Vehicle Description
1972 Buick Riviera Hardtop
"As the Sixties wore on, the Riviera grew in size, losing much of
its early elegance and distinction. With the third generation's
boattail styling that arrived for 1971, the Riviera recaptured the
spotlight. The styling is a blend of Corvette and earlier Rivieras,
which is fitting as it was overseen by GM's VP of styling, Bill
Mitchell. Mitchell's designs for the 1963 Corvette and the 1963
Riviera were approved on the same day, Christmas Eve, 1961." Car
and Driver, 2023
For consignment, a 1972 Buick Riviera hardtop with a title verified
108,533 actual miles. At a time when GM cars crossed platforms and
created cars that were essentially the same and relying on brand
loyalty, there was nothing quite like the Riv which was continually
used as the palette for design creativity. Despite overall
automotive malaise, the '72 still stood out.
Exterior
From every angle, the Riviera presents as something different, even
space age, beginning with the profile which presents with a
humpback created by the curved rear window, then a long overhang
beyond the rear wheels balanced by the long hood with forward
canted fenders and their short overhang. The slight rise on the
Sandalwood hood is accentuated by green pinstriping while side
molding highlights the steep curve of the rear quarter panel under
a C-pillar that forms a picnic basket handle between the glass and
vinyl top. In back is the pointed tail which transfers its line
onto the bumper itself, creating a chrome beak rarely seen on the
back of cars. 15-inch American Racing wheels veer from the original
set but hubcaps are included with the car. Our green vinyl top
shows a touch of patina and the metalwork and paint are also very
good. Imperfections include some bubbling on the lower door skin
along with random chips and uneven filler.
Interior
Green vinyl and plastic mixes with the woodgrain overlay under the
door pull to form the door panels, the driver's side with a bit of
patina and the passenger side in very nice shape, both with green
carpeted kick panels. Green plaid cloth with vinyl borders covers
the 70/30 split bench front seats, both with accent buttons on the
uppers, and the driver's showing some light staining on the lower.
The bench in back is fantastic with split uppers and more woodgrain
surroundings. The green plastic steering wheel is quintessentially
70's with its matching woodgrain and horn behind three soft spokes.
Spun aluminum backing covers the instrument cluster which has sides
that cant towards the driver and includes an A/C panel to the left
of the wheel in a rare configuration. To the right, an aftermarket
AM/FM/Cassette radio and a three gauge pod has been added. The
driver centric cockpit leaves a blank panel in front of the
passenger with two vents to use at their discretion. Green loop
carpet below is showing its age in some spots but the green
headliner with shoulder belts attached is in great shape. The
trunk, with its incredible contouring lid, is clean and lined with
some carpet pieces.
Drivetrain
Under the long hood is a 455ci V8, rated at 250 horsepower and
presented in driver quality with an orange intake and chrome valve
covers. A 4-barrel carburetor fuels the Riviera and a TH400 3-speed
automatic sends the rotation to the 12 bolt axle in the rear with
2.93 gears. Power brakes, front discs and rear drums, are on board
as well.
Undercarriage
Generally clean underneath with some typical patina and surface
rust along with some oil on the rear differential, possibly from
the pinion seal, and a drop or two on the pan and flywheel cover.
Dual exhaust travels through stock style mufflers and exits through
two steel tailpipes out back. Suspension consists of coil springs
up front and a 4 link with coil springs in back. The underside of
the doors are free of rust.
Drive-Ability
Sandalwood on the outside and green on the inside means we're
riding in 70's style and loving it! The comfortable cabin provides
good visibility as the narrow rear window gives way to ample
quarter windows that increase the greenhouse. The 455 comes to life
after we prime the carb and turn the key, and we shift into Drive
and roll this Bill Mitchell inspired personal luxury car onto the
test loop. It has good power, some creaking from some dry bushings,
straight tracking, and a smooth, comfortable ride. And we're happy
to report that all functions work as intended. While Classic Auto
Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of
our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working
at the time of your purchase.
In the '72 Buick brochure, only two cars from the long line of
models available are photographed from the back. The Estate Wagon
is shown with a bunch of kids hanging out of the back window, and
the Riviera, a Sandalwood example like our car, shows its most
amazing feature, the boattail body that takes in the incredible
back window. And here we are, over 50 years removed from its debut,
and it still is an impressive design and everyone from 8 to 80 can
recognize that. If an early 70's Riviera has been on your wishlist,
drop anchor on this one and float away with a great original
example.
4Y87U2H923630
4-Buick
Y-Riviera
87-2 Door Hardtop
U-455ci 4bbl V8
2-1972
H-Flint, MI Assy Plant
923630-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 72 4Y87-1972 Riviera Hardtop
BDY BLL-Flint Body #
TR 670-Green Cloth
PNT 50G-Sandalwood, Green Top
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
