I may be wrong, but I am pretty sure the maroon Riv in the video was my dad's. He restored it in 2009, and it was a National Riviera club 1st place winner in 2015. Had the dual quads. Everything in the engine compartment looks the same, including the hose clamps and GM washer bottle. He sold it a year or so later to a dealer in Orlando and he bought a 66 Buick Wildcat GS convertible. A rare Buick for sure. Prior to the Riv he had a 60 Buick Electra 225 convertible he restored. Unfortunately he passed in 2020. His passion was cars. He opened his own body shop in 1986 and had so many cars over the years. Truly made a living doing what he loved. Retired and did what he loved. When he passed he had the Wildcat, a 69 Buick LeSabre 400, and a 69 Buick Riviera he was working on at his garage at home. The headliner was on the spare bedroom bed. The dining room had buckets seat trim parts on the table and a new steering wheel in a GM parts box ready to install. The Wildcat is still in the family. He had a 66 Impala convertible and a 66 Caprice at the same time in the mid 80s. I took the Caprice to get my license and the convertible to prom. I of course really enjoyed your video on those cars a couple weeks ago. Love the channel and your knowledge and passion for these cars reminds me of him although you're definitely quite a bit younger. Keep the videos coming they are all great!!!
Your dad definitely sounded like a super cool cat so to speak! Most car guys are cool people and are generally easy going and "interesting" . Keep the memories of your late father alive and in your heart always! Thanks for sharing that with us.
Not sure if it’s a small world moment, the channel curious cars had a beautiful wildcat convertible on his you tube channel. He’s a car dealer selling interesting unique stuff. Never forgot that car. He’s in Florida somewhere. Fun content too.
I agree, the 70s too. The only exception to the 70s was the 77-78 RivSabre though. I remember riding my bike past a Buick dealer at 12 years old yelling "WTH have they done to that Riviera ?!".
@@jetsons101 But then again, you no longer had to use a broomstick to hold the choke open to start the damn thing on a freezing cold Michigan winter morning. I haven't seen "Starting Fluid" in decades either.
Cars in that era, were much better than the cars today! They had fantastic design lines, exceptional beautiful, comfortable interior, with matching color headliners, floor carpeting and door panels. With the right amount of technology and complimentary horsepower!
They were better in terms of styling, but let's not forget that cars back then were death traps in accidents. It would be nice if car companies would put more effort into styling modern autos. Everything follows the same basic design. I think it has to do with aerodynamics being what they are.
To my eye, the greatest appeal of the ‘64’s styling is the forward angled grill and rear end, mirrored by the center console. It appears to be mid-leap. Beautiful car.
I'm a Chevy guy, but when you compare this car to a contemporary Impala, there is no question that it was miles ahead. The competition between the separate divisions of GM really did push everyone to their best work.
I was twelve when my friend's dad delivered him to our house in a new powder blue '63 Riviera. It stopped me in my tracks. It was the most beautiful car I had ever seen. After all these years that opinion has not changed.
Another important difference between the 1963 and 1964 Rivieras was the transition from Twin Turbine Dynaflow (1963) to the Super Turbine 400 (1964) automatic transmission. I have driven a Dynaflow-equipped '63 Riviera, and the car is smooth and wonderful. Dynaflow would not discourage me from buying a '63, but most would agree that the Super Turbine 400 is superior. The Super Turbine 400 was, of course, Buick's version of the new Turbo Hydramatic 400 transmission -- first offered in the 1964 senior Buick models and Cadillacs.
And for those first few years had the switch-pitch torque converter attached to the three-speed box... They certainly didn't need it for acceleration, so I hope they used it to put taller gears in the rear end for highway mileage.
@@marko7843 Adam has covered the switch-pitch THM400 (1965-1967 only) in his video on this channel. Look for: "Best Transmissions of All Time: Turbo-Hydramatic (THM) 400 /425". He comments that the switch-pitch improved both efficiency and performance.
