Buick Riviera

Buick Riviera
1963 Buick Riviera
Overview
Manufacturer	General Motors
Model years	1963–1993 1995–1999
Body and chassis
Class	Personal luxury car
Chronology
Predecessor	Buick Super

The Buick Riviera is a personal luxury car produced by Buick from 1963 to 1999. GM's first entry into that prestige niche, the Riviera was highly praised by automotive journalists upon its high-profile debut. While early models stayed close to the original form, eight subsequent generations varied substantially over the Riviera's thirty-year lifespan. In all, 1,127,261 were produced.

The Riviera name had been used by Buick since the early 1950s for various prestige versions of existing models, right through a large top-of-the-line six-window 1962 Electra 225 hardtop. The crisply styled, ground-up design that debuted 1963 was Buick's first unique Riviera model, and pioneered the GM E platform. The Riviera name was resurrected for concept cars displayed at auto shows in 2007 and 2013 in hopes of reintroducing the marque, but no plans to do so are currently in place.

Unlike its subsequent GM E platform stablemates, the Oldsmobile Toronado and Cadillac Eldorado, the Riviera was initially a standard front engine/rear-wheel drive platform, only becoming front wheel drive starting in 1979 as part of a sweeping move in that direction by the American automobile industry.

Origins

The Riviera name

1949 Buick Roadmaster Riviera (one of the first hardtops)

1959 Buick Electra 225 Riviera

The name Riviera, Latin for coastline, was chosen to evoke the allure and affluence of the French Riviera. It first entered the Buick line in 1949, as the designation for the new two-door pillarless hardtop, described in advertising as "stunningly smart". The Buick Roadmaster Riviera coupe (along with the Cadillac Coupe de Ville and Oldsmobile 98 Holiday coupe) constituted the first mass production use of this body style, which was to become extremely popular over the next 30 years. Buick added a two-door Riviera hardtop to the Super the following year, the Special in 1951 and the Century upon its return, after a 12-year absence, in 1954.

From 1951 to 1953 the Riviera designation was given to the existing long wheelbase versions of the four-door Buick Roadmaster and Super sedans. The 1951–53 Buick Roadmaster and Super four-door Riviera sedans feature more standard features, more plush interior trim and, most significantly, a wheelbase (and overall length) that is 4 inches (102 mm) longer than a regular Buick Roadmaster or Super four-door sedan. The 1951–52 Buick Super four-door Riviera sedan is still 0.75 inches (19 mm) shorter in wheelbase and length than the regular Buick Roadmaster and 4.75 inches (121 mm) shorter than the Roadmaster four-door Riviera sedan. In 1953, with the move from the Fireball straight-eight to the more compact Nailhead V8 engine, the Roadmaster and Super four-door Riviera sedans became the same length.

In the middle of the 1955 model year, Buick and Oldsmobile introduced the world's first mass-produced four-door hardtops, with Buick offering it only on the Century and Special models, and the Riviera designation was also applied to these body styles. Four-door Riviera hardtops were added to the Roadmaster and Super lines at the beginning of the following model year. However, since it was a body style designation and not a model, the Riviera name does not usually appear on the car.

In 1959, Buick became much more selective in applying the Riviera name. From then until 1962 it only was used to denote a premium trimmed six-window hardtop style which it initially shared exclusively with Cadillac (the Oldsmobile 98 would receive it in 1961) and was available only on the Electra 225. The last usage of the term Riviera to describe a luxury trim level was 1963, as the formal designation of the #4829 Electra 225 Riviera four-door hardtop, the same year the E-body model two-door hardtop coupe Riviera made its debut.

