Buick Riviera

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Buick Riviera
1963 Buick Riviera
Overview
ManufacturerBuick (General Motors)
Model years1963–1993
1995–1999
Body and chassis
ClassPersonal luxury car
Chronology
PredecessorBuick Super

The Buick Riviera is a personal luxury car that was marketed by Buick from 1963 to 1999, with the exception of the 1994 model year.

As

GM E platform
debuting for the 1963 model year and was also Buick's first unique Riviera model.

Unlike its subsequent GM E platform stablemates, the Oldsmobile Toronado and Cadillac Eldorado, the Riviera was initially a front engine/rear-wheel drive platform, switching to front-wheel drive starting with the 1979 model year.

While the early models stayed close to their original form, eight subsequent generations varied substantially in size and styling. A total of 1,127,261 Rivieras were produced.

The Riviera name was resurrected for two concept cars that were displayed at auto shows in 2007 and in 2013.

Origins

The Riviera name

1949 Buick Roadmaster Riviera (one of the first hardtops)
1959 Buick Electra 225 Riviera

The name Riviera,

Cadillac Coupe de Ville and Oldsmobile 98 Holiday coupe) constituted the first mass production use of this body style, which was to become popular over the next 30 years. Buick added a two-door Riviera hardtop to the Super the following year, the Special in 1951, and the Century
upon its return, after a 12-year absence, in 1954.

From 1951 to 1953 the Riviera designation was given to the existing long-wheelbase versions of the four-door Buick Roadmaster and Super

Fireball straight-eight to the more compact Fireball V8
engine, the Roadmaster and Super four-door Riviera sedans became the same length.

In the middle of the 1955 model year, Buick and Oldsmobile introduced the world's first mass-produced four-door hardtops, with Buick offering it only on the Century and Special models, and the Riviera designation was also applied to these body styles. Four-door Riviera hardtops were added to the Roadmaster and Super lines at the beginning of the following model year. However, since it was a body style designation and not a model, the Riviera name does not usually appear on the car.

In 1959, Buick became much more selective in applying the Riviera name. From then until 1962 it only was used to denote a premium trimmed six-window hardtop style which it initially shared exclusively with Cadillac (the Oldsmobile 98 would receive it in 1961) and was available only on the Electra 225. The last usage of the term Riviera to describe a luxury trim level was 1963, as the formal designation of the #4829 Electra 225 Riviera four-door hardtop, the same year the E-body model two-door hardtop coupe Riviera made its debut.

Debut as a personal luxury car

1963 Buick Silver Arrow concept car

In the late 1950s, GM lacked a

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 by stylist Ned Nickles.[1]

When Cadillac passed on the venture in 1960 the project was thrown open for competition by the other GM Divisions. Buick, desperate to revive its flagging sales, won the competition by enlisting the aid of the

McCann-Erickson advertising agency to create its presentation.[2][3] Initially referred to as the "Buick LaSalle" and later "Buick Riviera" concept cars,[4][5][6] the finished design was adapted to a shortened version of Buick's existing cruciform frame. It was again introduced as a concept car in 1963 called the Buick Riviera Silver Arrow.[7]

Of the first generation Riviera, 112,544 units were produced in three years, divided into exactly 40,000 vehicles in the 1963 model year, as well as 37,658 for 1964 and the last model year 1965 with 34,586 vehicles.

First generation (1963–1965)

First generation
E-body
Powertrain
Engine401 cu in (6.6 L) Nailhead V8
425 cu in (7.0 L) Nailhead V8
TransmissionTwin Turbine Dynaflow automatic (1963)
3-speed TH-400 automatic (1964-1965)
Dimensions
Wheelbase117.0 in (2,972 mm)
Length208.0 in (5,283 mm)[8]
Width76.3 in (1,938 mm)–76.6 in (1,946 mm)
Height53.0 in (1,346 mm)
1964 Buick Riviera
1965 Buick Riviera
Interior

The production Riviera was introduced on October 4, 1962, as a 1963 model, its distinctive bodyshell was unique to the marque, unusual for a GM product. The design was substantially the same as the original, less expensively

hidden headlights concealed in the fender grilles.[6] The elegant ground-up styling sported the new "Coke bottle look" introduced the year before on the arresting Studebaker Avanti, with a tapered midsection surrounded by flaring fenders. There was no trace of the "Sweepspear" used on beltlines of earlier Buicks with the Riviera package.[9]

It rode a

aluminum finned) drums of 12.0 in (300 mm) diameter. Power steering was standard equipment, with an overall steering ratio
of 20.5:1, giving 3.5 turns lock-to-lock.

