By the late 1950’s GM was developing an appetite for a car which could compete in the still burgeoning Personal Luxury Car segment, a market at that point dominated by the hugely successful Ford Thunderbird.
The design concept for the Riviera drew initial inspiration from Styling Chief Bill Mitchell’s glimpse of a custom bodied Rolls Royce in the London fog while traveling in the British Isles. He later reflected that he wanted that "knife-edged" styling, though with a lower profile and with a bit of Ferrari performance thrown in for good measure.
With GM’s Cadillac busy with its own success at the time, in what was an uncharacteristic gesture, the Riviera project was cast open for competition within the label, and it was Buick, compelled by its faltering sales, which ultimately provided the winning corporate pitch.
This handsome and well cared for Flame Red on black interior 1966 Buick Riviera GS is well equipped with: power steering, power brakes, 425cid 340hp V8, heavy duty suspension, automatic transmission, power windows, power seats, AM/FM stereo, A/C, and more.
This outstanding classic of the mid 1960’s is responsible for resurrecting Buick, as well as, influencing the character of the Personal Luxury market to this day with its combination of high-output, solid handling, and dramatic design. For apprenticing investors seeking to choose the right model at the right point in its appreciation arc—there will be few cars which can be had so affordably and which have such a long way to go as these Rivieras!
