455ci 4bbl V8/TH400 Auto/Snappy Boat Tail Style/12 Bolt Axle/Well Kept Example

1972 Buick Riviera Hardtop

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.