First generation (1963–1965)

1965 Buick Riviera GS

First generation
1963 model
Overview
Model years	1963–1965
Assembly	Buick City, Flint, Michigan Linden, New Jersey (Linden Assembly) United States
Designer	Bill Mitchell
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door hardtop
Layout	FR layout
Platform	E-body
Powertrain
Engine	401 cu in (6.6 L) Nailhead V8 425 cu in (7.0 L) Nailhead V8
Transmission	Twin Turbine automatic transmission 3-speed ST-400 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	117.0 in (2,972 mm)
Length	208.0 in (5,283 mm)[5]
Width	76.3 in (1,938 mm)–76.6 in (1,946 mm)
Height	53.0 in (1,346 mm)

1965 Buick Riviera GS interior

The production Riviera was introduced on October 4, 1962, as a 1963 model, Its distinctive bodyshell was unique to the marque, unusual for a GM product. It rode a cruciform frame similar to the standard Buick frame, but shorter and narrower, with a 2.0 in (51 mm) narrower track. Its wheelbase of 117 in (3,000 mm) and overall length of 208 in (5,300 mm) were 6.0 inches (150 mm) and 7.7 in (200 mm) shorter, respectively, than a Buick LeSabre, but slightly longer than a contemporary Thunderbird. At 3,998 lb (1,813 kg),^[6]:210 it was about 390 pounds (180 kg) lighter than either. It shared the standard Buick V8 engines, with a displacement of either 401 cu in (6.57 L) or 425 cu in (6.96 l), and the unique continuously variable design twin turbine automatic transmission. Power brakes were standard, using Buick's massive "Al-Fin" (aluminum finned) drums of 12 in (300 mm) diameter. Power steering was standard equipment, with an overall steering ratio of 20.5:1, giving 3.5 turns lock-to-lock.

The Riviera's suspension used Buick's standard design, with double wishbones up front and a live axle located by trailing arms and a lateral track bar in the rear, but the roll centers were raised to reduce body lean. Although its coil springs were actually slightly softer than other Buicks, the Riviera's lighter weight made its ride somewhat firmer. While still biased towards understeer, contemporary testers considered it one of the most driveable American cars, with an excellent balance of comfort and agility.

The elegant ground-up styling sported new "Coke bottle styling", with the middle of the body exhibiting a tapered tucked-in appearance. There was no trace of the "Sweepspear" used on beltlines of earlier Buicks with the Riviera package,

Buick's 325 hp (242 kW) 401 cu in (6.6 l) "Nailhead" V-8 was initially the only available engine,^[6]:204 fitted with dual exhaust as standard equipment, and the turbine drive the only transmission.^[6]:206 Base price was $4,333,^[6]:210 running upwards of $5,000 delivered with typical options. Buick announced an optional 340 hp (254 kW) 425 cu in (7.0 l) version of the Nailhead in December 1962. Total production was deliberately limited to 40,000 vehicles (in a year that Buick sold 440,000 units overall) to emphasize the Riviera's exclusivity and to increase demand; only 2,601 were delivered with the delayed availability larger engine in the 1963 model year.

With the same power as the bigger Buicks and less weight, the Riviera had sparkling all-around performance: Motor Trend found it capable of running 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 8 seconds or less, the standing quarter mile in about 16 seconds, and an observed top speed of 115 miles per hour (185 km/h). Fuel economy was a meager 13.2 miles per US gallon (17.8 L/100 km; 15.9 mpg_‑imp). Front leg room was 40.1 inches.^[7]

Inside, the Riviera featured a luxurious four-place cabin with front bucket seats and bucket-style seats in the rear. A center console with floor shifter and storage compartment built into the instrument panel divided the front. Upholstery choices included all-vinyl, cloth and vinyl, or optional leather. A deluxe interior option included real walnut inserts on the doors and below the rear side windows. Popular extra-cost options included a tilt steering wheel, power windows, power driver's seat, air conditioning, a remote-controlled side view mirror, and white sidewall tires.

Minimal trim and mechanical changes were made for 1964, with the most identifiable distinguishing features being a raised stylized "R" hood emblem and "R" emblems replacing the Buick crests in the taillight lenses. The interior is distinguished by moving the heater controls from controls under the dashboard eyebrow to slide controls in the forward fairing of the center console. Leather was dropped as an option, and the Dynaflow-based twin turbine replaced by a new three-speed Super Turbine 400. This was a GM Turbo Hydra-Matic with a variable pitch torque converter like the Dynaflow's. It used a two speed "D,L" selector but could automatically downshift from third to second until the car reached a suitable speed to downshift to first. This was the first year of the Stylized "R" emblem, a trademark that would continue throughout the remainder of Riviera's 36-year production run. The engine was upgraded to the previously optional 340 hp (254 kW) 425 cu in (7.0 l) V8. A 360 hp (268 kW) 'Super Wildcat' version was available, with dual Carter AFB four-barrel carburetors.

