This stunning 1971 Buick Riviera was purchased by the 2nd owner, Mr. Pike in 1976. Mr. Pike had been a Riviera fan since 1963, loved the 1971 redesign and found “his” car in 1976. Pike drove the car until 1980 when gas prices were too high to keep it as his daily driver. At that time, Mr. Pike bought a 4 cylinder car for his 40 mile daily commute, and put the Buick into storage, packed with mothballs, up on blocks, and under a cover.
It was not until 1992 when Pike decided to jump back into the Riviera game. With battery and a gas can in tow, he got his Riviera running again and started to take short trips as he began to bring the Riviera back to its former glory.
At this time, the original paint on the hood had some checking on it and Mr. Pike met with his friend, a body shop owner in Iowa about fixing the paint. After learning that the paint might not match very well, he commissioned to have the original paint stripped to bare metal and completely refinished. After this was complete, the car was mechanically refurbished and we have numerous receipts starting in the early 90’s through the present time. The documentation is amazing.
The car has all the original chrome, trim and body panels. The trim was noted by Mr. Pike as being in excellent condition and not needing any type of restoration work in 1992 and shows well to this day. The interior is also completely original and one of the nicest original interiors that we have ever come across.
After the refurbishment was completed Mr. Pike and his wife Grace joined the Riviera Owners Association and the Buick Club of America. They drove the car all over the country to shows picking up awards and trophies everywhere they went. We have a letter from Mr. Pike that describes his ownership of the car and binder of receipts.
Recent service:
9/29/2022
Radiator rebuild
07/07/2021
Replace sway bar end link
04/10/2019
New valve cover gasket
Recharge AC/replace expansion valve
03/06/2019
Rebuilt Turbo 400 transmission
This beautiful car can be driven everywhere with confidence, just as Mr. Pike did. The Riv has been properly serviced and stored since it was put back into use in the early 1990’s and it’s our opinion that it drives very close to as good as it did when it was a brand new car.
