Image 1 of 15
Image 2 of 15
Image 3 of 15
Image 4 of 15
Image 5 of 15
Image 6 of 15
Image 7 of 15
Image 8 of 15
Image 9 of 15
Image 10 of 15
Image 11 of 15
Image 12 of 15
Image 13 of 15
Image 14 of 15
Image 15 of 15
-
The third-generation Buick Riviera wears the marque’s most provocative design. Known as the “boattail” Riviera, it debuted in 1971. Designed by Jerry Hirshberg, this was his first assignment as advanced Buick chief designer. Hirshberg was tasked with interpreting a sketch by Bill Mitchell, vice-president of design for GM, as the basis for this car.
What emerged was a variation of the look used on the 1963-67 Chevrolet Corvette. Initially slated to be built on the midsize GM A-Body platform, it was moved to the full-size B-Body platform, which compromised the design. Imagine a Corvette enlarged to the size of a Cadillac and you’ll appreciate the controversy. Despite the uproar, the Riviera’s design changes from 1971 to 1972 were minimal, with the most notable change being the elimination of the louvers in the trunk lid.
Tipping the scales at 4,399 pounds, the rear-wheel-drive Buick Riviera shared a platform with its front-wheel-drive cousins, the Oldsmobile Toronado and Cadillac Eldorado. The rotund proportions and weight of the car were motivated along by Buick’s 455 cubic-inch (7.5-liter) V-8 mated to a 3-speed Turbo Hydramatic automatic transmission. The result was a great road car but lacking the sporting nature of the original Riviera in 1963.
Standard equipment included variable power steering, power front disc brakes, heater and defroster, tilt steering wheel, electric clock and a smoking set. Buyers had a choice of a bench seat, bucket seats or a split 60/40 bench seat. Options are what you’d expect, including air-conditioning, power sun roof, automatic climate control and an AM/FM radio or an AM/FM radio with tape player. A Gran Sport option raised horsepower to 260 horses with the addition of dual exhaust, heavy-duty suspension and a posi-traction differential.
Sales remained about the same for 1972, and even if the 1972 Buick Riviera had turned off a number of buyers, it had also turned on quite a few more. Legendary automotive journalist Tom McCahill is among the latter. “This is a great road car," he reported. "There's nothing better being made on these shores." -
Company
General Motors
Make
Buick
Model
Riviera
Body Style
Sport Coupe, 2-dr., 4/5-pass.
Body Manufacture
Fisher Body
Model year
1972
Wheelbase
122 inches
Length
217.4 inches
Engine
V8, OHV, 455 cid (7.456L)
Horsepower
250 hp @ 4,000 rpm (net)
Transmission
3-speed Turbo Hydramatic 400 automatic
Original Base Price
$5,666
Brand Production
679,921 model year
This Car Production
33,728 -
Mr. Bulgari’s great joy is to drive cars from the collection on backroads. While on a drive to see a private car museum in the Blue Mountains of Pennsylvania above Allentown, this Buick Riviera was spotted with a “for sale” sign by the side of the road. Keith Flickinger, the collection curator in the US, called the number posted in the windshield and the deal was soon completed.
Upon the return of the car to the NB Center, it was found to be in fine condition and other than a major service and detailing of the Emerald Mist paint and green cloth interior it required very little. After a few years the car was transferred to the Italy garage where the proportions of a full-size American car make it a standout on the narrow roads.