In 1965 the 401 cu in (6.6 l) V8 returned as the standard engine, and the "Gran Sport" version made its debut, powered by the Super Wildcat V8 and outfitted with a more aggressive 3.42 axle ratio and stiffer, heavy-duty suspension. The Super Turbine 400 transmission retained its variable pitch torque converter, but was fitted with a three-speed gear selector. The stock dual exhaust pipes were increased from 2.0 inches (51 mm) to 2.25 inches (57 mm) inside diameter and had fewer turns to reduce backpressure. Externally, the headlamps were hidden behind clamshell doors in the leading edges of each fender, as had been in the original design. The non-functional side scoops between the doors and rear wheel arches were removed, and the taillights moved from the body into the rear bumper.^[8] A vinyl roof became available as an option, initially offered only in black, and the tilt steering wheel optional in previous years was now standard equipment.

Total sales for the 1963–1965 model years was a respectable 112,244. The Riviera was extremely well received from all quarters and considered a great success, giving the Thunderbird its first real competition as America's preeminent personal luxury car.

It has since earned Milestone status from the Milestone Car Society. Jaguar founder and designer Sir William Lyons remarked that Mitchell had done "a very wonderful job," and Sergio Pininfarina declared it "one of the most beautiful American cars ever built; it has marked a very impressive return to simplicity of American car design." At its debut at the Paris Auto Show, Raymond Loewy said the Riviera was the handsomest American production car—apart from his own Studebaker Avanti, in his view the Riviera's only real competition for 1963.^[9] The first-generation Riviera is considered a styling landmark, and is quite collectible today.^[10]

Second generation (1966–1970)

1966 Buick Riviera GS

Second generation
1969 model (headlights deployed)
Overview
Model years	1966–1970
Assembly	Flint, Michigan Linden, New Jersey (Linden Assembly) United States
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door hardtop
Layout	FR layout
Platform	E-body
Related	Cadillac Eldorado Oldsmobile Toronado
Powertrain
Engine	425 cu in (7.0 L) Nailhead V8 430 cu in (7.0 L) Buick V8 455 cu in (7.5 L) Buick V8
Transmission	3-speed ST-400 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	119.0 in (3,023 mm)[11]
Length	211.2 in (5,364 mm) (1966–67)[12] 215.2 in (5,466 mm) (1968–1970)
Width	78.8 in (2,002 mm) 79.3 in (2,014 mm) (1970)
Height	53.2 in (1,351 mm)–53.6 in (1,361 mm)

1968 Buick Riviera GS

1969 Buick Riviera

The Riviera was redesigned for the 1966 model year.^[13] It retained its cruciform X-frame, powertrain, and brakes, but its curvaceous new body was longer, wider, and 200 pounds (91 kg) heavier. Vent windows, a feature GM had introduced with a flourish in the 1930s, were absent. Headlamps remained concealed, but now pivoted behind the grille when not in use. The car's added bulk slowed acceleration with the unchanged 425 engine. The Gran Sport package remained available as an option. Rear seat belts^[14] and AM/FM radio^[15] were optional.

The new front wheel drive Oldsmobile Toronado shared the Riviera platform, and, a year later, the also front wheel drive Cadillac Eldorado.

Inside, the four-place cabin with front and rear bucket seats and center console was replaced by a choice of bucket seats or conventional bench seats as standard equipment, making the Riviera a full six-passenger car for the first time. Optionally available was a Strato-bench seat with armrest or Strato bucket seats with either a short consolette or a full-length operating console with a "horseshoe" shaped floor shifter and storage compartment. Both the buckets and Strato-bench seat were available with a reclining seat option for the passenger's side. Sales for 1966 rebounded to 45,308, a new record.

