Very Slick Boat Tail Riv! Beautiful Colors, 455 V8, Auto, A/C, Runs/Drives Great

1973 Buick Riviera Description

Buick's early '70s Riviera, AKA "the boat-tail Riv" was a dramatic design that sparked love-hate debates all through the automotive world. And for what it's worth, we're definitely on the 'love it' team, even though early in this car's reign things were a bit lonely for guys that shared our opinion of the 3rd generation Rivs. But as this 1973 Buick Riviera so ably demonstrates, there's always a way to improve a great thing. With a stunning paint job, big block motivation, and a luxurious custom interior, this is full-sized classic car luxury with a unique twist.
When the all-new Riviera hit the streets in 1971, there was simply nothing else like it. Combining styling cues from the past (that sweep-spear styling), a rear window reminiscent of the C2 Corvette coupe, and major big car comfort, it was the perfect way to usher in the swinging '70s. So how do you make an icon even more iconic? How about the stunning paint job this car wears? Finished in a head-turning, vivid Blue Metallic color that was applied over some very clean bodywork, it's a beautiful shade of blue that perfectly coats the stylistic flanks of this Buick and offers a surface so interesting you almost can't resist touching it. There's plenty of metallic in the finish, so it truly glows, and the closer you get, the more interesting it becomes, especially when this beauty is out in the sunshine. There was definitely an artist at work here. All the sweeping side trim and rocker panel moldings were retained and polished, and the shiny brightwork complements the dramatic paint perfectly. Oversized bumpers fore and aft turned overbearing '70s DOT regulations into slick styling cues, the front grille is as sharp as a razor, and the chrome side mirrors look like they were borrowed from a Shelby Cobra and add an aggressive look to this big coupe. Man, this thing is slick!
The interior is just as stylish as the exterior, mostly keeping to the factory recipe with a few upgrades that add an exclamation point to the cabin. There's custom white leather upholstery with blue piping on the 60/40 split front bench seat, and it's matched by the practically untouched rear seat. The white and blue combination works well in the car, tying in with the bodywork and still looking upscale enough for the Riv. Plush blue carpets with matching mats offer some contrast and the original-style door panels were accented with the same shade of blue and remain in great condition overall. A thick 3-spoke wood and leather rimmed steering wheel warms up the interior and works well with the dashboard, which is very driver-centric, putting all the controls right at the driver's fingertips. Options include factory A/C with R134a refrigerant, power windows and locks, a center console, and a tilt steering column, so this luxurious Riv more than lives up to its reputation. The original AM/FM radio remains in the dash and unbelievable still works, there's an air-craft inspired shifter for the automatic transmission inside the center console, and a trio of white-faced auxiliary gauges were installed under the dash to help monitor the big block up front. Out back, the trunk is as decked-out as the cabin, with a matching blue carpets and a leather-trimmed spare tire cover that matches the seat upholstery. Bottom-line, nothing was overlooked during the restoration of this 'boat-tail', and it definitely shows.
Buick's 455 cubic inch V8 still made prodigious torque in 1973 and despite the rumors of horsepower's demise, the Riv moves like it weighs 500 pounds less than it does. It's neatly detailed with bright valve covers, a matching open-element air cleaner, chrome alternator, an HEI ignition, and fresh belts and hoses so it's ready to rumble with a flick of the key. It's extremely clean, suggesting that someone has both taken good care of the car and spent a lot of money on it recently, and it's a fantastic runner with bulletproof reliability. A TH400 3-speed automatic was the only choice in 1973 and it feeds a 12-bolt rear end with highway gears inside that make the Buick a superlative highway cruiser. A soft suspension with updated hardware gives it that long, low stance and the dual exhaust uses chambered mufflers for a fantastic soundtrack that attracts a lot of attention. Power steering and power front disc brakes ensure a great ride each time out, and help the driver manage all that heavy metal with leisurely two-finger precision. Chrome 18-inch wheels are fitted with 235/50/18 front and 255/55/18 rear performance radials for an updated look that works perfectly with the custom paint.
We know this car wasn't always everyone's cup of tea, but with this slick new makeover, it's like it's had a whole new lease on life. Don't be the last to figure out just how cool these boat-tails really are, call today!