1966 Buick Riviera

• UK-registered since 2016, left-hand drive Riviera Coupé with just 58,400 miles showing
• Spectacular condition with deep dark maroon paintwork and very clean ivory leather interior
• Big 7.0-litre V8 effortlessly generating nearly 350bhp. Super Turbine automatic transmission
• On the button and ready to cruise, rarely seen on British roads
• Great spec for a 60’s car with power windows, seats, steering and air conditioning
• Supplied with its history file containing a current V5, previous MOTs and Riviera handbooks

Competing with Ford’s Thunderbird and Oldsmobile’s Toronado for the ‘personal luxury coupe’ market, Buick’s Riviera underwent a major restyle for 1966. Retaining several styling cues from the original such as the concealed headlamps (now pivoted behind the grille when not in use) and ‘Coke bottle’ hips, the second generation Riviera was both longer, wider and unsurprisingly heavier. Underneath the curvaceous new body, the Riviera shared its platform with the Toronado (and later Cadillac’s Eldorado) but differed from its GM counterparts in one crucial aspect, using a conventional rear-drive layout. Retaining the same cruciform frame and powertrain as before, the Riviera employed a smooth, powerful 425ci (7-litre) V8 engine mated to Buick’s ‘Super Turbine’ automatic transmission as standard equipment. With 340bhp available, the Riviera certainly wasn’t lacking for power and contemporary road tests sang the praises of the effortless acceleration and smooth, almost imperceptible gear changes.

As Buick’s flagship, the Riviera was fitted with a long list of standard luxury features, including power steering, power brakes, a tilt-away steering wheel, dual exhaust and an electric clock. A real gentleman’s express, the Riviera was America’s version of the European GT, proving a huge hit for Buick, both in sales and critical terms.

Offered here is a 1966, second-generation Buick Riviera Coupé finished in beautiful dark Maroon paint with an ivory leather interior and matching vinyl roof. As you can see in the images for this listing the overall condition of this example is simply outstanding, and our photographer tells us that the engine fires ‘on the button’, sounds healthy and pulls hard under acceleration. The interior presents very well and shows little signs of wear, superbly finished in Ivory leather. Indicating just under 60,000 miles it’s clear to see that over the years this big Buick has been very well looked after. Accompanying the car is a history file with a current V5, MOT printout and Riviera handbooks.

Rarely seen this side of the pond, this is a quality American classic car with lots of character and a massive presence, attracting admiring glances where ever you go.