The most significant change for 1967 was Buick's replacement of its venerable 425 "Nailhead" with an entirely new 430 cu in (7.0 L) V8. Its 360 horsepower (270 kW) and 475 lb⋅ft (644 N⋅m) of torque were a significant performance improvement. Gasoline mileage improved slightly, but remained low. Powerful disc brakes with Bendix four-piston calipers became optional for the front wheels but most Riviera continued to be ordered with Buick's highly capable ribbed aluminum brake drums. Cosmetically, changes were few, and were limited to the addition of a wide, full-width, center-mounted horizontal chrome grille bar that stretched over the headlight doors and outboard parking lights. Sales eased to 42,799 for the 1967 model year. The Riviera had full instrumentation.^[16]

1967 saw the introduction of U.S. mandated safety equipment to improve occupant protection during a crash, including an energy-absorbing steering column, non-protruding control knobs, 4-way hazard flasher, soft interior surfaces, locking seat backs (on 2-door models), a dual-circuit hydraulic braking system (with warning light), and shoulder belt anchors. The Rivieras complied on all counts and featured the full range of safety features.

1968 models had reshaped loop-type bumpers that surrounded both the vehicle's recessed crosshatch front grille and tail lamps. Hidden wiper arms made their debut. Federally mandated side marker lights appeared, as inverted trapezoids on the lower leading edges of the front fenders, and circular in the rear. The interior was restyled and for the first time shared its instrument panel with the other full-size Buick models. Shoulder belts for front outboard occupants were made standard on all cars built from January 1, 1968. Mechanically, the transmission lost its variable pitch torque converter. A tilt steering wheel was standard.^[17] Sales set another new record in 1968, as 49,284 units were sold.

Minor styling changes took place again in 1969, with grilles gaining a pattern of finely spaced, slim vertical bars overlaid by two wider horizontal bars, which jutted forward at their inboard edges. Front marker lights became far shorter, and square. Inside, front outboard passengers received new headrests. The ignition switch was moved from the instrument panel to the steering column, and locked the steering wheel and selector lever when the key was removed (a security feature which became mandatory for the 1970 model year). Chrome side trim was revised, as well. At the rear, the reverse lights moved from the rear bumper to new three-section tail-light lenses. Sales for 1969 improved again, to 52,872.

The 1970 Riviera was restyled. Exposed quad headlamps were nearly flush-mounted, while the new front bumper wrapped around and over the new vertical bar grille, set between the headlamp pods. A newly optional side trim feature accented the large coupe's flowing lines. Skirted rear wheels became standard, with exposed wheels an option. At the rear, a new rear bumper/taillight motif was seen. The engine was upgraded to 455 cu in (7.46 L), the largest engine Buick offered to date, rated at 370 horsepower (280 kW) gross, 245 hp (183 kW) net, and over 500 lb⋅ft (680 N⋅m) of torque. Despite the fact that 1970 sales dropped to 37,366, the second-generation Riviera proved more successful than the first, with 227,669 units sold over five seasons.

Third generation (1971–1973)

Third generation
Overview
Model years	1971–1973
Assembly	Flint, Michigan Linden, New Jersey (Linden Assembly) United States
Designer	Jerry Hirshberg under Bill Mitchell
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door hardtop
Layout	FR layout
Platform	E-body
Related	Cadillac Eldorado Oldsmobile Toronado
Powertrain
Engine	455 cu in (7.5 L) Buick V8
Transmission	3-speed TH-400 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	122.0 in (3,099 mm)[18]
Length	217.4 in (5,522 mm) (1971) 218.3 in (5,545 mm) (1972) 223.4 in (5,674 mm) (1973)
Width	79.9 in (2,029 mm)
Height	54.0 in (1,372 mm)
Curb weight	4,247 lb (1,926 kg)

1973 Buick Riviera GS rear

The Riviera was radically redesigned for the 1971 model year with flowing and dramatic "boat-tail" styling.^[19] Designed under Bill Mitchell's direction, it was penned by Jerry Hirshberg, future head of design for Nissan, mating the two-piece vee-butted^[6]:792 fastback rear window, inspired by the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray split window coupe, to the Riviera's platform.

The design was originally intended for the smaller GM A platform, and the use of the Riviera's body—expanded for 1971 by 3 in (76 mm) in wheelbase and more than 120 lb (54 kg) heavier—produced controversial looks. (Collectible Automobile ran an article about 1971–76 full-sized Buicks in which one sketch design for their 2-door coupes which was rejected resembled the 1971–73 Riviera).

This generation introduced a much more visual representation of the "sweepspear", with a more faithful representation to the version that appeared on 1950s Buicks in both the side molding and beltline.