@marko7843 The switch-pitch torque converter was basically like a dummy overdrive feature before overdrive even became a thing. So, you're correct the switch-pitch did just that improving efficiency and performance. I believe in Adam's video, he said GM initially offered it for the TH350 as well. I could be wrong and I might have to revisit that video again. Lol. It was for the TH400/425 though.
@@dj33036 Really? Wow, I thought the '65s rear bumper totally transformed & completely refined the rear. That & the front re-design is why I bought one.
I bought a 64, Navy blue with white interior (seats only), and actively drove it for several years. It cost me $650 in 1981, and I found it in the back of a field in South Carolina. Other than buffing out the paint (frequently as it was chalking up), and a new radiator, it ran fine and had a perfect interior. I still miss it. One other advantage it had over the 63 is the transmission. 63 had Buick’s version of the Powerslide 2 speed tranny, but the 64 had the three speed. I liked the 64 best because of the drivetrain and my preference for exposed headlights. Of course, I wouldn’t refuse a deal on any of the three years.
That burgundy ‘64 in the photo is beautiful 🤩My uncle had a clean ‘66, its color was called spanish gold. It was garage kept. No sunlight on it. I remember once I was on leave about to be shipped overseas. My lieutenant called me and ordered me to report to 3/1 to be promoted to corporal. I drove my uncle’s car down to Camp Pendleton, from La Puente. Everyone was amazed at that car. It had the 5 spoke chrome factory wheels. Clean!
I've always been a fan of the '63-'65 Riviera. One of the most beautiful automobiles of the 1960s from any manufacturer and arguably GM's finest styling effort of that decade - not a bad line anywhere on it. A true classic.
1963 it was the Buick Riviera and from 1964 onward it was the Riviera By Buick probably. Another advantage of the 64 Riv is the TH400 transmission that the 63 didnt get. God i love the Riviera! Buick is always so classy without being too garish.
As you say the 63 and 64 looked pretty much the same, but they had differences. The very early 63 did not have the aluminum ribbed dash applique or the 140 mph that later models had, the 63 could be ordered with leather seats that were unavailable in the 64. The 63 had the Dynaflow transmission where the 64 had a Super Turbine 400 transmission which was later called a Turbo-hydramatic. I had a 63 in the early 60's, but the 65 was my favorite in the first generation Riviera.
worked in a bodyshop back in the day, way back, and the outer skin of doors unbolt from the rest of door, like a fender. one of the weirdest thing I saw
I have one of these...in my day dream garage! Seriously though, If I hit the lotto before I pass from this earth, this will be on the shopping list. I am a huge fan of the early/mid 60's "Personal Luxury" cars from all makers.
Wow that 66 Riviera is gorgeous! I really prefer that body style. Also I noticed it had fiber optics! I didn’t know Buick offered those then. I know they started using them in 1971, after they “came over” from Chevrolet.
Thank you Adam. Riviera is back. A classic again. This has been a great looking car. The 1963-1965 Riviera went on to influence the look of many Rivieras like the 1979-1985, 1989-1993, and 1994-1999. That interior could on a new car in 2024 with updated controls.
I have a 97 Riviera, and you can see the design carryover from the earlier cars. The challenge on the later model I think was to create a look reminiscent of the 64 version without the expensive design details and to help keep production costs down. But overall, a good design, with excellent seats as well.
@@bernieschiff5919 Thank you for sharing and confirming what I said is true. I agree with you that they did not put the details on the interior to make it look expensive. They did keep the costs down. The seats were nice indeed. It has a rekiable 3800 V6 too. You do not hear about them like you did the Oldsmobile Aurora which had a Northstar based 4.0 liter V8. I hope you are enjoying your car as well. Your car has the "R" logo on the grille and trunk.
I had a Chevrolet that made every trip an adventure. No matter the weather if you stopped at a stop sign you had a fairly good chance of continuing your trip! Thanks for another great video Adam!!
