Buick Riviera

For the film, see Buick Riviera (film).

The Buick Riviera is a personal luxury car produced byBuick from 1963 to 1999. GM's first entry into that pres-tige niche, the Riviera was highly praised by automotivejournalists upon its high-profile debut. While early mod-els stayed close to the original form, subsequent gener-ations varied substantially over the Riviera’s thirty-yearlifespan. In all, 1,127,261 were produced.Unlike its contemporary GM E platform stablemates, theOldsmobile Toronado and Cadillac Eldorado, the Rivierawas only front wheel drive from 1979 to 1999.The Riviera name has been given to concept cars dis-played at auto shows in 2007 and 2013 in hopes of resur-recting the marque, but no plans to do so are currently inplace.

1 Origins

1.1 The Riviera name

1949 Buick Roadmaster Riviera (one of the first hardtops)

The name Riviera, Latin for coastline, was chosen toevoke the allure and affluence of the French Riviera. Itfirst entered the Buick line in 1949, as the designation forthe new two-door pillarless hardtop, described in adver-tising as “stunningly smart”. The Buick Roadmaster Riv-iera coupe (along with the Cadillac Coupe de Ville andOldsmobile 98 Holiday coupe) constituted the first massproduction use of this body style, which was to becomeextremely popular over the next 30 years. Buick added atwo-door Riviera hardtop to the Super the following year,the Special in 1951 and the Century upon its return, aftera 12-year absence, in 1954.

1959 Buick Electra 225 Riviera

From 1951 to 1953 the Riviera designation was givento the existing long wheelbase versions of the four-doorBuick Roadmaster and Super sedans. The 1951–53Buick Roadmaster and Super four-door Riviera sedansfeature more standard features, more plush interior trimand, most significantly, a wheelbase (and overall length)that is 4 inches (102 mm) longer than a regular BuickRoadmaster or Super four-door sedan. The 1951–52Buick Super four-door Riviera sedan is still 0.75 inches(19 mm) shorter in wheelbase and length than the regu-lar Buick Roadmaster and 4.75 inches (121 mm) shorterthan the Roadmaster four-door Riviera sedan. In 1953,with the move from the Fireball straight-eight to the morecompact Nailhead V8 engine, the Roadmaster and Superfour-door Riviera sedans became the same length.In the middle of the 1955 model year, Buick andOldsmobile introduced the world’s first mass-producedfour-door hardtops, with Buick offering it only on theCentury and Special models, and the Riviera designationwas also applied to these body styles. Four-door Rivierahardtops were added to the Roadmaster and Super linesat the beginning of the following model year. However,since it was a body style designation and not a model, theRiviera name does not usually appear on the car.In 1959, Buick became much more selective in apply-ing the Riviera name. From then until 1963 it only wasused to denote a premium trimmed six-window hardtopstyle which it initially shared exclusively with Cadillac(the Oldsmobile 98 would receive it in 1961) and wasavailable only on the Electra 225. The last usage of theterm Riviera to describe to describe a luxury trim levelwas 1963, as the formal designation of the #4829 Electra

1

2 2 FIRST GENERATION (1963–1965)

225 Riviera four-door hardtop, the same year the E-bodymodel two-door hardtop coupe Riviera made its debut.

1.2 Debut as a personal luxury car

In the late 1950s, GM lacked a personal luxury car tocompete with the highly successful Ford Thunderbird—a uniquely styled, two-door, four-passenger car. To fillthis gap, an experimental Cadillac design (the XP-715)was created. Its angular styling was reportedly inspiredby GM styling chief Bill Mitchell's visit to London duringthe period, when he was struck by the sight of an elegant,custom-bodied Rolls Royce. He later said that “knife-edged” styling was what he wanted for the new model,but with a lower profile. The design itself was penned bystylist Ned Nickles.However, Cadillac management was not particularly in-terested in such a vehicle and in 1960 the project wasthrown open for competition by the other divisions.Buick, desperate to revive its flagging sales, enlisted theaid of the McCann-Erickson advertising agency to cre-ate its presentation. Buick won, and the finished designwas adapted to a shortened version of Buick’s cruciformframe. The design was substantially the same as the origi-nal, although the hidden headlights—originally concealedin the fender grilles—were initially omitted for cost rea-sons.