The Riviera's

understeer
, contemporary testers considered it one of the most driveable American cars, with an excellent balance of comfort and agility.

Buick's 325 hp (242 kW) 401 cu in (6.6 L) "Nailhead" V-8 was initially the only available engine,[11] fitted with dual exhaust as standard equipment, and the turbine drive the only transmission.[12] Base price was $4,333 ($43,645 in 2023 dollars [13]),[10] running upwards of $5,000 delivered with typical options ($50,363 in 2023 dollars [13]). Buick announced an optional 340 hp (254 kW) 425 cu in (7.0 L) version of the Nailhead in December 1962. Total production was deliberately limited to 40,000 vehicles (in a year that Buick sold 440,000 units overall) to emphasize the Riviera's exclusivity and to increase demand; only 2,601 were delivered with the delayed availability larger engine in the 1963 model year.

With the same power as the bigger Buicks and less weight, the Riviera had improved all-around performance: Motor Trend recorded 0–60 miles per hour (0–97 km/h) in 8 seconds or less, the standing 14 mile (400 m) in about 16 seconds, and an observed top speed of 115 miles per hour (185 km/h). Fuel economy was 13.2 mpg‑US (17.8 L/100 km; 15.9 mpg‑imp). Front leg room was 40.1 inches (1,019 mm).[14]

Inside, the Riviera featured a luxurious four-place cabin with front bucket seats and bucket-style seats in the rear. A center console with a floor shifter and storage compartment built into the instrument panel divided the front. Upholstery choices included all-vinyl, cloth and vinyl, or optional leather. A deluxe interior option included real walnut inserts on the doors and below the rear side windows. Extra-cost options included a tilt steering wheel, power windows, power driver's seat, air conditioning, a remote-controlled side-view mirror, and white sidewall tires.

Minimal trim and mechanical changes were made for 1964, with the most identifiable distinguishing features being a raised stylized "R" hood emblem and "R" emblems replacing the Buick crests in the taillight lenses. The interior is distinguished by moving the heater controls from controls under the dashboard eyebrow to slide controls in the forward fairing of the center console. Leather was dropped as an option, and the

Super Turbine 400. This was a GM Turbo Hydra-Matic. It used a two-speed "D" and 'L" selector, but could automatically downshift from third to second until the car reached a suitable speed to downshift to first. This was the first year of the stylized "R" emblem, a trademark that would continue throughout the remainder of Riviera's 36-year production run.[15] The engine was upgraded to the previously optional 340 hp (254 kW) 425 cu in (7.0 L) V8. A 360 hp (268 kW) 'Super Wildcat' version was available, with dual Carter AFB four-barrel carburetors.

1965 Buick Riviera GS

In 1965 the 401 cu in (6.6 L) V8 returned as the standard engine, and the "Gran Sport" version made its debut, powered by the Super Wildcat V8, a 360 hp (268 kW) engine equipped with two Carter 625 CFM carburetors, a distributor with different advance, and outfitted with a more aggressive 3.42 axle ratio. A heavy-duty suspension was the separate H2 option but was not part of the Gran Sport option. It offered a quicker ratio steering box and firmer rated springs. The Super Turbine 400 transmission now had a variable pitch torque converter, but was fitted with a three-speed gear selector. The Gran Sport stock dual exhaust pipes were increased from 2.0 inches (51 mm) to 2.25 inches (57 mm) inside diameter and had fewer turns to reduce backpressure. Externally, the headlamps, now vertically arranged, were hidden behind clamshell doors in the leading edges of each fender, as had been in the original design. The non-functional side scoops between the doors and rear wheel arches were removed, and the taillights moved from the body into the rear bumper.[16] A vinyl roof became available as an option, offered only in black, and the tilt steering wheel, optional in previous years, was now standard equipment.

