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1969 Buick Riviera

Buick built the Riviera from 1963 to 1999 (albeit, with the 1994 model year being the exception). This was General Motors' first entry into the personal luxury car market segment and the first use of the GM E platform. This platform was later used for the front-wheel-drive Cadillac Eldorado and Oldsmobile Toronado. The Riviera, however, used front-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration until 1979 when it switched to front-wheel drive. The first generation of styling lasted from 1963 through 1965, and the second generation was from 1966 through 1970.

1969 Buick Riviera photo
Sport Coupe
Chassis #: 494879H925986
View info and history
Auction entries : 1
The 425 'Nailhead' engine was replaced in 1967 for a new 430 V8 that offered 360 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. Ribbed aluminum brake drums remained popular, and disc brakes with Bendix four-piston calipers became optional on the front wheels.

New U.S mandated safety equipment for 1967 focused on improving occupant protection during accidents. To comply with these requirements, the Riviera received non-protruding control knobs, a 4-way hazard flasher, a dual-circuit hydraulic braking system with warning light, an energy-absorbing steering column, locking seatbacks on two-door models, and shoulder belt anchors.

Changes for 1968 included standard shoulder belts for front outboard occupants, a tilt steering wheel was standard, the transmission lost its variable pitch torque converter, and the interior was restyled and now shared its instrumentation with the other full-size Buick models. New hidden wiper arms were introduced and the loop-type bumpers were reshaped.

1969 Buick Riviera photo
Sport Coupe
The 1969 Buick Riviera wore mildly updated styling first introduced for the 1966 model year. It continued to use the cruciform X-frame platform of its predecessor, along with the powertrain and brakes, but the body was new, becoming more curvaceous, longer, wider, and slightly heavier. The horizontally arranged front headlamps remained concealed but now pivoted behind the grill while not in use. Cosmetic changes for the 1969 model year included new wheel arch trim, a new lower body molding with argent silver accents, and new side body brightwork. The interior offered a number of options, including bench, bucket, and notchback front seats. Several interior configurations were offered, including various combinations of vinyl and cloth seating surfaces. A wood-grain dash, unique to the Riviera, was standard.

Both the Riviera and Wildcat were powered by an overhead-valve 430 cubic-inch V8 with hydraulic valve lifters, five main bearings, 10.25:1 compression, a Rochester four-barrel carburetor, and delivered 360 horsepower at 5,000 RPM. A Turbo-Hydramatic 400 automatic transmission was standard.

With a price of $5,331, the Riviera was the most expensive Buick offered in 1969. A total of 52,872 examples were produced, an improvement over the previous 49,284 units produced in 1968 and 42,799 in 1967. 45,308 were sold in 1966. Sales would drop in 1970 to 37,366.


by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2019

Related Reading : Buick Riviera History

The Buick Riviera is a nameplate that was used for many decades by the Buick Company, lasting from 1963 through 1999, with total production reaching 1,127,261. The Buick Company has been in business since 1902 actually, David Dunbar Buick had a company that affixed porcelain to cast iron. In 1899 the plumbing business was sold and the Buick Auto-Vim and Power Company was formed. The purpose of this....
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1969 Buick Riviera Vehicle Profiles

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

1969 Riviera
$4,700-$25,580
1969 Buick Riviera Base Price : $4,700

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Other 1969 Buick Models
$2,978 - $3,330
$3,446 - $3,950
$3,465 - $3,620
$4,300 - $4,810

Riviera Second Generation

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
45,348
119.00 in.
8 cyl., 425.00 CID., 340.00hp
8 cyl., 425.00 CID., 360.00hp
$4,425 - $4,425
42,799
119.00 in.
8 cyl., 430.00 CID., 360.00hp
$4,470 - $4,470
52,872
119.00 in.
8 cyl., 430.00 CID., 360.00hp
$4,700 - $4,700

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