2 First generation (1963–1965)

1965 Buick Riviera GS

The production Riviera’s distinctive bodyshell was uniqueto it, unusual for a GM product. It rode a cruciformframe similar to the standard Buick frame, but shorterand narrower, with a 2.0 in (51 mm) narrower track. Itswheelbase of 117 in (3,000 mm) and overall length of208 in (5,300 mm) were 6.0 inches (150 mm) and 7.7in (200 mm) shorter, respectively, than a Buick LeSabre,but slightly longer than a contemporary Thunderbird. At3,998 lb (1,813 kg),[2] it was about 390 pounds (180 kg)lighter than either. It shared the standard Buick V8 en-gines, with a displacement of either 401 cu in (6.57 L)or 425 cu in (6.96 l), and the unique continuously vari-able design twin turbine automatic transmission. Power

1965 Buick Riviera GS interior

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 overallsteering ratio of 20.5:1, giving 3.5 turns lock-to-lock.The Riviera’s suspension uses Buick’s standard design,with double wishbones front and a live axle located bytrailing arms and a lateral track bar, but the roll cen-ters were raised to reduce body lean. Although its coilsprings were actually slightly softer than other Buicks,the Riviera’s lighter weight made its ride somewhatfirmer. While still biased towards understeer, contempo-rary testers considered it one of the most driveable Amer-ican cars, with an excellent balance of comfort and agility.Rather than the "Sweepspear" used on beltlines of earlierBuicks with the Riviera package, the new Rivera sportednew "Coke bottle styling", with the middle of the bodyexhibiting a tapered tucked-in appearance.The Riviera was introduced on October 4, 1962, as a1963 model, with the 325 hp (242 kW) 401 cu in (6.6 l)“Nailhead” V-8 as the only available engine,[3] fitted withdual exhaust as standard equipment, and the turbine drivethe only transmission,[4] at a base price of $4,333;[5] typ-ical delivered prices with options ran upwards of $5,000.Buick announced in December 1962, the availability of a340 hp (254 kW) 425 cu in (7.0 l) version of the Nailheadas an option. Total production was deliberately limited to40,000 vehicles (in a year that Buick sold 440,000 unitsoverall) to emphasize its exclusivity and to increase de-mand; only 2,601 of them were delivered with the 425 cuin (7.0 l) engine in the 1963 model year.With the same power as the larger Buicks and less weight,the Riviera had sparkling all-around performance: MotorTrend found it capable of running 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h)in 8 seconds or less, the standing quarter mile in about 16seconds, and an observed top speed of 115 miles per hour(185 km/h). Fuel economy was a meager 13.2 miles perUS gallon (17.8 L/100 km; 15.9 mpg-ᵢ ). Front leg roomwas 40.1 inches.[6]

Inside, the Riviera featured a four-place cabin with front

3

bucket seats separated by a center console with floorshifter and storage compartment that was built into theinstrument panel, and bucket-style seats in the rear. Up-holstery choices included all-vinyl, cloth and vinyl, or op-tional leather. A deluxe interior option included real wal-nut 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, aremote-controlled side view mirror, and white sidewalltires.The Riviera continued with minimal trim changes for1964 including the discontinuation of leather upholsteryfrom the option list, differing mainly in substitution of theold Dynaflow-based twin turbine for the new three-speedSuper Turbine 400, which was marketed as Turbo Hydra-Matic by other GM divisions. This was the first year thatthe Stylized “R” emblem was used on the Riviera, a trade-mark that would continue throughout the remainder ofRiviera’s 36-year production run. Under the hood, the401 cu in (6.6 l) was dropped as the standard power plantin favor of the previously optional 340 hp (254 kW) 425cu in (7.0 l) V8. A 'Super Wildcat' version was optionallyavailable, with dual Carter AFB four-barrel carburetors,rated at 360 hp (268 kW).Changes for 1965 included the introduction of the “GranSport” option, which included the dual-quad Super Wild-cat 425 V8, a numerically higher 3.42 axle ratio, andstiffer, heavy-duty suspension. The stock dual exhaustpipes were increased from 2.0 inches (51 mm) to 2.25inches (57 mm) inside diameter and had fewer turns toreduce backpressure. The 401 cu in (6.6 l) V8 returnedas the standard Riviera engine and the Super Turbine400 transmission now had a variable pitch torque con-verter like the old twin turbine Dynaflow had two yearsbefore. Externally, the headlamps were concealed behindclamshell doors in the leading edges of each fender, as inthe original design. Further back, the non-functional sidescoops between the doors and rear wheel arches were re-moved, and the taillights were moved from the body intothe rear bumper.[7] A vinyl roof became available as anoption, initially offered only in black, and the tilt steeringwheel optional in previous years was now standard equip-ment.Total sales for the three model years was a respectable112,244. All in all, the Riviera was extremely well re-ceived and considered a great success, giving the Thun-derbird its first real competition.The 1963–1965 Riviera met with approval from all quar-ters, and has since earned Milestone status from theMilestone Car Society. Jaguar founder and designer SirWilliam Lyons said that Mitchell had done “a very won-derful job,” and Sergio Pininfarina declared it “one of themost beautiful American cars ever built; it has markeda very impressive return to simplicity of American cardesign.” At its debut at the Paris Auto Show, RaymondLoewy said the Riviera was the handsomest American

production car—apart from his own Studebaker Avanti,that is, the Riviera’s only real competition for 1963.[8]