The 455 engine had a lower compression ratio to meet EPA emissions requirements, reducing power to 255 hp (190 kW), with 265 hp (198 kW) in the Gran Sport. Performance remained reasonably brisk, with a 0–60 time of 8.1 seconds for the GS, but the Riviera's sporty image was rapidly fading. One noteworthy advance was Buick's Max Trac limited-slip differential.^[20] The 1971 Riviera also features GM's "Full-Flo" ventilation system and two large deck lid louvers are prominent on the trunk lid. (Unfortunately, under certain conditions a vacuum was created that sucked rain and exhaust back into the car and the "Full-Flo" ventilation was redesigned and the louvers were removed from trunk lid for the 1972 model year.)

Despite these features, Riviera sales for 1971 dropped to 33,810,^[6]:798 the lowest to date. The 1972 Riviera was little changed, with the 455 engine switching to net power ratings, 225 hp (168 kW) or 250 hp (190 kW) with the Gran Sport, although the actual drop in net power was only 5 hp (3.7 kW). Sales remained moribund at 33,728.^[6]:876 For 1973, the 250 hp (186 kW) engine became standard, with 260 hp (190 kW) with the Stage One package, which also included a limited slip differential and a chrome-plated air cleaner. The "Gran Sport" package was still available as a separate option package consisting of a ride-and-handling package that included a rear stabilizer bar, JR78-15 whitewall steel-belted radial tires, a specially tuned "radial roadability" suspension, additional sound insulation and special "Gran Sport" badging. Sluggish sales of the third generation Riviera led GM to believe that the boattail deck lid was too radical for most customers' tastes, so in 1973 it was blunted and made slightly shorter. The design change however only led to a marginal increase in sales, with 34,080 being produced for the model year.

Fourth generation (1974–1976)

Fourth generation
Overview
Model years	1974–1976
Assembly	Flint, Michigan Linden, New Jersey (Linden Assembly) United States
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe
Layout	FR layout
Platform	E-body
Related	Cadillac Eldorado Oldsmobile Toronado
Powertrain
Engine	455 cu in (7.5 L) Buick V8
Transmission	3-speed TH-400 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	122.0 in (3,099 mm)
Length	226.4 in (5,751 mm) (1974) 223.0 in (5,664 mm) (1975)
Width	80.0 in (2,032 mm)
Height	54.0 in (1,372 mm)

Although carrying over the same platform, mechanicals, and some body panels seen on the "Third Generation" Riviera, Buick replaced its distinctive 'boat tail' roofline with a more conventional-looking "Colonnade" treatment. This turned the car from a hardtop coupe into a pillared coupe, as it featured wide B pillars and fixed quarter opera windows. A landau half-vinyl roof option was available. The car did retain its forward-jutting grille, albeit in slightly modified form. Thus modified, the car looked far less distinctive than its predecessors, and even its platform mates, the Oldsmobile Toronado and Cadillac Eldorado. The tamer-looking Riviera was no lighter, and its standard 455 V8 lost more power, dropping to 230 hp (172 kW) and 245 hp (183 kW) for standard and Stage One models, respectively. Max Trac was dropped from the option list after 1974 due to lack of buyer interest. The revised styling did nothing for sales, which plummeted to 20,129 in 1974. This generation introduced as a novelty what later became a federal mandate in a modified form, two high-mounted taillights above the trunk and below the rear window, which was shared on its platform twin the Toronado.

For 1975, the Riviera received an updated front fascia, which lost its forward-jutting theme through the redesign of the fiberglass front end cap. Quad rectangular headlights were mounted horizontally. The new vertical-bar grille echoed the "stand-up" theme that many GM cars of the day incorporated. Parking lights wrapped around the fender sides. The Stage One performance package was dropped for 1975, though the Gran Sport handling package would continue to be offered. The standard engine's output dipped to 205 hp (153 kW). Sales for 1975 were 17,306.