Total sales for the 1963 through 1965 model years was 112,244. The Riviera was well received by the motoring press and considered a great success, giving the Thunderbird its first real competition as America's preeminent personal luxury car.

It has since earned Milestone status from the Milestone Car Society. Jaguar founder and designer Sir William Lyons remarked that Mitchell had done "a very wonderful job," and Sergio Pininfarina declared it "one of the most beautiful American cars ever built; it has marked a very impressive return to simplicity of American car design." At its debut at the Paris Auto Show, Raymond Loewy said the Riviera was the most handsome American production car—apart from his own Studebaker Avanti, in his view the Riviera's only real competition for 1963.[17] The first-generation Riviera is considered a styling landmark and has become a collectible car.[18]

Buick Riviera Production Figures[9]
Yearly Total
1963 40,000
1964 37,958
1965 34,586

Second generation (1966–1970)

Second generation
E-body
RelatedCadillac Eldorado
Oldsmobile Toronado
Powertrain
Engine425 cu in (7.0 L) Nailhead V8
430 cu in (7.0 L) Buick V8
455 cu in (7.5 L) Buick V8
Transmission3-speed TH-400 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase119.0 in (3,023 mm)[19]
Length211.2 in (5,364 mm) (1966–67)[20]
215.2 in (5,466 mm) (1968–1970)
Width78.8 in (2,002 mm)
79.3 in (2,014 mm) (1970)
Height53.2–53.6 in (1,351–1,361 mm)
1966 Buick Riviera GS rear
1968 Buick Riviera GS
1969 model (headlights deployed)
1970 Buick Riviera

The Riviera was redesigned for the 1966 model year.[21] It retained its cruciform X-frame, powertrain, and brakes, but its new body was longer, wider, and 200 pounds (91 kg) heavier. Vent windows, a feature GM had introduced in the 1930s, were absent. Headlamps remained concealed, but now pivoted behind the grille when not in use, and they were once again horizontal. The car's added weight slowed acceleration with the unchanged 425 engine. The Gran Sport package remained available as an option. Rear seat belts[22] and AM/FM radio[23] were optional.

The new front-wheel drive Oldsmobile Toronado shared the Riviera platform, and, a year later, the also front-wheel drive Cadillac Eldorado — the Riviera retaining the rear-wheel drive layout.

Inside, the four-place cabin with front and rear bucket seats and center console were replaced by a choice of bucket seats or conventional bench seats as standard equipment, making the Riviera a full six-passenger car for the first time. Optionally available was a Strato-bench seat with armrest or Strato bucket seats with either a short console or a full-length operating console with a horseshoe-shaped floor shifter and storage compartment. Both the buckets and Strato-bench seat were available with a reclining seat option for the passenger's side. Sales for 1966 rebounded to 45,308, a new record.

For 1967, Buick replace the 425 "Nailhead" with a 430 cu in (7.0 L) V8. Its 360 hp (268 kW) and 475 lb⋅ft (644 N⋅m) of torque were a performance improvement. Gasoline mileage improved slightly, but remained low. Powerful disc brakes with Bendix four-piston calipers became optional for the front wheels but most Riviera continued to be ordered with Buick's highly capable ribbed aluminum brake drums. Cosmetically, changes were few and were limited to the addition of a wide, full-width, center-mounted horizontal chrome grille bar that stretched over the headlight doors and outboard parking lights. Sales were 42,799 for the 1967 model year. The Riviera had full instrumentation.[24]

1967 saw the introduction of U.S. mandated safety equipment to improve occupant crash protection, including an energy-absorbing steering column, non-protruding control knobs, 4-way hazard flasher, soft interior surfaces, locking seatbacks (on 2-door models), a dual-circuit hydraulic braking system (with warning light), and shoulder belt anchors.