The first-generation Riviera is considered a styling land-mark, and is quite collectible today.[9]

3 Second generation (1966–1970)

1966 Buick Riviera GS

1968 Buick Riviera GS

1969 Buick Riviera

The Riviera was redesigned for the 1966 model year. Itretained its cruciform frame, powertrain, and brakes, butit wore a longer, wider, more curvaceous body that mod-ernized the "sweepspear" inspired beltline introduced inthe previous generation. This generation shared its plat-form with the Oldsmobile Toronado, and, a year later,with the Cadillac Eldorado. A notable styling point wasthe absence of vent windows, a feature GM had intro-duced with a flourish in the 1930s. Headlamps remained

4 4 THIRD GENERATION (1971–1973)

concealed, but they now pivoted up above the grille whennot in use. Unlike the Toronado and Eldorado, the Riv-iera retained a conventional rear wheel drive layout. Itwas now some 200 pounds (91 kg) heavier, so accelera-tion with the unchanged 425 engine was slightly slower.The Gran Sport package remained available as an option.Rear seat belts[12] and AM/FM radio[13] were optional.Inside, the four-place cabin with front and rear bucketseats and center console was replaced by a choice ofbucket seats or conventional bench seats as standardequipment, making the Riviera a full six-passenger carfor the first time. Optionally available was a Strato-benchseat with armrest or Strato bucket seats with either ashort consolette or a full-length operating console witha “horseshoe” shaped floor shifter and storage compart-ment. Both the buckets and Strato-bench seat were avail-able 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 the adoptionof Buick’s entirely new V8 of 430 cu in (7.0 L) displace-ment, 360 horsepower (270 kW) and 475 lb·ft (644 N·m)of torque to replace the old 425 “nailhead”. The newengine, with greater power and torque on hand, repre-sented a significant performance improvement. Gasolinemileage improved slightly with the new engine, though itremained gas-thirsty compared to modern cars. Power-ful disc brakes with Bendix four-piston calipers becameoptional for the front wheels but most Riviera contin-ued to be ordered with Buick’s aluminum brake drumswhich were almost as good. Cosmetically, changes werefew, and were limited to the addition of a wide, full-width, center-mounted horizontal chrome grille bar thatstretched over the headlight doors and outboard parkinglights. Sales eased to 42,799 for the 1967 model year.The Riviera had full instrumentation.[14]

1967 saw the introduction of U.S. mandated safety equip-ment to improve occupant protection during a crash,including an energy-absorbing steering column, non-protruding control knobs, 4-way hazard flasher, soft in-terior surfaces, locking seat backs (on 2-door models),a dual-circuit hydraulic braking system (with warninglight), and shoulder belt anchors. Of course Rivierascomplied on all counts and featured the full range ofsafety features.1968 models had reshaped front and rear loop-typebumpers that encased the vehicle’s (recessed crosshatch)grille and tail lamps, respectively. Hidden wiper armswere also new. Federally mandated side marker lightswere of an inverted trapezoidal shape on the lower lead-ing edges of the front fenders. Rear marker lights werecircular. The interior was restyled and, unlike the 1966–67 models, shared its instrument panel with the other full-size Buick models. Shoulder belts for front outboard oc-cupants were made standard on all cars built from Jan-uary 1, 1968. There were very few mechanical changesin 1968 but the transmission lost its variable pitch torque

converter. Sales set another new record in 1968, as49,284 units were sold.For 1969, minor styling changes took place. Grilleschanged from the crosshatch pattern seen in '68 to a pat-tern of finely spaced, slim vertical bars overlaid by twowider horizontal bars, which jutted forward at their in-board edges. Front marker lights became far shorter,and square in shape. Inside, front outboard passengersgot new headrests. The ignition switch was moved fromthe instrument panel to the steering column, and it nowlocked the steering wheel and selector lever when thekey was removed (This feature became mandatory forthe 1970 model year). Chrome side trim was revised, aswell. At the rear, the reverse lights were move from therear bumper into the '69 Riviera’s new 3-section tail lightlenses. Sales for 1969 improved again, to 52,872. A newfront suspension system was used.[15]

The 1970 Riviera was restyled. Exposed quad headlampswere nearly flush-mounted, while the new front bumperwrapped around and over the new vertical bar grille, setbetween the headlamp pods. A newly optional side trimfeature accented the large coupe’s flowing lines. Skirtedrear wheels became standard, with exposed wheels an op-tion. At the rear, a new rear bumper/taillight motif wasseen. The engine was upgraded to 455 cu in (7.46 L), thelargest engine Buick offered to date, rated at 370 horse-power (280 kW) gross, 245 hp (183 kW) net, and over500 lb·ft (680 N·m) of torque. Despite the fact that '70sales dropped to 37,366, the second-generation Rivieraproved more successful than the first, with 227,669 unitssold over five seasons.

