25k Original Miles: 1972 Buick Riviera
Some classic cars will blend like a chameleon into the background, while there are others where the styling is so bold and daring that they will stand out a mile away. The 1972 Buick Riviera undoubtedly fits into the latter character, and this example is an absolute beauty. It has led a sheltered life and has a mere 25,500 genuine miles on its odometer. All of this adds up to a car that presents superbly, but the owner has decided that the time has come for this cosseted classic to find its way to a new home. Located in Miami, Florida, you will find the Riviera listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding currently sits at $12,500 in this No Reserve auction.
When designer Jerry Hirshberg stepped up to his drawing board to start work on the 3rd Generation Riviera, it is impossible to say whether he envisaged producing a car that was so instantly recognizable and distinctive. From the sweeping lines along the side to the boldly tapering roofline and the nearly horizontal rear window, it was a car that made a bold statement. Unlike its predecessors that were considered to be elegant, and in the case of the 1st Generation cars, things of beauty, the 3rd Generation Riviera featured styling that seemed to polarize opinion. Some people loved the bold and daring “boat-tail” rear, while others chose to give this boat a wide berth. Today, these cars are probably more widely accepted and popular than when they were new. That is especially true when the vehicle in question is as beautifully preserved as our feature car. Its Emerald Mist paint shines magnificently, with no visible flaws or defects. It flows over panels that are laser straight and show no evidence of dings or dents but do feature tight and consistent gaps. Rust is not an issue, with the exterior looking clean, ad the underside appearing to be just as impressive. The chrome sparkles in the sunlight, while the chrome Rallye wheels add the perfect finishing touch to the exterior. The owner uses the word impeccable in his description, and it is hard to argue with him on that point.
There’s always been a school of thought that when it comes to engines, there’s no substitute for cubic inches. If this is true, then the Riviera delivers on that front. The engine bay houses a 455ci V8 that is backed by a 3-speed TH400 automatic transmission. In keeping with the Riviera’s luxury leanings, we also find the car equipped with power steering and power brakes. The 455 was capable of producing 250hp in its heyday. At 4,497lbs, this is not the lightest car on the block. That makes the ¼-mile ET of 16.6 seconds seem all the more impressive. The owner says that the Buick has been meticulously maintained and that it has a genuine 25,500 miles showing on its odometer. It comes with an enormous collection of documentation, and I suspect that this will confirm the accuracy of the odometer reading. The engine bay presents well for a classic of this age, and this is a case where the owner indicates that looks aren’t deceptive. He says that the vehicle runs and drives beautifully, suggesting that the buyer won’t need to spend a penny on this beauty.
When I looked at this photo, the thing that captured my attention wasn’t the spotless state of the White trim and upholstery. It was that gas pedal! That is Ugly (with a well-deserved capital “u”). If I were 18-years-old, I might find it acceptable in a custom build, but I’m not 18, and this is a well-preserved luxury car. That is something that would have to go. A correct replacement assembly can be found for under $50, and that would be money well spent. Beyond that, there is nothing that deserves criticism inside this car. The upholstered surfaces have avoided the stains and yellowing that can haunt white trim, the carpet looks excellent, the headliner is equally as impressive, while the dash and console are close to flawless. There is an aftermarket water temperature gauge mounted under the dash, but the rest of the interior remains unmolested and original. The Riviera may have luxury leanings, but that doesn’t mean that it is loaded to the hilt with optional extras. The buyer won’t receive power assistance for the windows, seats, or locks, and they won’t find the car equipped with air conditioning. It features a clock and a pushbutton AM radio, and that appears to be about it.
When the 3rd Generation Riviera was set to be unveiled, anticipation amongst potential buyers was high. However, many of those individuals were underwhelmed by the new styling. Sales figures dropped off by a significant 10% over the previous sales year. However, circumstances have changed, and the boat-tail Riviera has developed a strong following in the classic community. This has seen values increase steadily in the past few years, which means that I wouldn’t be surprised if the bidding on this car tops $20,000. If it sells for less, someone could be getting a bargain buy.
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Comments
Love These Big Girls. My mom had one and I use to smoke my sisters 68 Vette all the time with it. This is Clean, Green and Mean. Sweet Ride
Sounds like your sister miscalculated how much of a head start she was giving you….as long as these boatails were, giving you 3 car lengths equated to 5 in reality.
No a/c? Weird.
Yeah I don’t understand no a/c, I for one love these things, and back then some buyers were hesitant on power windows cuz honestly, they fail, but no a/c has me baffled…
GM power windows were nearly bulletproof, at least from my personal (50+year) experience with them. Biggest problem is the regulators/guides get dry over time. Every few years, depending on how much they’re used (or not), the panels need to come off and all the mechanisms need re-greasing. Not a hard job to do, but kinda messy. The wires in the conduits from the A pillar to the door can break over the years and cause electrical malfunction, but a new splice in the wire will solve that problem. I have owned/have been involved with restoring literally 100s of GM power windowed cars 50s-70s. Only two needed new motors. Ford and Chrysler is an entirely different story, however.
