Nice Paint/Plenty of Chrome/401ci V8/Super Turbine 400 Automatic

1965 Buick Riviera

Passing over such jewels as "Centurian" and "Drake," product planners ultimately chose "Riviera," which evoked the elegance of the Italian and French coastal playground. Of course, it was a name long familiar at Buick, having been used for the maker's pillarless hardtops since 1949, but it would gain new meaning from the design on which it would now appear. The intensity Buick had built up in preparing its competitive presentation continued into its strategy for marketing the Riviera. Roland Withers, the division's head of marketing, was a man who did things in grand style. The Riviera would be crucial to Buick's recovery, and he wanted the car to have a special image.

For consignment THE Riviera to have with its hidden headlights, and this particular 1965 model equipped with the 401ci nailhead engine, a new interior and new shocks, brakes and brake hardware. AND the clamshell headlights actually work! Aptly named Frankenstein 2018. It's ALIVE!!!

Exterior
Sporting a blue paint job which has some overspray and inclusions, it's a deep paint color. The hood has short white stripes which lead us forward to the raked forward functioning clamshell hidden headlights, to the clean ribbed rocker trim, wheel well trim, and special badging, side view mirrors, door handles and bumpers all chrome is in good condition with few faults. The large steel slabs are straight and true and present with good gaps. Styling is mid century modern from front to rear including the 60's looking rear bumper with wrap around sides and inset tail lighting. Standard Buick rally style wheels are on all 4 corners of this car.

Interior
Miles of black vinyl wide tuck and roll, with some V stitching, buttons and black piping are present in the form of large wide buckets in front, and a split by a V shaped speaker on the rear. A rectangular console sweeps up the center, has wood grain appliqué, and houses a glovebox, and a nifty Seattle space needle style shift lever and knob. This console rises up the the center of the dash with more V styling and wood appliqué, where it houses the air circulation controls and aftermarket AM/FM/CD stereo. Dash is a combination of black dashed and brushed aluminum along with textured back accenting. Wood appliqué is scattered throughout as well. The instrument cluster includes dual round gauges on drivers left the speedo, and right a cluster of gas gauge, oil, temp and amp warning lights. Carpet is deep black and in very nice clean condition and the headliner is new and tight. One side note worthy of a mention... Secondary door handles are strategically placed on the inside rear of each door armrest for speedy rear seat egress. Speaking of the door panels, these have wood appliqué surrounding black vinyl framing bling with the R badge and are all good.

Drivetrain
Based on stamping codes we now have a 1966 401ci V8 capable of 325hp. The mill is topped by a single 4-barrel carb, and backed by a 3-speed automatic ST400 Super-Turbine transmission. The rear axle weighs in at 3.23 gear ratio. The block and intake are painted a very nice green, and the entire engine bay is very clean with a bevy of wiring and supple hoses.

Undercarriage
A solid sturdy X frame is bordered by lightly surface rusted newer floor pans and solid rockers. Not too much surface rust is noted, with the front of the undercarriage appearing painted in black rattle can paint. Independent coil springs up front and a 4 link with coil springs on the rear are the suspension. Brakes are power drums all around. A chambered dual exhaust is seen working its way from the mill to the back of the car.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and smooth accelerator there is plenty of power to get you up to speed in a hurry. The transmission shifts smoothly, and the ride was very nice and even handled well for a large car. Buick was not out for the handling, mainly the ride, and this car is exemplary of that fact. Note the clamshell headlights are now operated via a toggle under the dash, and the wipers did not work.

The mid 1960's were the beginnings of the muscle car wars, and this Buick with its 401ci 4bbl V8 is not to be left out of that battle. Also, the styling on this car gives it real provenance with mid 60's fans. This car, mostly original, has been well cared for and sports a good paint job and good chrome. Priced very right it will not last long as we've had one other, and it went fast! (Driving wise and selling wise!)

VIN DECODE
494475H929318
4-Buick
94-Riviera
47-2 Door Hardtop Coupe
5-1965
H-Flint, MI Assy Plant
929318-Sequential Unit Number