1968 models had reshaped loop-type bumpers that surrounded both the vehicle's recessed crosshatch front grille and tail lamps. Hidden wiper arms debuted. Federally mandated side marker lights appeared, as inverted trapezoids on the lower leading edges of the front fenders, and circular in the rear. The interior was restyled and for the first time shared its instrument panel with the other full-size Buick models. Shoulder belts for front outboard occupants were made standard on all cars built from January 1, 1968. Mechanically, the transmission lost its variable pitch torque converter. A tilt steering wheel was standard.[25] Sales set another new record in 1968, as 49,284 units were sold.

For the 1969 model year, grilles gained a pattern of fine vertical bars overlaid by two wider horizontal bars. Front marker lights became far shorter and square. Front outboard headrests were revised. The ignition switch was moved from the instrument panel to the steering column and locked the steering wheel and selector lever when the key was removed (a security feature that became mandatory for the 1970 model year). Chrome side trim was revised, as well. At the rear, the reverse lights moved from the rear bumper to new three-section tail-light lenses. Sales for 1969 were 52,872.

The 1970 Riviera was restyled, incorporating design cues from Bill Mitchell's 1968 "Silver Arrow II" concept car.[26] Exposed quad headlamps were nearly flush-mounted, while the new front bumper wrapped around and over the new vertical bar grille. A pronounced side trim and skirted rear wheels were standard, with optional exposed wheels. The rear used revised bumper and taillights. The engine was upgraded to 455 cu in (7.5 L), the largest engine Buick offered to date, rated at 370 hp (276 kW) gross, 245 hp (183 kW) net, and over 500 lb⋅ft (680 N⋅m) of torque. 1970 sales were 37,366, the second-generation Riviera proved more successful than the first, with 227,669 units sold over five the years.

Third generation (1971–1973)

Third generation
Curb weight
4,247 lb (1,926 kg)
1971 Buick Riviera
1972 Buick Riviera rear
1973 Buick Riviera
1971 Buick Riviera interior
V8 engine of a 1971 Buick Riviera

The Riviera was radically redesigned for the 1971 model year with flowing and dramatic "boat-tail" styling.[28] Designed under Bill Mitchell's direction, it was penned by Jerry Hirshberg, future head of design for Nissan, mating the two-piece vee-butted[29] fastback rear window, inspired by the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray coupe, to the Riviera's platform.

The design was originally intended for the smaller

GM B platform
body—expanded for 1971 by 3 in (76 mm) in wheelbase and more than 120 lb (54 kg) heavier— which produced controversial looks, making for a sharp departure from those of the Toronado and Eldorado. (Collectible Automobile ran an article about 1971–76 full-sized Buicks in which one sketch design for their 2-door coupes which was rejected resembled the 1971–73 Riviera).

This generation introduced a much more visual representation of the "sweepspear", with a more faithful representation to the version that appeared on 1950s Buicks in both the side molding and beltline.[31] Large, round wheel openings were intended to convey more of a sporty air.[31][clarification needed] The only engine available was Buick's own 455 ci V8 engine producing 315 hp (235 kW), with 330 hp (246 kW) with the Gran Sport (GS) package.[32]

The 455 engine had a lower compression ratio to meet EPA emissions requirements, together with the shift from SAE gross to SAE net ratings this reduced claimed power to 255 hp (190 kW), with 265 hp (198 kW) in the Gran Sport. Performance remained reasonably brisk, with a 0–60 mph time of 8.1 seconds for the GS, but the Riviera's sporty image was rapidly fading.[according to whom?] One noteworthy advance was Buick's Max Trac traction control.[33] The 1971 Riviera also features GM's "Full-Flo" ventilation system and two large deck lid louvers are prominent on the trunk lid.

