1977 Buick Riviera

The Buick Riviera was General Motors' first entry into the personal luxury car market segment and remained in production for three decades, beginning in 1963. 1977 represented the start of the fifth generation of styling, and its wheelbase now measured 115.9-inches, over six inches shorter than the previous generation and the previous year. It received the new smaller GM B platform while the other E-body cars had front-wheel-drive configuration while the Buick E platform used rear-wheel drive. All B-body vehicles rested on a downsize platform for the 1977 model year.

The designs introduced for 1977 were short-lived, lasting through to 1978, with 1979 bringing about the debut of the first front-wheel-drive Riviera and the first front-drive production model in Buick history. Its platform was even shorter than before, with a 114-inch wheelbase, and once again shared many mechanical components and platform with the Oldsmobile Toronado and Cadillac Eldorado.

The 1977 Buick Riviera was offered as a two-door coupe with seating for six and priced at $7,360. Its price placed it at the top of the spectrum, costing more than its Skyhawk, Skylark, Century, Regal, LeSabre, and Electra siblings. Its wheelbase was the same as the LeSabre and Estate Wagon and its length measured 218.2-inches, the same as the LeSabre. The engine, shared with the Century wagon, Electra, and Estate wagon (and optional on the Skylark, Century, Regal, and LeSabre), was a 350 cubic-inch V8 with overhead valves, a cast-iron alloy block and head, 8.0:1 compression, hydraulic valve lifters, five main bearings, a four-barrel Rochester carburetor, and delivering 155 horsepower at 3,400 RPM and 275 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 RPM. The powerplant was backed by a Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission and stopping power provided by front disc and rear drum brakes. Four-wheel disc brakes were optional. The steering was by a recirculating ball with variable-ratio power assist. The suspension was comprised of large-diameter anti-sway bars and special shocks and springs.

The exterior design incorporated a new vertical-bar grille with a formal appearance and a slight outward curvature at the base. There were quad rectangular headlamps resting above quad clear parking and signal lamps, a pillared roof, and full-frame door glass. When equipped with the optional cornering lamps, they received a combination of clear, rectangular horizontal lens and smaller amber lens at the forward section of each fender.

Standard equipment included a glove compartment light, under-dash courtesy light, trunk light, front ashtray light, and instrument flood light. The small lamps at the dashboard could 'floodlight' the instrument dials, illuminating the instruments for nighttime visibility. There were protective strips on the bumper, depressed-park windshield wipers, a no-maintenance Freedom battery, custom wire wheel covers, a remote-control sport mirror on the left side, and Rallye steering wheel.

Optional equipment included a leather-covered steering wheel, CB transceiver, three special firemist exterior colors, and three two-tone combinations. The complete list of options was extensive, including a lighted visor vanity mirror, various AM/FM stereo setups, custom padded landau vinyl top, front and rear monitors, speed alert and trip odometer, low fuel indicator, fuel usage light, and tilt steering.

Buick produced 26,138 examples of the Riviera in 1977, an increase over the 20,082 examples produced in 1976, and more than the 20,535 produced from 1978. The combined production of the short two-year fifth-generation Riviera was 46,673 units.

Despite the vehicle's smaller footprint compared to the previous year, its interiors space was more efficient, providing additional passenger room and comfort, more head and legroom for rear passengers, and a larger trunk capacity. The 50/50 notchbak seats were upholstered in plush velour cloth or vinyl and had twin armrests.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2021