4 Third generation (1971–1973)

1973 Buick Riviera GS rear

The Riviera was radically redesigned for the 1971 modelyear with flowing and dramatic “boat-tail” styling.[17] De-signed under Bill Mitchell’s direction, it was penned byJerry Hirshberg, future head of design for Nissan, mat-ing the two-piece vee-butted[18] fastback rear window,inspired by the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray split windowcoupe, to the Riviera’s platform.

5

The design was originally intended for the smaller GM Aplatform, and the use of the Riviera’s body—expandedfor 1971 by 3 in (76 mm) in wheelbase and more than120 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-doorcoupes which was rejected resembled the 1971–73 Riv-iera).This generation introduced a much more visual represen-tation of the "sweepspear", with a more faithful repre-sentation to the version that appeared on 1950s Buicks inboth the side molding and beltline.The 455 engine had a lower compression ratio to meetEPA emissions requirements, reducing power to 255 hp(190 kW), with 265 hp (198 kW) in the Gran Sport. Per-formance remained reasonably brisk, with a 0–60 timeof 8.1 seconds for the GS, but the Riviera’s sporty imagewas rapidly fading. One noteworthy advance was Buick’sMax Trac, a traction control system that preventedwheelspin during acceleration on slippery surfaces.[19]

The 1971 Riviera also features GM’s “Full-Flo” ventila-tion system and two large deck lid louvers are prominenton the trunk lid. (Unfortunately, under certain conditionsa vacuum was created that sucked rain and exhaust backinto the car and the “Full-Flo” ventilation was redesignedand the louvers were removed from trunk lid for the 1972model year.)Despite these features, Riviera sales for 1971 dropped to33,810,[20] the lowest to date. The 1972 Riviera was littlechanged, with the 455 engine switching to net power rat-ings, 225 hp (168 kW) or 250 hp (190 kW) with the GranSport, although the actual drop in net power was only5 hp (3.7 kW). Sales remained moribund at 33,728.[21]

For 1973, the 250 hp (186 kW) engine became stan-dard, with 260 hp (190 kW) with the Stage One pack-age, which also included a limited slip differential anda chrome-plated air cleaner. The “Gran Sport” packagewas still available as a separate option package consistingof a ride-and-handling package that included a rear sta-bilizer bar, JR78-15 whitewall steel-belted radial tires, aspecially tuned “radial roadability” suspension, additionalsound insulation and special “Gran Sport” badging. Slug-gish sales of the third generation Riviera led GM to be-lieve that the boattail deck lid was too radical for mostcustomers’ tastes, so in 1973 it was blunted and madeslightly shorter. The design change however only led toa marginal increase in sales, with 34,080 being producedfor the model year.

5 Fourth generation (1974–1976)

Although carrying over the same platform, mechani-cals, and some body panels seen on the “Third Gener-ation” Riviera, Buick replaced its distinctive 'boat tail'roofline with a more conventional-looking “Colonnade”

treatment. This turned the car from a hardtop coupe intoa pillared coupe, as it featured wide B pillars and fixedquarter opera windows. A landau half-vinyl roof op-tion was available. The car did retain its forward-juttinggrille, albeit in slightly modified form. Thus modified,the car looked far less distinctive than its predecessors,and even its platform mates, the Oldsmobile Toronadoand Cadillac Eldorado. The tamer-looking Riviera wasno lighter, and its standard 455 V8 lost more power, drop-ping to 230 hp (172 kW) and 245 hp (183 kW) for stan-dard and Stage One models, respectively. Max Trac wasdropped from the option list after 1974 due to lack ofbuyer interest. The revised styling did nothing for sales,which plummeted to 20,129 in 1974.For 1975, the Riviera received an updated front fascia,which lost its forward-jutting theme through the redesignof the fiberglass front end cap. Quad rectangular head-lights were mounted horizontally. The new vertical-bargrille echoed the “stand-up” theme that many GM carsof the day incorporated. Parking lights wrapped aroundthe fender sides. The Stage One performance packagewas dropped for 1975, though the Gran Sport handlingpackage would continue to be offered. The standard en-gine’s output dipped to 205 hp (153 kW). Sales for 1975were 17,306. This generation introduced as a noveltywhat later became a federal mandate in a modified form,two high-mounted taillights above the trunk and belowthe rear window, which was shared on its platform twinthe Toronado.Minor changes greeted 1976 models, the most notable ofwhich was a new crosshatch grille insert. The Gran Sporthandling package was replaced by an 'S/R' package thathad similar sporting pretensions. Sales rallied slightly to20,082 for 1976.[22]

6 Fifth generation (1977–1978)

1978 Buick Riviera rear

Buick downsized the Riviera for 1977 onto the newsmaller GM B platform. While the other E-bodies werefront wheel drive since 1966 (1967 for Cadillac’s Eldo-rado), the Buick E platform used a B-body undercarriage

