent
windows), speed minder, cruise control, and an AM/FM radio with
power antenna. The funky brocade fabric upholstery is in excellent
condition and the seats remain firm and comfortable and the twin
buckets in the back seat area look virtually unused. Overhead,
there's a taut headliner with a few very minor stains, but it would
be a crime to replace it. The trunk is neatly finished with
matching fawn carpets, including a custom cover for the full-sized
spare tire assembly. The Gran Sport's real claim to fame was the
incredibly muscular 425 cubic inch 'Nailhead' V8 with dual 4-barrel
carburetors, which cranked out 360 horsepower and an astounding 465
lb-ft. of torque, making the full-sized Riv feel like a much
smaller vehicle. This appears to be the car's original engine, with
a matching partial VIN stamp as well as the LX stamp that indicates
the dual-quad 425. Twin Carter carburetors live under the chrome
air cleaner and the polished finned valve covers were part of the
Gran Sport package. For a performance engine, it's remarkably
civilized, starting easily, idling smoothly, and generally
conducting itself like a luxury car powerplant should. It's backed
by GM's best transmission, a TH400 3-speed automatic which Buick
called the 'Super Turbine 400' due to its variable pitch torque
converter. It snaps off effortless shifts and thanks to 3.42 gears
on a limited slip, the big engine always feels like it's on its
toes. The body has never been off the frame, so the car feels
incredibly solid and tight on the road, the way only good original
cars can, and it will cruise effortlessly at today's highway speeds
with plenty left in reserve. The undercarriage is quite clean, but
not detailed for show?it has a light dusting of undercoating to
seal things up and make it easy to drive without a second thought.
The exhaust system is suitably muscular without being loud or
obnoxious, exhaling through a correct transverse muffler out back.
Massive aluminum brake drums provide confident stopping power and
recent work includes carburetor rebuilds, fresh fluids, and a full
tune-up so it runs beautifully. Correct 15-inch Buick Road Wheels
are always a fine choice on a big Buick, with these wearing recent
235/75/15 whitewall radials for a proper 1960s look.Extras include
recent service receipts and two horns that are part of the optional
'4-horn' setup.The 1965 Riviera Gran Sport is an A-list
collectable, make no mistake. Values have been skyrocketing in
recent years, and it is no fad?this is a spectacular car. Fast,
comfortable, and rare (only 3354 were built), it remains the
ultimate expression of upscale performance with no compromises.
With iconic looks and bulletproof hardware underneath, it's a car
that is always going to attract attention and that will reward its
next owner with years of service with little more than basic
maintenance. The Riviera GS simply does everything well. Call
today!Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or
professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to
purchase.