I've driven one back in the '70's while working at a Ford dealership. I , even now remember that I felt extremely special driving it ! It's a beautiful car indeed !
My childhood best friend’s father had a red 1964 Riv from new with his name engraved on the dashboard…and this was in 1974! That car was stunning even when 10 years old and the styling themes were long outdated. He finally got rid of it for a downsized 1977 Cadillac and always regretted it!
65 riviera and 67 Eldorado two of GM's best..... Just don't get T-Boned in a car with a X frame. You're right, the PC police would be all over a TV ad like that today.
Unfortunately, no one "understands" cars today. Car enthusiasts (man, woman, or otherwise) have been robbed of intimate, true ownership of our vehicles.
Absolutely gorgeous design... truly art! I see the Avanti in the lines and it really works! Oh I would wish for the opportunity to purchase this car. The maroon color is simple and classic. Thank you so much.
My mom's boyfriend had a maroon '63 Riviera at the same time she had a red '67 Cadillac convertible. I can still picture those cars side-by-side in the driveway. Damn I'm old.
@@portaltwo; Ikr, what a raging misogynist bastard, is this guy. And not only that, he cheats by taking a short cut, it's just not fair. Oh, wait, they know each other too.
In the small town in Wisconsin where I grew up the local grocer had a 1965 Riviera GS. What a beautiful car it was. Dark green metallic with a black leather interior. He traded it for a 1968 Electra convertible.
The car magazines of the day, (Motor Trend, Car and Driver, Hot Rod Magazine, etc.) referred to the Riviera, because of its power and elegance, as the "Banker's Hot Rod" or as an "Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove",,,
Thank you for this. In retrospect (going back nearly 60 years) I realize it was a competent car. My father gave me his 65 for going away to college and it served me reliably through hot humidity to freezing days and nights. Until the covers for the lights shorted out the battery. Once detected, it was easy to fix. When switching colleges he also switched my car. They 65 went to a friend of his and I got mom's DB5. I never saw that advert before, but it's ironic to me that its theme is James Bond and the implication is Aston Martin--although the DB5 was similar in size to a Mustang and not as accommodating as the Riviera.
What's interesting to me about the Riviera is that it was not, in the beginning, a large car at all. It was of humble dimensions-- probably no larger than a Chevy Nova or any number of other mid-sized cars-- but from the beginning it was marketed, and succeeded, as if it was a large, luxurious car.
1st gen Riv’s are all absolutely stunning and timeless in design. Had a chance to buy a ‘65 GS back in early 2000s. It looked like a 2-3 condition in sea foam green. Had a young family at the time and a ‘67 skylark convertible. Dropped out of bidding when it hit 20k, it sold for 25 😞. It’s still a bucket list car for me but the $$$ are just thru the roof. Thanks for video !
Had a white '65. All rotted out, but pop-riveted it back together & it was great! And so stiff. The only car except for SAAB 96s that you could stand in the MIDDLE of the roof panel without it collapsing. They were like a mid-size car, but totally built like a fullsize.
My dad seemed to have the greatest love for the nailhead engines. He thought they were more reliable than the newer engines with their somewhat fragile oil pump design.
Adam, have you ever considered doing a video on the 1960 Ford Starliner? Not as elegant as the Riviera, but one that exuded sportiness and class as well.
My father’s business partner had a white 63 Riv that I distinctly remember as a little kid. He kept buying new Rivieras through the 1975 model year. I owned both a 1968 and 1969 Riviera. Best model GM car(s) ever produced.
This is a car with a lot of history for me even though I don't remember it. My father bought a new '63 model fresh out of medical school. My parents got married in 1964 and I was brought home from the hospital in 1965 (I have a old photo). I'm told the car was traded for a '67 Riviera and then my father unexpectedly passed away in 1969. Both the '63 and '67 are modern classics and I wish I still had those cars today.
