1966 Buick Riviera

The Buick Riviera was introduced in 1963 and given all-new styling for 1966, highlighted by a semi-fastback roofline, ventless side glass, and a radically sloped windshield. The interior instrument panel featured a unique rolling drum speedometer and power was from the 'nailhead' V8 displacing 425 cubic inches and delivering 340 horsepower. It had hydraulic valve lifters, a Rochester four-barrel carburetor, a 10.25:1 compression ratio, and five main bearings. The factory MX code Super Wildcat 428 CID V8 was a rare option delivering 360 horsepower. The standard transmission was a three-speed ST-400 (Super Turbine) automatic unit. The wheelbase measured 119-inches and had a length of 211.2-inches, slightly larger than the previous 117-inch wheelbase and 208-inch length. It was longer, lower, and sleeker, and continued to use the cruciform X-frame chassis of its predecessor, but with the longer and more curvaceous body and approximately two-hundred pounds heavier. The concealed horizontal headlamps of the previous generation of styling were carried through to the second generation but now pivoted behind the grille while not in use. The Gran Sport trim package remained optional equipment, and an AM/FM radio and rear seat belts joined the options list.

The Riviera of 1963, the first project created under the leadership of Bill Mitchell, wore unique 'Coke bottle' styling, built atop of the new GM E platform, and was General Motors' first entry into the personal luxury car market segment. The Riviera was initially a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicle, switching to front-wheel drive with the 1979 model year. The other GM E platform cars - the Oldsmobile Toronado and Cadillac Eldorado - were front-engine and front-wheel drive vehicles.

The 1966 Riviera came standard with full carpeting, tilt steering wheel, dual exhaust, padded instrument panel, dual-speed wipers and washer, outside rearview mirror, back-up lamps, shatter-resistant inside mirror, seat belts, and an outside rearview mirror. Slightly more than ten percent of the Riviera production in 1966 received the Gran Sport (GS) performance package. It added heavy-duty shocks, 8.45 x 15 red or whiteline tires, GS emblems on the front fenders and instrument panel, a chromed air cleaner, and aluminum rocker covers for the 425 CID V8.

The Riviera two-door sport coupe had a base price of $4,425 and 45,348 examples were built. Comparatively, the 1965 Riviera was priced at $4,320 and 34,586 examples built. The 1967 Riviera was priced at $4,470 and 42,799 examples were built.

The styling introduced in 1966 continued through 1970. the 1971 Riviera was dramatically different with a 'boat-tail' rear end, a fastback rear window, and a pointed front end. The styling was penned by Jerry Hirshberg under the direction of Bill Mitchell and inspired by the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray coupe. The 'boat tail' roofline was replaced in 1974 with a more conventional-looking 'Colonnade' treatment bringing it more in line with the styling of the LeSabre and Electra.

The Riviera remained part of Buick's lineup through 1993, then from 1995 through 1999.

by Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2021