1982 BUICK RIVIERA CONVERTIBLE - One of Only 1248

1982 Buick Riviera Convertible Description

Here for your consideration is a RARE Limited Production 1982 Buick Riviera Convertible.
This is one of only 1248 Riviera E-Body Convertibles built that year. Fully equipped with every available option.
This car has the 5.0L (307 Cu, In.) V8 Engine. These cars crowned the showroom floors of select Buick Dealerships. They were DOUBLE the cost of a loaded Riviera Hardtop of the same year. Typically, these cars were priced in the $25,000 range. Many were sold for far more as they were highly coveted and hard to acquire.

This particular car was sold brand new in sunny, hot, Modesto, California at Rule Dale Auto Plaza, Buick Olds Cadillac Dealership on North McHenry Ave. I remember seeing this car displayed in the showroom window many years before I purchased it from the original buyer. The car was first purchased by a middle aged woman (name withheld for privacy) who was an upper echelon manager at Gallo Winery here in Modesto. This car was a well known fixture, parked neatly outside the front entry for many years prior to her retirement.
After retirement, she purchased a small compact car and stored the Riviera inside her garage where it remained for years, until her now-grown children started quarreling over it. Rather than risk hurt feelings, she decided to sell the car. I was lucky enough to see the ad in time and purchased the car. The car remains in Modesto to this day.

HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE A TOTALLY RUST FREE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA CLASSIC RIVIERA CONVERTIBLE. A VERY EASY RESTORATION.
Although its showing its wear and needs some refurbishing - this car still has its ORIGINAL White paint with pinstripe, (which is still presentable). This car’s paint was protected by “Polyglycoat” and has the dealer stickers on the windows. Remember Polyglycoat - MING Finishes? The Car Dealers in the late 70’s and early 80’s were hard-selling this $200 Paint Treatment for their new cars. I thought they were nuts at the time. But apparently, the stuff works. Well, at least well enough to bring it into the 21st Century. The original paint is still there and not too bad considering its age. Also - as most collector’s know, a car with its original paint job hides NOTHING. No accident damage or RUST. You KNOW what you’re working with. You'll notice that finished cars are now in the High Teens and Twenty Thousand price range. THIS RARE COLLECTIBLE IS A BARGAIN - and is priced more like a common used-car, or average Riviera Hardtop.

NADA GUIDES Estimates the LOW RETAIL VALUE of this car at $4,830

Also - the bumper fillers on this car have been replaced with strong “Flexiglass” bumpers fillers and painted to match the car. ($400) The bumper fillers on most of these old Riviera, Eldorados, and Toranados have long since crumbled away.
The car features its Original Claret Burgundy Leather interior. (which is worn and not so presentable). As with all of the Riviera Convertibles - this car was LOADED with options. Power Everything! Pwr windows, Pwr Locks, Pwr Seats, Pwr trunk, Pwr Antenna, Pwr Mirrors, Pwr Top, you name it! Most of these features like power windows, locks, and seats still function. Antenna, Trunk release, and Top motor gave out years ago. A/C needs charged. The convertible top is, as you can see - Totally worn out. (I found new tops online, ready to install, ranging from $350-$550 bucks). Also - please note; the glass convertible rear window IS there and undamaged. It's unzipped and resting in the top well.
The engine is Original and never been rebuilt. It’s still in good shape, runs decent and doesn’t smoke. The car has done alot of sitting off and on over the past 10 years, so I guess it could use some tinkering and tuning to make it better. We installed a new carburetor and water pump a few years back when we had the transmission redone.

The transmission was completely rebuilt about two years ago ($1,800) over at Tradeway Transmission here in Modesto. The exhaust system ($600) and catalytic converter was completely replaced around that same time. Tires are decent but they’re getting old. I bought them from Coker Tire about 8 years ago. I wanted the slightly wider white walls that were on the car originally. Coker was the only place that had them at the time. They’re Not bad, Not bald, but definitely Not new.

Here is your opportunity to acquire a Rare Limited Production, Buick Riviera Convertible. They are now being recognized as a rare collectible Buick. Many folks I've met over the years were shocked to see a Convertible Riviera. They never knew that Buick manufactured and sold a limited number of convertibles from 1982 through 1985. Get yours now before everyone finds out and the price shoots way up.
PAYMENT: If you bid successfully - we request you make an immediate $1000 deposit via PayPal. If you are out of our area - we would prefer that you pay the remaining balance using a Wire Transfer from your bank to ours. With all the scams and such these days, it seems you can't trust Cashier's checks etc.
SHIPPING: Needless to say - we will cooperate with your shipping company. BUYER (you) are responsible for all shipping expenses.
Thank you for viewing this auction. Truly hate to see this car go - but I have too many other priorities that keep getting in the way of restoring this car back to its well-deserved former glory.