Beautiful car! Also one of only two cars endorsed by Spock (Leonard Nimoy). There is a fun photo of Leonard Nimoy dressed in costume as Spock in front of his new ‘64 Riviera. The other vehicle is the Oldsmobile Silhouette. “Travel in space and style”
Bought my 64 in 74 for $300. When the oil embargo hit I couldn't afford to feed it and traded for a 69 LTD Wagon for the new family. Boy, that 425 with two Quadrajets was something! But at 8 MPG 25 a week didn't get it fed.
This is my favorite year of the Riv and my #1 favorite personal luxury car of the '60s. This year is chosen on my behalf over '63 because of the Turbo 400 transmission. Buick's 2 speed automatic is in my view still a little too inferior. Of all the 2 speed automatics by GM, as far as I know Chevy's aluminum Powerglide was the first real sturdy one and then came the 300 used by Buick & Olds on mid-size muscle cars until '67. Anyway, there are some '64 Riveras that happen to have the 401s. What could've happened was that maybe the 401 was sold on the Rivs for a price deduction while the 425 got listed as the standard motor & then the 401 again as standard in '65. I'd say it's rather odd but that's the one logical reason I could possibly come up with for that. And that's the one way in which I could stand corrected by another viewer in the comment section of another video about these Rivs not too long ago for saying that the 401 was always the base motor until '66, when the bigger & heavier 2nd generation got started. There have been lots of '64s and '65s with 425s. '64 is the Riv that I'd like to have, 425 or 401, Turbo 400 tranny and 0-60 in the low 8s or better (obviously better w/ 425). I have 2 classic Chevys, but it would be fun to own some of the very best of other divisions of GM which would include one of these as well as stuff made by Pontiac.
I enjoyed watching - thanks. A little surprised you didn't mention the Switch-Pitch torque converter, a Buick only transmission feature that was also sold to Rover in the UK. I'm not sure what other Buicks used Switch-Pitch but all 63-65 Rivieras had it. The 63-64 would do a continuously varying slew between the high and low stall points depending on throttle position, but this turned out to be heavy on gas consumption so for 65 they adopted a bi-state approach. High stall at idle, low stall for small to medium throttle opening and high stall again for large throttle openings. The change in torque-converter corrector-blade pitch-angle, used to create the change in stall point, was hydraulically controlled and would take about 2 seconds to complete, no doubt this was tuned. During a WOT (Wide Open Throttle) launch from stationary, the low stall signal created when first pressing the gas pedal, was cancelled by the high throttle opening switch. The result being a WOT launch would be essentially high-stall all the way. Switch-Pitch did not appear in the second gen Rivs as I understand it. Keep up the great work!
Very nice! My friends parents were Buick people and had a '65 and is was gorgeous. They also had the first year wagon with the clam-shell rear door. Cool stuff. I wouldn't consider the ad sexist. Even today, women and men look at cars differently. When I got my '99 Rio Red SVT Cobra convertible, my girl friends thought that it was cute and colorful and all of my guy friends thought that it was tough and cool looking. It is what it is, I guess. Either way, those Rivieras were just great looking cars. An excellent video, as always.
My college buddy in 1972 had a 64 Riviera. It was already rusted, dented, and the interior was ripped up. Oh, and the A/C didn't work. But it was a ride and we loved it.
Jack Telnack told me personally that the '83 Mercury Cougar and the '83 Lincoln MKVII designs were switched. And this design was supposed to be a LaSalle but wound up a Buick. I suspect that this happens more often than we are lead to believe....
I love the early Rivieras. They’re beautiful cars. I want one. The 63-65 body style is very appealing and I like those clamshell hidden headlights but I think are only available on 65 models. I kinda like the 66 and 67 body style a little better. I’m leaning towards 66 because I want the nailhead but I’d be delighted with a 67 as well. I think I might be able to find one for a little less money than the 63-65 because most people do like those better. I had a girlfriend who owned a 67. She was a nice girl but I really miss that Riv.