Minor changes greeted 1976 models, the most notable of which was a new crosshatch grille insert. The Gran Sport handling package was replaced by an 'S/R' package that had similar sporting pretensions. Sales rallied slightly to 20,082 for 1976.^[21]

Fifth generation (1977–1978)

Fifth generation
Overview
Model years	1977–1978
Assembly	Flint, Michigan Linden, New Jersey (Linden Assembly) United States
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe
Layout	FR layout
Platform	B-body
Related	Buick LeSabre Buick Estate Chevrolet Caprice Chevrolet Impala Oldsmobile 88 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Pontiac Bonneville/Parisienne Pontiac Catalina/Laurentian
Powertrain
Engine	350 cu in (5.7 L) Buick V8 403 cu in (6.6 L) Oldsmobile V8
Transmission	3-speed TH-400 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	115.9 in (2,944 mm)
Length	218.2 in (5,542 mm)

1978 Buick Riviera rear

Buick downsized the Riviera for 1977 onto the new smaller GM B platform. While the other E-bodies were front wheel drive since 1966 (1967 for Cadillac's Eldorado), the Buick E platform used a B-body undercarriage (along with the cruciform frame of pre-1965 GMs for the 1966–70 generation). All B-bodies (including C and D platform GM RWDs) were downsized for the 1977 model year which prompted the short-lived 1977/78 generation.

It was, in most respects, a Buick LeSabre coupe with unique styling (with quarter windows mimicking the 1975–78 Cadillac Eldorado). Unlike its LeSabre counterpart, the front fascia is vertical as opposed to slanted. It was reduced to a wheelbase of 115.9 in (2,940 mm), down 6.1 in (150 mm), and an overall length of 218.2 in (5,540 mm), down 4.8 in (120 mm). Weight dropped some 660 pounds (300 kg). The 455 was gone, replaced by a 350 cu in (5.7 L) Buick V8 engine with 155 hp (116 kW) or Oldsmobile-built 403 cu in (6.60 L) with 185 hp (138 kW). California models had a 170 hp (127 kW) Oldsmobile 350.^[22]

Sales were up modestly to 26,138 for 1977 and then fell to 20,535 for 1978,^[21] although this was strictly a stopgap model until the all-new E-body cars would be ready for 1979. To date, 1977 and 1978 Rivieras are considered a rare find since it was only produced for two model years on the downsized GM B platform before the 1979 redesign on the FWD E-platform (there are two reasons why the B-platform was used—the existing 1976 B-platform was phased out for the downsized variant where RWD E-platform vehicles were produced on the B-chassis. Buick could have continued production although the frame stamping facilities and undercarriage/chassis components were being retooled in late 1976 for downsized B-platform production where the FWD E-platform did not downsize since they were produced on a separate assembly line.

Also, with Buick dropping its 455 V8 after 1976, continuing the '77–78 Riviera on the old E-body platform would have forced Buick to either downsize its engine compartment to their 350 V8, which was too small and underpowered for a 5,000-pound car—or "import" larger engines from other GM divisions including 400s from Chevrolet and Pontiac, Oldsmobile's 403 or Cadillac's 425—each of which would have limited sales and production as each division gave first priority to its own vehicles before selling engines to other divisions.

Sixth generation (1979–1985)

Buick Riviera coupe

Sixth generation
Overview
Model years	1979–1985
Assembly	Linden Assembly, Linden, New Jersey United States
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door convertible 2-door coupe
Layout	Longitudinal front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	E-body
Related	Cadillac Eldorado Oldsmobile Toronado
Powertrain
Engine	231 cu in (3.8 L) Buick V6 252 cu in (4.1 L) Buick V6 307 cu in (5.0 L) Oldsmobile V8 350 cu in (5.7 L) Oldsmobile V8 350 cu in (5.7 L) Oldsmobile diesel V8
Transmission	3-speed TH-325 automatic 4-speed THM325-4L automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	114.0 in (2,896 mm)[23]
Length	206.0 in (5,232 mm)
Width	72.8 in (1,849 mm)[23]

Rear view of 1984 Riviera convertible

1979 saw the debut of the first front wheel drive Riviera. Built on a trimmer, 114 in (2,900 mm) wheelbase, it once again shared its mechanical design and platform with the Cadillac Eldorado and Oldsmobile Toronado. The Olds 403 and Buick 350 were dropped, but the Olds 350 remained, as did a new turbocharged Buick V6 of 231 cu in (3.8 L) displacement with 185 hp (138 kW). The Riviera became Motor Trend's Car of the Year. Sales more than doubled, to 52,181 for 1979 and 48,621 for the very similar 1980 models.^[22]