Despite these features, Riviera sales for 1971 dropped to 33,810,

5-mph impact legislation, restyled taillight trim, and the louvers were removed from the trunk lid. The 1972 Riviera also featured a redesigned ventilation system, and the 455 engine switched to net power ratings, 225 hp (168 kW) or 250 hp (186 kW) in the Gran Sport, although the actual drop in net power was only 5 hp (4 kW). Sales remained stagnant at 33,728, a drop of 82 from the prior year.[35]

For 1973, the Riviera underwent a number of changes.[36] The front bumper was redesigned to be thicker and featured bumper guards as standard in order to meet 1974 impact-bumper standards, the grille was switched back to horizontal slats, and the front lamps were moved from the bumper and were now integrated into the headlights, wrapping around the corners of the car. Sluggish sales of the third generation Riviera led GM to believe that the boattail deck lid was too radical for most customers' tastes, so in 1973 it was blunted and made slightly shorter. The taillights, meanwhile, were moved down from the sheet metal and into the bumper, and the rear license plate location was moved from the left side of the bumper to the center.[36] The 250 hp (186 kW) engine became standard, with 260 hp (194 kW) with the Stage One package. This also included a limited-slip differential and a chrome-plated air cleaner. The "Gran Sport" package was still available as a separate option package consisting of a ride-and-handling package that included a rear stabilizer bar, JR78-15 whitewall steel-belted radial tires, a specially tuned "radial roadability" suspension, additional sound insulation and special "Gran Sport" badging. The design changes however only led to a marginal increase in sales, with 34,080 being produced for the model year.

Fourth generation (1974–1976)

Fourth generation
E-body
RelatedCadillac Eldorado
Oldsmobile Toronado
Powertrain
Engine455 cu in (7.5 L) Buick V8
Transmission3-speed TH-400 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase122.0 in (3,099 mm)
Length226.4 in (5,751 mm) (1974)
223.0 in (5,664 mm) (1975)
Width80.0 in (2,032 mm)
Height54.0 in (1,372 mm)

Although carrying over the same platform, mechanicals, and some body panels seen on the "Third Generation" Riviera, Buick replaced its distinctive 'boat tail' roofline with a more conventional-looking "Colonnade" treatment which was more in line with its LeSabre and Electra brethren than its front-wheel drive cousins. This turned the car from a hardtop coupe into a pillared coupe, as it featured wide B pillars and fixed quarter opera windows. A landau half-vinyl roof option was available. The car did retain its forward-jutting grille, albeit in a slightly modified form. Thus modified, the car looked far less distinctive than its predecessors, and even its platform mates, the Oldsmobile Toronado and Cadillac Eldorado.

1974 Buick Riviera rear

The tamer-looking Riviera was no lighter, and its standard 455 V8 lost more power, dropping to 230 hp (172 kW) and 245 hp (183 kW) for standard and Stage One models respectively. Max Trac was dropped from the option list after 1974 due to a lack of buyer interest. The revised styling did not improve sales, which fell to 20,129 in 1974, although it is impossible to determine how much this was a result of the energy crisis and how much was due to the tame appearance.[37] This generation introduced a novelty that later became federally mandated in a modified form, two high-mounted taillights above the trunk and below the rear window, which was shared on its platform twin the Toronado.

For 1975, the Riviera received an updated front fascia, which lost its forward-jutting theme through the redesign of the fiberglass front end cap. Quad rectangular headlights were mounted horizontally. The new vertical-bar grille echoed the "stand-up" theme that many GM cars of the day incorporated. Parking lights wrapped around the fender sides. The Stage One performance package was dropped for 1975, though the Gran Sport handling package would continue to be offered. The standard engine's output dipped to 205 hp (153 kW). Sales for 1975 were 17,306.

Minor changes greeted 1976 models, the most notable of which was a new crosshatch grille insert. The Gran Sport handling package was replaced by an 'S/R' package that had similar sporting pretensions. Sales rallied slightly to 20,082 for 1976.[38]

Fifth generation (1977–1978)

Fifth generation
B-body
RelatedBuick LeSabre
Buick Estate
Chevrolet Caprice
Chevrolet Impala
Oldsmobile 88
Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser
Pontiac Bonneville/Parisienne
Pontiac Catalina/Laurentian
Powertrain
Engine350 cu in (5.7 L) Buick V8
403 cu in (6.6 L) Oldsmobile V8
Transmission3-speed TH-400 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase115.9 in (2,944 mm)
Length218.2 in (5,542 mm)
1977 Buick Riviera
GM B platform
. While the other E-bodies were front wheel drive since 1966 (1967 for Cadillac's Eldorado), the Buick E platform used a rear-wheel-drive B-body undercarriage (along with the cruciform frame of pre-1965 GMs for the 1966–70 generation). All B-bodies (including C and D platform GM RWDs) were downsized for the 1977 model year which prompted the short-lived 1977/78 generation.