Been waiting for you to feature the 1st Gen Riv. I remember seeing one as a teenager thinking how beautiful can a car be….the Riviera logo is the one to have w/425 ci. V8. It almost hurts to say that today😅
Thanks Adam for a great presentation. The interior in this generation was second to none and the 64 has the easier to repair the transmission as opposed to the dynafllow in 1963. As stated, the prices for the 65 are strong. However, back in the day, the 65 full size GM line up looked so modern compared to the dated 65 Riv with A pillars and vent windows that looked like a 64 Biscayne.
Excellent video Adam, I've always wondered how to tell the 63 from the 64 except for the number of gears on the shift quadrant! 😋 (Those original ads you find are some of my favorite parts... Hard to believe that such heavy cars did not come standard with power steering and brakes.)
So hard to choose whether this or the next generation was the best-looking. Man, do they look good. I like the '79-'85 a lot as well. The boattail would have been nicer if they had built the concept but was compromised in production. As for the other generations, well....
I may be wrong, but I am pretty sure the maroon Riv in the video was my dad's. He restored it in 2009, and it was a National Riviera club 1st place winner in 2015. Had the dual quads. Everything in the engine compartment looks the same, including the hose clamps and GM washer bottle. He sold it a year or so later to a dealer in Orlando and he bought a 66 Buick Wildcat GS convertible. A rare Buick for sure. Prior to the Riv he had a 60 Buick Electra 225 convertible he restored. Unfortunately he passed in 2020. His passion was cars. He opened his own body shop in 1986 and had so many cars over the years. Truly made a living doing what he loved. Retired and did what he loved. When he passed he had the Wildcat, a 69 Buick LeSabre 400, and a 69 Buick Riviera he was working on at his garage at home. The headliner was on the spare bedroom bed. The dining room had buckets seat trim parts on the table and a new steering wheel in a GM parts box ready to install. The Wildcat is still in the family. He had a 66 Impala convertible and a 66 Caprice at the same time in the mid 80s. I took the Caprice to get my license and the convertible to prom. I of course really enjoyed your video on those cars a couple weeks ago. Love the channel and your knowledge and passion for these cars reminds me of him although you're definitely quite a bit younger. Keep the videos coming they are all great!!!
Great story. Rest in peace to your father.
Very cool story about your dad. I myself had a 1969 Buick Riviera GS. No vinyl roof. It was a verde green with a black vinyl interior
Your dad definitely sounded like a super cool cat so to speak! Most car guys are cool people and are generally easy going and "interesting" . Keep the memories of your late father alive and in your heart always! Thanks for sharing that with us.
Your Dad's life is my dream.. I'm in my 50s and planning that life right now. It could happen..
Not sure if it’s a small world moment, the channel curious cars had a beautiful wildcat convertible on his you tube channel. He’s a car dealer selling interesting unique stuff. Never forgot that car. He’s in Florida somewhere. Fun content too.
Exquisite car then and now. The 60's were the pinnacle of automotive styling.
I agree, one of the early changes the became a roadblock to the DIYer was when carb's got replaced with EFI.
I agree, the 70s too. The only exception to the 70s was the 77-78 RivSabre though. I remember riding my bike past a Buick dealer at 12 years old yelling "WTH have they done to that Riviera ?!".
@@jetsons101 But then again, you no longer had to use a broomstick to hold the choke open to start the damn thing on a freezing cold Michigan winter morning. I haven't seen "Starting Fluid" in decades either.
As a die hard Ford guy, these Rivieras are just stunning! Timeless design that has never gone out of style. I love this car!
Cars in that era, were much better than the cars today! They had fantastic design lines, exceptional beautiful, comfortable interior, with matching color headliners, floor carpeting and door panels. With the right amount of technology and complimentary horsepower!
Indeed today it's all about a "global platform" build 2 sedans and 3 Crossovers on the same platform to cut costs and maximize profits.