1981 saw the Turbo renamed T-Type and the demise of the 350 engine in favor of the Oldsmobile-built 307 cu in (5.0 L) with 140 hp (104 kW) (phased in during the 1980 MY). The standard engine was now Buick's 125 hp (93 kW) 252 cu in (4.1 L) V6, and a new option was an Oldsmobile diesel engine with a mere 105 hp (78 kW) offered through 1985. 1982 also saw the first-ever Riviera convertible, although relatively few were built, owing to very high prices-US$23,944. The Riviera convertible was available in only two color choices-white or red firemist with the only interior color of red leather. A turbocharged Riviera convertible was chosen to be the pace car at the 1983 Indianapolis 500, although most convertible Rivieras had the V8 engine, which saw an increase in rated SAE net HP to 150 for both convertibles and coupes fitted with it from 1982 through the 1985 model year.

Overall sales made the 1980s Riviera a great success, reaching 65,305 for the 1985 model year.^[21]

Seventh generation (1986–1993)

Seventh generation
Overview
Model years	1986–1993
Assembly	Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly, Michigan, United States
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe
Layout	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	E-body
Related	Cadillac Eldorado Oldsmobile Toronado Buick Reatta
Powertrain
Engine	1986: 3.8L 140 hp (100 kW) V6 1987: 3.8L 150 hp (110 kW) V6 1988–1990: 3.8L 165 hp (123 kW) V6 1991–93: 3.8L 170 hp (130 kW) V6
Transmission	4-speed THM440-T4 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	108.0 in (2,743 mm)
Length	1986–88: 187.8 in (4,770 mm)
Width	1986–1990: 71.7 in (1,821 mm) 1991–93: 73.1 in (1,857 mm)
Height	1986–88: 53.5 in (1,359 mm) 1989–1990: 53.6 in (1,361 mm) 1991–93: 52.9 in (1,344 mm)
Curb weight	3,309 lb (1,501 kg)

Buick Graphic Control

The E-body coupes were converted to unibody construction and further downsized for 1986 to a 108 in (2,700 mm) wheelbase similar in length to that of the Buick Regal. The V6 was now the only engine, rated initially at 142 hp (106 kW) SAE and 200 lb⋅ft (270 N⋅m) of torque. It used the Turbo-Hydramatic 440-T4 automatic with a 2.84:1 final drive ratio.

This generation was noted for advanced electronic instrumentation displayed on a dash-mounted 9-inch (230 mm) CRT. The CRT controlled the vehicle's climate control system and stereo, and also supplied advanced instrumentation such as a trip computer and maintenance reminder feature. Four-wheel disc brakes were standard. With a choice of three suspension packages available, up to the performance oriented FE3 setting, handling was notably improved. The Riviera placed fourth for Motor Trend's 1986 Car of the Year contest.

1989–1993 Buick Riviera

Fuel economy was notably improved for the 1986 Riviera, but the investment in the downsized, transverse engine front wheel drive platform resulted in a substantial price increase, to $19,831 to the base model and $21,577 for the new T-Type. Downsizing also resulted in a dimensional similarity to smaller, less expensive offerings from GM. The smaller dimensions, generic styling, and lack of a V8 led to sales plummeting to 22,138 for 1986, only 15,223 for 1987, and a dismal 8,625 for 1988. 1988 also saw the introduction of Buick's new Reatta coupe which cannibalized some sales from the Riviera.

A restyle for 1989 that added 11 inches (280 mm) to the overall length (on an unchanged wheelbase) helped, but only incrementally, boosting sales to 21,189 for 1989, but dropping to a low of 4,555 for 1993, the abbreviated final model year of that model.^[21] The last 1993 Riviera rolled off the Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly plant line on December 10, 1992.