It was, in most respects, a Buick LeSabre coupe with unique styling (with quarter windows mimicking the 1975–78 Cadillac Eldorado). Unlike its LeSabre counterpart, 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 218.2 in (5,540 mm), down 4.8 in (120 mm). Weight was reduced by approximately 660 pounds (300 kg). The 455 engine was replaced by a 350 cu in (5.7 L) Buick V8 engine with 155 hp (116 kW) or an Oldsmobile-built 403 cu in (6.6 L) with 185 hp (138 kW). California models had a 170 hp (127 kW) Oldsmobile 350.[39]

Sales were up modestly to 26,138 for 1977 and then fell to 20,535 for 1978,

E-body
cars would be ready for 1979. The 1977 and 1978 Rivieras were produced on the downsized GM B platform before the 1979 redesign on the FWD E-platform.

75th Anniversary Package

For 1978, a special "LXXV" edition was released to commemorate 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, four-wheel disc brakes, brushed chrome trim, deep pile carpeting, and special LXXV name plates.

Production Figures

Buick Riviera Production Figures[40]
Coupe
1977 26,138
1978 20,535
Total 46,673

Sixth generation (1979–1985)

Sixth generation
V6
307 cu in (5.0 L) Oldsmobile V8
350 cu in (5.7 L) Oldsmobile V8
350 cu in (5.7 L) Oldsmobile diesel V8
Transmission3-speed TH-325 automatic
4-speed THM325-4L automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase114.0 in (2,896 mm)[41]
Length206.0 in (5,232 mm)
Width72.8 in (1,849 mm)[41]
Buick Riviera coupe

The 1979 model year was the debut of the first

platform with the Cadillac Eldorado and Oldsmobile Toronado. The Olds 403 and Buick 350 were dropped, but the Olds 350 remained, as did a new turbocharged Buick V6 engine of 231 cu in (3.8 L) displacement with 185 hp (138 kW) which was installed in the Riviera S-Type, shared with the Regal Sport Coupe turbo for model year 1980.[40] The Riviera became Motor Trend's Car of the Year. Sales more than doubled, to 52,181 for 1979 and 48,621 for the similar 1980 models.[39]

The 1983 Buick Riviera XX special edition
Rear view of 1984 Riviera convertible

1981 saw the Turbo renamed

V6, and a new option was an Oldsmobile diesel engine with a mere 105 hp (78 kW) offered through 1985. 1982 also saw the first-ever Riviera convertible, although relatively few were built, owing to a high price - US$23,944 ($75,597 in 2023 dollars [13]).[40] The Riviera convertible was available in only two color choices-white or red firemist with the only interior color of red leather. A twin-turbocharged Riviera convertible was chosen to be the pace car at the 1983 Indianapolis 500, tuned to produce 410 hp (306 kW).[42]
Most convertible Rivieras had the V8 engine, which saw an increase in rated SAE net HP to 150 for both convertibles and coupes fitted with it from 1982 through the 1985 model year.

