19K Mile: 1984 Buick Riviera
In 1984, Ronald Reagan was re-elected as president of the United States and Scorpion released “Rock You Like a Hurricane!” That classic was probably not played on this car’s cassette deck back in the day, because this car has been babied and only reflects 19,000 miles on the odometer. This car was not handed down to a teenager and stayed with the original owner until 2016 and sold it to a collector. The car is listed for sale here on eBay for a Buy It Now Price of $15,000. The current bidding has been slow and has one bid for $10,000 currently. There are three days remaining in the listing and the car is located in Palm Springs, California.
The interior looks original and factory fresh. As expected, the Buick interior is luxurious and well appointed. The seller has loads of documentation on the car including the original build sheet. The Riviera has several creature comforts including air conditioning, power windows, tilt steering and cruise control. The seller notes that the cassette player has recently stopped working but the original Delco radio does still play well.
Although not stated in the eBay listing, the title check shows that this car is equipped with Buick’s 307 cubic inch V8 engine. While reliable the engine only produced 140 SAE horsepower. The power from the engine is sent to the rear end via a 4 speed automatic transmission. As you can imagine, 0-60 times for this car were not impressive. Acceleration tests indicated a 0-60 time of 13.9 seconds and the 1/4 mile took over 19 seconds. That is pretty said considering the car was equipped with a 4 barrel carburetor but I guess it was better than the 350 cubic inch diesel engine in the Oldsmobile cars of that day.
The gold paint looks good and the seller states that there is a couple of small scratches around the car and a small ding in the driver’s door that he is getting fixed. A recent fluid service replacement was conducted on the Riviera. The car is a true time capsule.
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Comments
Bruce, good write up but these were front drive, not rear.
I think the low mileage looks legit on this design. Some Buick dealership should put it on the showroom…
Just before I put my foot in my mouth and called you on the front drive claim, I pulled up Wikipedia and found out that the Riv switched to front wheel drive in 1979. I would have sworn they were rear wheel drive. LOL
Thanks Paul. I appreciate the information.
Quarter mile times in a Buick Riviera? (palm to forehead emoji)
I thought that was Adam’s schtick ?
Can’t stand that flat dash on these, toros and eldos…was like designers gave up…
A practical , elegant design in some of our eyes Raymond. A less is more approach if you will.
Oldsmobile 307.
My Father had one of around this era. It had suede inserts in the seats. When he wore his winter coat he was stuck like fly paper.
Good looking car
front wheel drive on this one, Look at the floor, flat as the earth!(sarc)
If the power is being sent to the rear of this car, that would indicate a mechanical problem…
19,000 miles, wow! This has many smooth-riding miles left in it! My friend’s mom had one with the optional CB radio in it and we would wreak havoc on-air Friday and Saturday nights! This Riviera is worth every BIN dollar IMO. As good or better than a Cadillac.
Love the almost 90° back glass. Classic look.
Nice car…I bought a last year 85 in 1997 white w/burgundy leather. Was really fond of that vehicle. I converted the irritating air bag compressed suspension to regular Monroe’s and that conversion really made my life less stressful. I needed a 4-door and sold it for a 1990 Bonneville SSE.
Mileage looks legit on thos one to me. Lots of very small details are pretty doggone nice. I’m very fond of 80s GM luxury interiors like this Buick. Far far superior to what the mfg claim is a “luxury” car nowadays. Hope it goes to a good home