Eighth generation (1995–1999)

Eighth generation
Overview
Production	May 23, 1994–November 25, 1998
Model years	1995–1999
Assembly	Lake Orion, Michigan, U.S.
Designer	William L. Porter
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe
Layout	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	G-body
Related	Oldsmobile Aurora Cadillac Seville Buick Park Avenue
Powertrain
Engine	3.8L 205 hp (153 kW) L36 Buick V6 3.8L 225 hp (168 kW) SC L67 Buick V6 3.8L 240 hp (180 kW) SC L67 Buick V6
Transmission	4-sp auto 4T60E (1995–96 N/A) 4-sp auto 4T60E-HD (1996 Supercharged) 4-sp auto 4T65E-HD (1997–99)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	113.8 in (2,891 mm)
Length	207.0 in (5,258 mm)
Width	75.0 in (1,905 mm)
Height	55.2 in (1,402 mm)
Curb weight	3,788 lb (1,718 kg)

After a hiatus in 1994, the Riviera returned in 1995 with radical styling that departed from the previous generations' traditional image. A 205 hp (153 kW) naturally aspirated 3800 V6 was standard, with a supercharged version rated at 225 hp (168 kW) and 275 lb⋅ft (373 N⋅m) available as an option. Rivieras were now built in Lake Orion, Michigan, riding the same Cadillac-derived G platform as the 4-door Oldsmobile Aurora. The very first of 41,422 Rivieras made in 1995 rolled off the assembly line on May 23, 1994.

In 1996, supercharged versions saw an increase in power to 240 hp (179 kW) and 280 lb·ft (380 N·m), as well as the 4T60E-HD transmission. 18,036 Rivieras were manufactured in 1996.

1997 saw suspension revisions, removing excess weight. An upgraded 4T65E-HD transmission featuring a larger 258 mm (10.2 in) torque converter and heavy-duty gearbox were added. 18,827 were made in 1997.

For 1998, the 240 hp (180 kW) supercharged V6 became standard. GM's OnStar service was added as an option, along with minor interior design changes. 10,953 units were produced for 1998.

With sales of all coupes declining in the North American market, GM decided to discontinue the Riviera. 1999 was the car's last model year with production of 1,956 cars ceasing on November 25, 1998. The final 200 cars had special silver paint and trim, and were denoted "Silver Arrow"^[24] models, a designation which hearkened back to several Silver Arrow show cars that had been built off Riviera bodies by Bill Mitchell.

Eighth-generation Rivieras received the most powerful V-6 Buick engine since the Grand Nationals of the 1980s. The supercharged OHV V6 gave impressive torque and acceleration, pushing the car from 0 to 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in under 7 seconds, and turning the ​¹⁄₄ mile in 15.5 seconds. Supercharged Rivieras achieved a fuel efficiency figure of 18/27 (city/highway mpg).

Concept cars

2007 concept

2007 Riviera Concept
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,870 mm (113.0 in)
Length	4,710 mm (185.4 in)
Width	1,940 mm (76.4 in)
Height	1,415 mm (55.7 in)

At the 2007 Shanghai Motor Show, Buick debuted a concept coupe named Riviera, based on the GM Epsilon II platform.^[25][26] The concept was later shown at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.

It was designed by the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC). The design was inspired by classic Buicks, ancient Chinese artifacts, and modern electronic icons. It includes "icy green" backlighting, Shell Blue body, gull-wing doors, a 2+2 seating configuration, and 21-inch 10-spoke forged aluminum wheels.

2013 concept

2013 Riviera Concept
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe

A concept Riviera was also shown at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show, again developed by the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center PATAC. It has gull-wing doors and a plug-in electric driveline as well as four wheel steering, electromagnetically controlled suspension with air springs, built in 4G LTE connection, transparent A pillar and wireless charging.^[27][28]

References

Works cited

• Gunnell, John, ed.: Standard Catalog of American Cars: 1946–1975, 4th ed., Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications, ISBN 978-0873494618
• Flammang, James M., ed.: Standard Catalog of American Cars: 1976–1999, 3rd ed., Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications, ISBN 978-0873417556
• Bastille album, All this Bad Blood: Cover artwork

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Buick Riviera.

• Riviera Owners Association—has many helpful links for Riviera information, including more in depth articles on the Riviera History, production figures and dimensions
• Riviera Performance—a discussion board & compilation of Riviera info, mostly focusing on the last generation ('95–99); includes maintenance tips, known issues, FAQ, and write-ups for DIY vehicle improvements
• 1971–1973 Buick Riviera - Boattail—Over 1,700 pictures and lots of information