6 7 SIXTH GENERATION (1979–1985)

(along with the cruciform frame of pre-1965 GMs for the1966–70 generation). All B-bodies (including C and Dplatform GM RWDs) were downsized for the 1977 modelyear which prompted the short-lived 1977/78 generation.It was, in most respects, a Buick LeSabre coupe withunique styling (with quarter windows mimicking the1975–78 Cadillac Eldorado). Unlike its LeSabre coun-terpart, 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 218.2in (5,540 mm), down 4.8 in (120 mm). Weight droppedsome 660 pounds (300 kg). The 455 was gone, replacedby a 350 cu in (5.7 L) Buick V8 engine with 155 hp (116kW) or Oldsmobile-built 403 cu in (6.60 L) with 185hp (138 kW). California models had a 170 hp (127 kW)Oldsmobile 350.[23]

Sales were up modestly to 26,138 for 1977 and thenfell to 20,535 for 1978,[22] although this was strictly astopgap model until the all-new E-body cars would beready for 1979. To date, 1977 and 1978 Rivieras areconsidered a rare find since it was only produced fortwo model years on the downsized GM B platform be-fore the 1979 redesign on the FWD E-platform (thereare two reasons why the B-platform was used—the ex-isting 1976 B-platform was phased out for the down-sized variant where RWD E-platform vehicles were pro-duced on the B-chassis. Buick could have continued pro-duction although the frame stamping facilities and un-dercarriage/chassis components were being retooled inlate 1976 for downsized B-platform production where theFWD E-platform did not downsize since they were pro-duced on a separate assembly line.Also, with Buick dropping its 455 V8 after 1976, contin-uing the '77–78 Riviera on the old E-body platform wouldhave forced Buick to either downsize its engine compart-ment to their 350 V8, which was too small and underpow-ered for a 5,000-pound car—or “import” larger enginesfrom other GM divisions including 400s from Chevroletand Pontiac, Oldsmobile’s 403 or Cadillac’s 425—eachof which would have limited sales and production as eachdivision gave first priority to its own vehicles before sell-ing engines to other divisions.

6.1 75th Anniversary Package

For 1978, a special “LXXV” edition was released tocommemorate Buick’s 75th anniversary on the market.Production total was 2,889 and included special silver& black paint with gray leather seats with black trim,brushed chrome trim, deep pile carpeting and specialLXXV name plates.

Buick Riviera coupe

Rear view of 1984 Riviera convertible

7 Sixth generation (1979–1985)

1979 saw the debut of the first front wheel drive Riviera.Built on on a trimmer, 114 in (2,900 mm) wheelbase,it once again shared its mechanical design and platformwith the Cadillac Eldorado and Oldsmobile Toronado.The Olds 403 and Buick 350 were dropped, but the Olds350 remained, as did a new turbocharged Buick V6 of231 cu in (3.8 L) displacement with 185 hp (138 kW).The Riviera becameMotor Trend ' s Car of the Year. Salesmore than doubled, to 52,181 for 1979 and 48,621 for thevery similar 1980 models.[23]

1981 saw the Turbo renamed T-Type and the demise ofthe 350 engine in favor of the Oldsmobile-built 307 cuin (5.0 L) with 140 hp (104 kW) (phased in during the1980 MY). The standard engine was now Buick’s 125 hp(93 kW) 252 cu in (4.1 L) V6, and a new option was anOldsmobile diesel engine with a mere 105 hp (78 kW).offered through 1985. 1982 also saw the first-ever Riv-iera convertible, although relatively few were built, owingto very high prices-US$23,944. Riviera convertible wasavailable in only two color choices-white or red firemistwith the only interior color of red leather. A turbochargedRiviera convertible was chosen to be the pace car at the1983 Indianapolis 500, although most convertible Riv-ieras had the V8 engine, which saw an increase in ratedSAE net horse power to 150 for both convertibles andcoupes fitted with it from 1982 through the 1985 modelyear.Overall sales made the 1980s Riviera a great success,

7

reaching 65,305 for the 1985 model year.[22]

8 Seventh generation (1986–1993)

Buick Graphic Control

The E-body coupes were converted to unibody construc-tion and further downsized for 1986, to a 108 in (2,700mm) wheelbase shared with the Buick Regal. The V6was now the only engine, rated initially at 142 hp (106kW) SAE and 200 lb·ft (270 N·m) of torque. It usedthe Turbo-Hydramatic 440-T4 automatic with a 2.84:1final drive ratio. This generation was noted for advancedelectronic instrumentation displayed on a dash-mounted9-inch (230 mm) CRT. Four-wheel disc brakes were stan-dard. With a choice of three suspension packages avail-able, up to the performance oriented FE3 setting, han-dling was notably improved. The Riviera placed fourthfor Motor Trend's 1986 Car of the Year contest.Fuel economy was notably improved for the 1986 Riviera,but the investment in the downsized, transverse enginefront wheel drive platform resulted in a substantial priceincrease, to $19,831 to the base model and $21,577 forthe new T-Type. Downsizing also resulted in a dimen-sional similarity to smaller, less expensive offerings fromGM, with shared styling cues reinforcing the unfortunateresemblance.The smaller dimensions, generic styling, and lack of aV8 led to sales plummeting to 22,138 for 1986, only15,223 for 1987, and a dismal 8,625 for 1988. A restylefor 1989 that added 11 inches (280 mm) to the overalllength (on an unchanged wheelbase) helped, but only in-

