1965 Buick Riviera GS

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 make'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 “ IT” Riviera to have with its hidden headlights, and this particular 1965 model equipped with the 425 Super Wildcat Engine. The beneficiary of a recent (expensive high quality) respray and original interior our consigner has put some effort and money into many recent mechanical overhauls which are too extensive to list here. Not to mention sporting is Protect-O-Plate. All very good and all very cool!

Exterior
Sporting a top-notch Root Beer Metallic the respray that is nearly flawless. And it should be, as this car was owned by an experienced bodyman who took meticulous care of it. From its raked forward clamshell hidden headlights, to the clean 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. Window trimmings and glass are all excellent and like new. Standard Buick rally style wheels are on all 4 corners of this car.

Interior
Miles of tan vinyl with some V stitching, buttons and straight tuck and roll, in the form of large wide buckets in front, and a split by a V shaped speaker dividing more large buckets on the rear. For original seats these chairs are in very nice condition. They sport new seatbelts all around. A jet age styled 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 to the center of the dash with more V styling and wood appliqué where it houses the air circulation controls and Buick radio. The dash is a combination of black textured vinyl and beige paint. Wood appliqué is scattered throughout as well. Carpet is gold and in very nice clean condition and is covered with carpeted floor mats with Buick badging embroidery. 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 for speedy rear seat egress. Also noted on the driver's door some water damage has been sustained on the wood insert panel.

Drivetrain
The numbers matching 425ci V8 Super Wildcat engine, (casting #1364704, and stamping numbers 5H909216 LX183), sits within the original engine bay. Some paint chipping on the blue painted block and nice patina abound in here. The mill is topped by dual 4-barrel carbs and backed by a 3-speed automatic ST400 Super-Hydra-matic transmission. Correct equipment for this car and ready to rumble under this hood. A 3.42 limited slip rear axle, which was standard fare, puts the 360hp to the ground.

Undercarriage
A solid sturdy X frame is bordered by rust proofed floor pans, and solid rockers. The frame has a fine coating of surface rust on it but remains structurally sound. Very little surface rust is noted otherwise. Independent coil springs up front and coil springs on the rear are the suspension. Brakes are power drums all around. A newer dual exhaust (mufflers) is also installed.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and smooth accelerator there is plenty of power to get you up to speed in a hurry. The transmission shifted 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. The clamshell headlight coverings are currently inoperable as is the power seat, horn, and the glovebox is glued shut.

The mid 1960's were the beginnings of the muscle car wars, and this Buick with its Super Wildcat dual 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 beautiful paint job and good chrome. Priced very right it will not last long… as we've had one other and it went fast! (sold fast too!).

VIN DECODE
494475H909216
4-Buick
94-Riviera
47-2 Door Hardtop Coupe
5-1965
H-Flint, MI Assy Plant
909216-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
12B-2nd Week December Build
ST 65 49447-1965 Riviera
BDY FB53659-Flint Body #
TRM 629-Saddle Vinyl Buckets
PNT SS-Sahara Mist Poly
ACC EXT4F
E-EZ Eye Glass All
X-Power Windows, Except Vents
T-4 Way Power Seat
4F-Remote Mirror

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.