For Sale: 1972 Buick Riviera in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

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 89,044 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.With its custom paint configuration of Ivory over Copper Metallic, this one is unique beyond its incredible lines. The slight rise on the hood is accentuated by copper pinstriping while side molding delineates the colors and highlights the steep curve of the rear quarter panel under a C-pillar that forms a picnic basket handle between the glass and copper 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 black wheels carry staggered size tires. Imperfections include some bubbling on the lower door skin along with random chips and uneven filler. We also note chips, minor inclusions, some bubbling throughout, areas of orange peel, surface rust on the bumper, a ding in rear bumper, scratches, and edgewear on a front fender.

Interior
Off white vinyl and plastic mixes with the woodgrain insert under the door pull to form the door panels, and both doors show some patina. Gray cloth inserts with vinyl borders covers the 60/40 split bench front seats, mirrored by the back bench and all in nice shape. A three spoke steering wheel fronts the dash with spun aluminum backing, all curved to embrace the driver's view and showing some light patina. An A/C panel is to the left of the wheel in a rare configuration and an AM radio to the right, while a temp gauge has been added. Tan low pile carpet is below and a gray headliner above. The trunk, with its incredible contoured lid, is barren and clean with some minor usage shown.

Drivetrain
Under the hood, you'll find a visually driver quality but stock looking 455ci V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor and 250 horsepower. It's mated to a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission that routes power to the 12 bolt rear axle.

Undercarriage
Driver quality here as well with some typical oxidation and surface rust, some oil and build up on the pans, but otherwise solid steel construction out of Flint, Michigan. Dual exhaust runs through stock style mufflers and resonators before exiting through steel tips. Power brakes are supplied as front disc and rear drum, and suspension consists of coil springs at both ends with a 4 link in back.

Drive-Ability
A tap of the gas and a turn of the key, and the 455 comes to life with a smooth idle and relatively quiet operation. Once out on the test loop, we note some squeaky suspension, a bit of front end slop, and the car pulling left upon braking. Inside, the radio and clock don't work and our consignor informsus of a missingheater/AC duct. Outside of that, all remaining functions work as they should. 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.

The '72 Buick brochure features the Riv's 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, legendary in the GM world. If an early 70's Riviera has been on your wishlist, drop anchor on this one and float away with a great example.

4Y87U2H921776

4-Buick
Y-Riviera
87-2 Door Hardtop
U-455ci 4bbl V8
2-1972
H-Flint, MI Assy Plant
921776-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG

ST 72 44Y87-1972 Riviera Hardtop
BDY FL177187-Flint Body #
TR 676-Saddle Cloth
PNT 54 54-Champagne Gold
02C-3rd Week February
AM6-Split Bench, Center Armrest

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. All prices are before state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer. Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV office to ensure compliance with your states titling and registration process.

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