1989–1993 Buick Riviera

crementally, boosting sales to 21,189 for 1989, but drop-ping to a low of 4,555 for 1993, the shortened final yearof that model.[22] The last 1993 Riviera rolled off theDetroit/Hamtramck Assembly plant line on December10, 1992.Sales in the personal luxury coupe segment were in de-cline from 1986 onward, although it is unclear whetherthe general market trend was initiated by the poor pub-lic reception of GM’s newly downsized offerings or aninevitable shift in the tastes of the buying public.

9 Eighth generation (1995–1999)

After a hiatus in 1994, the Riviera returned in 1995 withradical styling that departed from the previous genera-tions’ traditional image. A 205 hp (153 kW) naturallyaspirated 3800 V6 was standard, with a superchargedversion rated at 225 hp (168 kW) and 275 lb·ft (373N·m) available as an option. Rivieras were now built inLake Orion, Michigan, riding the same Cadillac-derivedG platform as the 4-door Oldsmobile Aurora. The veryfirst of 41,422 Rivieras made in 1995 rolled off the as-sembly line on May 23, 1994.In 1996, supercharged versions saw an increase in powerto 240 hp (179 kW) and 280 lb·ft (380 N·m), as well asthe 4T60E-HD transmission. 18,036 Rivieras were man-ufactured in 1996.1997 saw suspension revisions, removing excess weight.An upgraded 4T65E-HD transmission featuring a larger258 mm (10.2 in) torque converter and heavy-dutygearbox was added. 18,827 were made in 1997.For 1998, the 240 hp (180 kW) supercharged V6 becamestandard. GM’s OnStar service was added as an option,along with minor interior design changes. 10,953 unitswere produced for 1998.With sales of all coupes declining in the North Americanmarket, GM decided to discontinue the Riviera. 1999was the car’s last model year with production of 1,956cars ceasing on November 25, 1998. The final 200 carshad special silver paint and trim, and were denoted “SilverArrow”[24] models, a designation which hearkened back

8 11 REFERENCES

to several Silver Arrow show cars that had been built offRiviera 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 andacceleration, pushing the car from 0 to 60 miles per hour(97 km/h) in under 7 seconds, and turning the 1⁄4 mile in15.5 seconds. These numbers, combined with the Riv-iera’s large size and unassuming looks, qualified it as asleeper, a car with not-so-obvious yet potent performancepotential. Additionally, supercharged Rivieras achieved arespectable fuel efficiency figure of 18/27 (city/highwaympg).

9.1 Engines

10 Concept cars

10.1 2007 concept

At the 2007 Shanghai Motor Show, Buick debuted aconcept car coupe named Riviera, based on the GM Ep-silon II platform.[25][26] The concept was later shown atthe 2008 North American International Auto Show.It was designed by the Pan Asia Technical AutomotiveCenter (PATAC). The design was inspired by classicBuicks, ancient Chinese artifacts, and modern electronicicons. It includes “icy green” backlighting, Shell Bluebody, gull-wing doors, a 2+2 seating configuration, and21-inch 10-spoke forged aluminum wheels.Currently, no announcement has been made concerninga revival of the Riviera as a production model.

10.2 2013 concept

A concept Riviera was also shown at the 2013 ShanghaiMotor Show, again developed by the PATAC. It had gull-wing doors and a plug-in electric driveline.[27]

11 References[1] “Directory Index: Buick/1963_Buick/1963

Buick_Riviera_Brochure”. Oldcarbrochures.com.Retrieved 2012-11-08.

[2] Flory, J. “Kelly”, Jr. American Cars 1960–1972 (Jeffer-son, NC: McFarland & Coy, 2004), p.210.

[3] Flory, p.204.

[4] Flory, p.206.

[5] Flory, p.210.

[6] “Directory Index: Buick/1965_Buick_001/1965_Buick_Full_Line_Brochure”.Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2012-11-08.

[7] “rivowners”. Retrieved 2011-09-13.

[8] “how stuff works”. Retrieved 2011-11-08.

[9] “Muscle Car Club”. Retrieved 2011-09-13.