Thanks for that advice, I learned how to maintain a gm classic with power windows. I thought the window motor was going out. It sounds that there is more resistance going up, because it is dry. Thanks again.
The boat-tailed Riv was its last styling “hurrah”. I like them. About the car being rather under-equipped, that’s fine with me! I can crank windows down just fine. And that gas pedal? The last time I saw one of those, it was years ago in a souped-up ’52 Chev that, you guessed it, and 18-year old had.
Likely brought from Honest Charley’s
They don’t get much more basic than this one–not even tinted glass. AM radio, wheels and buckets seem to be the extent of it’s option list. A price leader or a really penny-pinching buyer!
This is the same seller as the black 1980 Z28 just posted on Barn Finds. This Riv can be seen in a picture of the Z28 on the EBay listing. Both cars on Miami
Same parking lot
What wonderful cars.
I daily drove an immaculate 1972 Boat-tail GS from 90 through 96.
I received more attention in that car than any I have ever owned. Granted, it was a beautiful example but I could literally count the times that I stopped for gas without comment on my digits.
Regretfully, she was stolen in 96 – never to be seen nor heard from again, otherwise I would never have let her go. I am convinced that she immediately left the country.
Huge fun to drive and incredibly comfortable, these cars are considerably faster than people think. The massive torque pull seems endless, making the red needle disappear with a willing rapidness that belies it’s heft. Yes, they flat haul *** on the highway.
And don’t forget the sound. Glorious, yet civil.
This example is oddly equipped, the opposite of mine which was loaded. The non-deluxe interior still looks surpringly nice in design and pattern, and is rarely seen. This is only the second Boat-tail that I have ever seen without A/C.
This one is a beautiful example that will undoubtedly make the new owner very happy. These look fantastic in green (mine was antique-gold, which was very green). I’d like to offer two suggestions to the new owner. A slight touch of red really sets off a green Buick well. Consider adding a simple thin red pinstripe to the rocker panel molding. Adding a thin red pinstripe to the lips of the wheels themselves would pull it all together really nicely, imo. Or, you could apply a custom thin red stripe to the whitewalls nowadays then step back and take a look, might be a really cool touch or maybe not, easy and cheap to try. Just a thought.
Secondly, hopefully you live in a state that does not require a front license plate. If so, remove that monster front plate bracket and place it in storage. Be careful, the damn thing must weigh 50 pounds or better. Its removal transforms the look of the cars face from all angles, in a very positive way.
Kudos to the original owner for maintaining this beautiful classic so well, and congratulations to the new owner. If my stable were not over full already she would be mine, regardless of price (within reason). If she were better equipped, I would make room somehow.
GLWTS
One of the last design masterpieces by Buick, the boat-tail with the rounded rear glass was stunning. Is it just me, or are most of these survivors green or some version of brown? I would put headers on this and have a more free breathing system for a little more growl, beauty and the beast. Great cars and it should get a boatload of money ( sorry I couldn’t resist ). Once again, I love big cars and I cannot lie.
It’s too bad they got rid if the boat tail in the mid 70s. They looked pretty dull after that.
BTW, that foot gas pedal should only be a fit over job, a buddy of mine had one back in the day.
Although the lack of A/C is unfortunate, this is a fantastic example of the boat-tail Riv’s. Great color combo – bucket seats – low mileage. However, this one has been on eBay for many months. The seller bought it on eBay for $38,000 and promptly turned around and relisted it with a BIN of $40,000 – and kept relisting it over and over for at least the last 6 months–with no takers. I guess he finally gave up and has now decided to let the market determine the value with this No Reserve auction. There will be one lucky winner out there!
Maybe the gas pedal is a clue as to why no a/c.
Yeah no A/C, It’s a luxury car, unless you live where the sun don’t shine it just don’t seem right. Electric windows, yeah Okay, some people would rather hand crank for three minutes, good exercise I guess. I do remember in Miami, Florida a car went into a canal and the people drowned because they couldn’t get the windows open it was said. I don’t know about that though. I personally like all the eminities that luxury cars have to offer. My 64 Riviera is loaded with goodies and I love it. Now my new car has a lot more technology with sensors everywhere, back up camera, 4 wheel disc brakes and all that stuff, but I still like getting out in that Riv hitting the gas burning the rear tires as that 425 pushes the horsepower and 465 lbs/Ft torque through the automatic transmission, driveshaft, differential and through the axles spinning those rear tires and excelling that heavy car past all others on the road. Ofcourse I never do that if I happen to see a hellcat nearby or my local policeman. Although they sometimes just smile as They know who I am.
God bless America