In 1983 a special edition of 500 "Riviera XX" was offered, celebrating twenty years since the introduction of the first Riviera (502 were built in the end). These have a special two-tone exterior paint, real wire wheels, a leather, and walnut interior as well as 24-karat gold plated "Riviera XX" badging.[42] The Riviera XX also received a special grille, which then became part of the 1984 model year facelift model.[42] Overall sales made the 1980s Riviera a great success, reaching 65,305 for the 1985 model year.[38]

Production Figures

Buick Riviera Production Figures[40]
Coupe T Type Convertible Yearly Total
1979 37,881 14,300 - 52,181
1980 41,404 7,217 - 48,621
1981 48,017 3,990 - 52,007
1982 42,823 N/A 1,248 44,071
1983 47,153 1,331 1,750 50,234
1984 56,210 1,153 500 57,863
1985 63,836 1,069 400 65,305
Total 337,324 29,060 3,898 370,282

Seventh generation (1986–1993)

Seventh generation
Curb weight
3,309 lb (1,501 kg)
Buick Graphic Control

The

E-body coupes were converted to unibody construction and front-wheel drive — and was further downsized for 1986, to a 108 in (2,743 mm) wheelbase. The V6 was now the only engine, fitted with sequential fuel injection (SFI) and was rated initially at 140 hp (104 kW) SAE (LG2) and 200 lb⋅ft (271 N⋅m) of torque. It used the Turbo-Hydramatic 440-T4 automatic transmission with a 2.84:1 final drive ratio. The 3.8 was the only engined used for the seventh generation Riviera, although its power climbed incrementally over the years. For 1987, the engine was changed to the LG3 with roller lifters rather than flat lifters, power increased to 150 hp (112 kW) SAE while the torque remained unchanged. This was replaced by the LN3, with power and torque up to 165 hp (123 kW) and 210 lb⋅ft (285 N⋅m) respectively thanks to multi-port fuel injection, balance shafts, and other improvements. The LN3 was used from 1988 until 1990. For the last three model years Buick used the L27
iteration with sequential, tuned port fuel injection (TPI), which gained a few more horsepower and more mid-range torque from a new, two-piece intake manifold with longer runners. Power crept up to 170 hp (127 kW) at 4,800 rpm, torque was up to 220 lb⋅ft (298 N⋅m) at 3,200 rpm.

1987 Buick Riviera rear

This generation featured the Graphic Control Center (GCC), an advanced electronic instrumentation system which employed a dash-mounted 9-inch (230 mm) monochrome touchscreen CRT display. The GCC controlled the vehicle's climate control system and stereo, and also supplied advanced instrumentation such as a trip computer, vehicle diagnostics, and a maintenance reminder feature. Four-wheel disc brakes were standard. With a choice of three suspension packages available, up to the performance-oriented FE3 setting, handling was notably improved. The Riviera placed fourth for Motor Trend's 1986 Car of the Year contest.

The seventh generation Riviera saw the installation of Dynaride, which was an air compressor that would pressurize the rear Chapman struts to maintain a level overall ride height. A badge was installed on the dashboard to the left of the steering column on all vehicles equipped. It was not available on vehicles equipped with Gran Touring Suspension.

1989–1993 Buick Riviera

Fuel economy was notably improved for the 1986 Riviera. Prices increase to $19,831 ($55,122 in 2023 dollars [13]) for the base model and $21,577 for the T-Type ($59,975 in 2023 dollars [13]). Sales declined to 22,138 for 1986, 15,223 for 1987, and 8,625 for 1988. 1988 also saw the introduction of Buick's Reatta coupe, a two-seat personal luxury car.

The Riviera was restyled for 1989, adding 11 inches (280 mm) to the overall length (on an unchanged wheelbase). Sales rose to 21,189 for 1989, but dropped to a low of 4,555 for 1993, the abbreviated final model year of this generation.[38] The last, 1993 Riviera was manufactured at the Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly plant on December 10, 1992.[citation needed]

Seventh-generation production figures[40]
Yearly Total
1986 22,138
1987 15,223
1988 8,625
1989 21,189
1990 22,526
1991 13,168
1992 12,324
1993 4,555
Total 119,748

Eighth generation (1995–1999)

Eighth generation
Curb weight
3,788 lb (1,718 kg)

After a hiatus in 1994, the Riviera returned in 1995 with a complete redesign. A 205 hp (153 kW)

G platform as the 4-door Oldsmobile Aurora. The first of 41,422 1995 Rivieras was manufactured on May 23, 1994.[citation needed
]

In 1996, the supercharged engine's output increased to 240 hp (179 kW) and 280 lb⋅ft (380 N⋅m), and it was now paired with a 4T60E-HD transmission. 18,036 Rivieras were manufactured in 1996.