[10] Dusan Ristic-Petrovic. “Image: 1968 Buick Riviera/1968Buick Riviera-14-15”. Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved2012-11-08.

[11] “Directory Index: Buick/1966_Buick/1966_Buick_Riviera_Brochure”.Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2012-11-08.

[12] “Directory Index: Buick/1966_Buick/1966_Buick_Riviera_Brochure”.Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2012-11-08.

[13] “Directory Index: Buick/1967_Buick/1967_Buick_Riviera_Owners_Manual”.Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2012-11-08.

[14] “Directory Index: Buick/1967_Buick/1967_Buick_Riviera_Owners_Manual”.Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2012-11-08.

[15] “Directory Index: Buick/1969_Buick/1969_Buick_Brochure”.Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2012-11-08.

[16] “Directory Index: Buick/1971_Buick/1971_Buick_Riviera_Brochure”.Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2012-11-08.

[17] http://www.musclecarclub.com/musclecars/buick-riviera/images/buick-riviera-1973a.jpg

[18] Flory, J. “Kelly”, Jr. American Cars 1960–1972 (Jeffer-son, NC: McFarland & Coy, 2004), p.792.

[19] “Directory Index: Buick/1971_Buick/1971_Buick_Riviera_Brochure”.Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2012-11-08.

[20] Flory, p.798.

[21] Flory, p.876.

[22] “Riviera Production Numbers”. Riviera Owners Associ-ation. Archived from the original on 2007-03-07. Re-trieved 2007-03-29.

[23] “Evolution of the Riviera”. Riviera Owners’ Association.Retrieved 2007-02-17.

[24] Silver Arrow

[25] Nunez, Alex (2007-04-14). “Shanghai Motor Show Pre-view: Buick Riviera Concept”. Autoblog.com. Retrieved2011-09-13.

[26] “The Buick Riviera Concept : Car Makes And Models”.News.carjunky.com. Retrieved 2011-09-13.

[27] Kable, Greg (May 13, 2013). “Best in Show: Buick Riv-iera”. Autoweek 63 (10): 8.

• Gunnell, John, ed.: Standard Catalog of AmericanCars: 1946–1975, 4th ed., Iola, Wisconsin: KrausePublications, ISBN 978-0873494618

• Flammang, James M., ed.: Standard Catalog ofAmerican Cars: 1976–1999, 3rd ed., Iola, Wiscon-sin: Krause Publications, ISBN 978-0873417556

• Bastille album, All this Bad Blood: Cover artwork

9

12 External links• Riviera Owners Association—has many helpful

links for Riviera information, including more indepth articles on the Riviera History, production fig-ures and dimensions

• Riviera Performance—a discussion board & com-pilation of Riviera info, mostly focusing on thelast generation ('95–99); includes maintenance tips,known issues, FAQ, and write-ups for DIY vehicleimprovements

• 1971–1973 Buick Riviera - Boattail—Over 1,700pictures and lots of information

10 13 TEXT AND IMAGE SOURCES, CONTRIBUTORS, AND LICENSES

13 Text and image sources, contributors, and licenses

13.1 Text• Buick Riviera Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_Riviera?oldid=683267912 Contributors: Zoicon5, Morven, Bloodshedder,

DocWatson42, Sd-100, Bobblewik, RivGuySC, Arsene, Sfoskett, Milkmandan, Flybrian, ESkog, Stude62, TMC1982, L.Willms, Ar-gentLA, Katefan0, Danthemankhan, Gene Nygaard, Woohookitty, Ernst.schnell, ^demon, Jeff3000, DonIncognito, 790, Jwhouk, Rjwilmsi,Joana, Bubba73, Karrmann, Mpotter, ApolloBoy, ChrisMD123, Bgwhite, RussBot, Gaius Cornelius, King V, Tomsak, Scheinwerfermann,CraigRNielsen, Luk, Buf7579, Prodego, C.Fred, Brossow, The Helper S, Ohnoitsjamie, Pietak, Chris the speller, BrendelSignature, ChrisBarrus, Trekphiler, Jacob Poon, Weetbixkid, FiveRings, SamBlob, Take Me Higher, Wossi, Shintsu, Phil racicot~enwiki, DabMachine,MBowen574, J Milburn, Van helsing, Sable232, Wws, Cydebot, Dhett, Splateagle, Thijs!bot, Headbomb, Nytemunkey, Artrix, Bull-Doser,OSX, Charles01, IFCAR, Magioladitis, CEIF, Limoboy, Tsunami643, Sadowski, Mike6271, CommonsDelinker, Merillupin, Hiptodip,BrokenSphere, Skier Dude, Mrceleb2007, El monty, ArmadilloProcess, Searles a, Cknowles, Funandtrvl, Tamas Szabo, Dusk Knight,Bovineboy2008, Barneca, Shalom S., GimmeBot, Praecilla, Andy Dingley, GTHO, Rhettro76, Typ932, StAnselm, Moebiusuibeom-en,Swaq, Warren Whyte, Peter.shaman, Alexpfaff, Lightmouse, AMCKen, COBot, Blue Ferrari, Deucester, Regushee, ImageRemovalBot,Sfan00 IMG, Tjcanno, Winston365, Gwguffey, MickMacNee, Grjako, SoxBot, SchreiberBike, Chaparral2J, Boicofff, Riv69, Wikiuser100,Jlarouche, Addbot, Robotriot, Lightbot, Joebuick, Donnie Park, MJEH, Yobot, GoodnightJW, Amirobot, AnomieBOT, Inline6, Imprvyz,Ulric1313, Mr.choppers, GrouchoBot, MR.Texan281, Erik9bot, FrescoBot, LucienBOT, Atarivideomusic, Banzairun, Full-date unlinkingbot, Tim1357, Skamecrazy123, Japanesevehicles100, Pahazzard, K6ka, Rockclaw1030, H3llBot, SporkBot, BrokenAnchorBot, Crwpit-man, ClueBot NG, Wukai, VanishedUser sdu8asdasd, Primergrey, Somethingawry, Kenny10100, Knightmareracer, HiDefRev, Terramon,Yuricov7, VX1NG, Vector143, Bahooka, Stratocaster27, Danielocarey, Cordelllewis91 and Anonymous: 125

