- Joined
- Mar 26, 2005
- Messages
- 4,634
- Reaction score
- 389
- Points
- 83
For the last 30 years, the Riviera Owners Association is a global non-profit organization that has dedicated itself to giving the classic Buick Riviera its due. They are about the promotion, restoration, preservation and support of the Riviera owner. Their ranks include authors, mechanics, researchers, collectors, dealers and more. And they are not alone in their love of this car.
It was Buick’s first personal luxury car, inspired by the stunning success Ford received with the Thunderbird. The first models came off the assembly line in 1963. Buick continued producing these hardtop, highly praised vehicle right up until the end of the 20th century. In total, over 1.1 million cars were produced and almost 20 years later many are still cherished by their owners.
The first Buick Riviera had a body like no other. It was shorter and narrower with a cruciform form. It had a distinct variable design twin turbine auto transmission, power steering, power brakes and the Buick’s infamous aluminum finned drums. Called the 1963 model, the world first saw it in the fall of 1962. The manufacturer wanted to make sure this car was seen as unique and desirable. They deliberately produced only 40,000 models, pushing the idea of owner exclusivity and demand.
At the time, Motor Trend found the Buick Riviera exemplary. They were impressed with the front bucket seating and the center console with floor shifter. They loved the storage compartment, cleverly designed into the instrument panel, real walnut inserts and below the rear side windows. Options included power windows, tilt steering wheel, white sidewalls, power driver’s seat and air conditioning.
Looked at as a major collectible, this first generation of the Buick Riviera is considered a benchmark in styling and function. It’s received milestone status from the Milestone Car Society. It was praised by auto giants Sir William Lyons and Sergio Pininfarina. Raymond Loewy called it the second handsomest American car he’d ever seen. (The first was his Studebaker Avanti.)
In 2007, Buick introduced a concept coup inspired by the Epislon II but called it Riviera. Influenced by other classic Buicks, it had 21 inch aluminum wheels and gull wing doors. Yet another concept premiered at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show. Neither has attracted the kind of attention that the classic Buick Riviera generated.
Thanks to the classic car’s crisp styling, sporty design and unique character, organizations like the Riviera Owners Association and the like-minded will continue to embrace the Buick Riviera for many generations.
It was Buick’s first personal luxury car, inspired by the stunning success Ford received with the Thunderbird. The first models came off the assembly line in 1963. Buick continued producing these hardtop, highly praised vehicle right up until the end of the 20th century. In total, over 1.1 million cars were produced and almost 20 years later many are still cherished by their owners.
The first Buick Riviera had a body like no other. It was shorter and narrower with a cruciform form. It had a distinct variable design twin turbine auto transmission, power steering, power brakes and the Buick’s infamous aluminum finned drums. Called the 1963 model, the world first saw it in the fall of 1962. The manufacturer wanted to make sure this car was seen as unique and desirable. They deliberately produced only 40,000 models, pushing the idea of owner exclusivity and demand.
At the time, Motor Trend found the Buick Riviera exemplary. They were impressed with the front bucket seating and the center console with floor shifter. They loved the storage compartment, cleverly designed into the instrument panel, real walnut inserts and below the rear side windows. Options included power windows, tilt steering wheel, white sidewalls, power driver’s seat and air conditioning.
Looked at as a major collectible, this first generation of the Buick Riviera is considered a benchmark in styling and function. It’s received milestone status from the Milestone Car Society. It was praised by auto giants Sir William Lyons and Sergio Pininfarina. Raymond Loewy called it the second handsomest American car he’d ever seen. (The first was his Studebaker Avanti.)
In 2007, Buick introduced a concept coup inspired by the Epislon II but called it Riviera. Influenced by other classic Buicks, it had 21 inch aluminum wheels and gull wing doors. Yet another concept premiered at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show. Neither has attracted the kind of attention that the classic Buick Riviera generated.
Thanks to the classic car’s crisp styling, sporty design and unique character, organizations like the Riviera Owners Association and the like-minded will continue to embrace the Buick Riviera for many generations.