For model year (MY) 1997, engineers revised the suspension revisions, removing weight. An upgraded

gearbox
were added. 18,827 were made in 1997.

1999 Buick Riviera rear

For 1998, the 240 hp (179 kW) supercharged V6 became standard. GM's OnStar service was added as an option, along with minor interior design changes and features including new passenger heated seats and the removal of the front "55/45" 3-seater split bench option. A total of 10,953 units were produced for 1998.

With sales of all coupes declining in the North American market, GM discontinued the Riviera. 1999 was the car's last model year with production of 1,956 cars ending on November 25, 1998. The final 200 cars had special silver paint and trim, and were denoted "Silver Arrow"

Bill Mitchell
.

Eighth-generation Rivieras received the most powerful V6 Buick engine since the

OHV V6 provided high torque
and acceleration allowing 0–60 miles per hour (0–97 km/h) in under 7 seconds, and turning the standing 14 mile (400 m) in 15.5 seconds. Supercharged Rivieras achieved a fuel efficiency figure of 18 mpg‑US (13 L/100 km; 22 mpg‑imp) / 27 mpg‑US (8.7 L/100 km; 32 mpg‑imp) (city/highway).

Eighth-generation production figures[40]
Yearly Total
1995 41,422
1996 17,389
1997 18,199
1998 10,613
1999 1,956
Total 89,579

Engines

Year Engine Power Torque
1995 3.8 L L67 3800 Series I Supercharged V6 225 hp (168 kW) @ 5000 rpm 275 lb⋅ft (373 N⋅m) @ 3200 rpm
1995–1997 3.8 L L36 3800 Series II V6 205 hp (153 kW) @ 5200 rpm 230 lb⋅ft (312 N⋅m) @ 4000 rpm
1996–1999 3.8 L L67 3800 Series II Supercharged V6 240 hp (179 kW) @ 5200 rpm 280 lb⋅ft (380 N⋅m) @ 3600 rpm

Concept cars

2007 concept

2007 Riviera Concept
Overview
DesignerJames C. Shyr
Body and chassis
Body style2-door 4-seater coupe
Doorsgullwing
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,870 mm (113.0 in)
Length4,710 mm (185.4 in)
Width1,940 mm (76.4 in)
Height1,415 mm (55.7 in)

At the 2007

.

It was designed by the

PATAC). The design was inspired by classic Buicks, ancient Chinese artifacts, and modern electronic icons. It includes "icy green" backlighting, Shell Blue body, gull-wing doors
, a 2+2 seating configuration, and 21-inch 10-spoke forged aluminum wheels.

2013 concept

2013 Riviera Concept
Dual-mode W-PHEV

Another concept Riviera was shown at the 2013

A pillar and wireless charging.[46][47]

References

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  9. ^ .
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  12. ^ Flory (2004), p. 206.
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  26. ^ Savage (1993), p. 51.
  27. ^ "1971 Buick Riviera Brochure". Oldcarbrochures.com. p. 3. Retrieved 2012-11-08.
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  29. ^ Flory (2004), p. 792.
  30. ^ Brooks, Bruce (June 9, 2020). "1971 Boat-Tail Riviera A-body". Dean's Garage. Performance Design. Archived from the original on 2020-11-30.
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  32. ^ Savage (1993), p. 63.
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  35. ^ Flory (2004), p. 876.
  36. ^ a b Savage (1993), p. 60.
  37. ^ Savage (1993), p. 61.
  38. ^ a b c d "Riviera Production Numbers". Riviera Owners Association. Archived from the original on 2007-03-07.
  39. ^ a b "Evolution of the Riviera". Riviera Owners Association. Retrieved 2007-02-17.
  40. ^ a b c d e f Flammang (1999).
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  47. ^ "Buick unveils new Riviera concept in Shanghai". Road & Track. April 19, 2013. Retrieved 2018-05-02.

Works cited

External links