13.2 Images• File:1949_Buick_Roadmaster_Riviera_Coupé_-_Flickr_-_exfordy.jpg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/

6/68/1949_Buick_Roadmaster_Riviera_Coup%C3%A9_-_Flickr_-_exfordy.jpg License: CC BY 2.0 Contributors: 1949 Buick Road-master Riviera Coupé Original artist: Brian Snelson from Hockley, Essex, England

• File:1959_Buick_Elektra_225_Riviera_Sedan_side.JPG Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b9/1959_Buick_Elektra_225_Riviera_Sedan_side.JPG License: CC BY-SA 2.0 de Contributors: selbst in Deutschland fotografiert Original artist:Nimmerya

• File:1966_Buick_Riviera_-Side_View.jpg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f2/1966_Buick_Riviera_-Side_View.jpg License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Contributors: own source Original artist: Harleyriv

• File:1969_Buick_Riviera.JPG Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/48/1969_Buick_Riviera.JPG License: CCBY-SA 4.0 Contributors: Own work Original artist: Crwpitman

• File:1978_Buick_Riviera_rear.png Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3a/1978_Buick_Riviera_rear.pngLicense: CC BY-SA 2.0 Contributors: 1978 Buick Riviera Original artist: That Hartford Guy from Hartford, Connecticut, USA;

• File:1984_Riviera_Convertible.jpg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/1984_Riviera_Convertible.jpg Li-cense: CC BY-SA 3.0 Contributors: Own work Original artist: Mr.choppers

• File:Ambox_important.svg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b4/Ambox_important.svg License: Public do-main Contributors: Own work, based off of Image:Ambox scales.svg Original artist: Dsmurat (talk · contribs)

• File:Buick-TouchScreen-x.jpg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/ff/Buick-TouchScreen-x.jpg License:GFDL Contributors: Own work Original artist: User:Tamas Szabo~commonswiki

• File:BuickRivera.jpg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/67/BuickRivera.jpg License: CC BY 2.0Contributors:originally posted to Flickr as Buick Rivera Original artist: dave_7

• File:Buick_Riviera_--_07-23-2009.jpg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/70/Buick_Riviera_--_07-23-2009.jpg License: Public domain Contributors: Own work Original artist: IFCAR

• File:Buick_Riviera_GS_Heck.jpg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/Buick_Riviera_GS_Heck.jpg Li-cense: CC BY-SA 3.0 Contributors: Own work Original artist: Robotriot

• File:Commons-logo.svg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg License: ? Contributors: ? Originalartist: ?

• File:Folder_Hexagonal_Icon.svg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/48/Folder_Hexagonal_Icon.svg License: Cc-by-sa-3.0 Contributors: ? Original artist: ?

• File:GM_Heritage_Center_-_029_-_Cars_-_Riviera_GS.jpg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4f/GM_Heritage_Center_-_029_-_Cars_-_Riviera_GS.jpg License: CC BY 2.0 Contributors: Flickr: Riviera GS Original artist: Tino Rossini

• File:GM_Heritage_Center_-_030_-_Cars_-_Riviera_GS_Interior.jpg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c6/GM_Heritage_Center_-_030_-_Cars_-_Riviera_GS_Interior.jpg License: CC BY 2.0 Contributors: Flickr: Riviera GS Interior Origi-nal artist: Tino Rossini

• File:Riviera_GS.JPG Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fc/Riviera_GS.JPG License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Contrib-utors: Own work Original artist: Mopar89

13.3 Content license• Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0