Plus the dazzling array of colors, both inside and out, and all the various upholstery combinations made for really spectacular cars.
It's a shame we can't have what they got right then with what they get right now.
They were better in terms of styling, but let's not forget that cars back then were death traps in accidents. It would be nice if car companies would put more effort into styling modern autos. Everything follows the same basic design. I think it has to do with aerodynamics being what they are.
To my eye, the greatest appeal of the ‘64’s styling is the forward angled grill and rear end, mirrored by the center console. It appears to be mid-leap. Beautiful car.
I'm a Chevy guy, but when you compare this car to a contemporary Impala, there is no question that it was miles ahead. The competition between the separate divisions of GM really did push everyone to their best work.
I was twelve when my friend's dad delivered him to our house in a new powder blue '63 Riviera. It stopped me in my tracks. It was the most beautiful car I had ever seen. After all these years that opinion has not changed.
Another important difference between the 1963 and 1964 Rivieras was the transition from Twin Turbine Dynaflow (1963) to the Super Turbine 400 (1964) automatic transmission. I have driven a Dynaflow-equipped '63 Riviera, and the car is smooth and wonderful. Dynaflow would not discourage me from buying a '63, but most would agree that the Super Turbine 400 is superior. The Super Turbine 400 was, of course, Buick's version of the new Turbo Hydramatic 400 transmission -- first offered in the 1964 senior Buick models and Cadillacs.
Right on! Well done.
And for those first few years had the switch-pitch torque converter attached to the three-speed box... They certainly didn't need it for acceleration, so I hope they used it to put taller gears in the rear end for highway mileage.
@@marko7843 Adam has covered the switch-pitch THM400 (1965-1967 only) in his video on this channel. Look for: "Best Transmissions of All Time: Turbo-Hydramatic (THM) 400 /425". He comments that the switch-pitch improved both efficiency and performance.
@marko7843 The switch-pitch torque converter was basically like a dummy overdrive feature before overdrive even became a thing. So, you're correct the switch-pitch did just that improving efficiency and performance. I believe in Adam's video, he said GM initially offered it for the TH350 as well. I could be wrong and I might have to revisit that video again. Lol. It was for the TH400/425 though.
For some reason, I was always fascinated with the 1963-1964 Rivera. Very classy, elegant and makes you feel like a king!
I agree with you, I hated the look of the rear bumper on the '65.
@@dj33036 Really? Wow, I thought the '65s rear bumper totally transformed & completely refined the rear. That & the front re-design is why I bought one.
Beautiful car inside and out. I passed one daily during my walk to school in the late '60's and always slowed down to admire it.
Absolutely gorgeous. I have loved the Riviera since they first came out.
This advertisement was 100% correct
About what, exactly?
Don't be so trumpy.
Hard to believe that made it on the air?
Well my dear Adam, you definitely weren’t watching television in the 1960s like I was.
Well, he wasn't born yet...
I'm still watching 60s shows, they are great and full of cool cars.
What a great video! I own a 63 Riviera. 401 with the Dynaflow transmission. Absolutely glides down the road. Prettiest car I have ever owned!
I bought a 64, Navy blue with white interior (seats only), and actively drove it for several years. It cost me $650 in 1981, and I found it in the back of a field in South Carolina. Other than buffing out the paint (frequently as it was chalking up), and a new radiator, it ran fine and had a perfect interior. I still miss it.
One other advantage it had over the 63 is the transmission. 63 had Buick’s version of the Powerslide 2 speed tranny, but the 64 had the three speed. I liked the 64 best because of the drivetrain and my preference for exposed headlights. Of course, I wouldn’t refuse a deal on any of the three years.
Thanks for this one, Adam.. ALL the Rivieras of the 1960s are eminently collectable. Not a bad one in the bunch.
That burgundy ‘64 in the photo is beautiful 🤩My uncle had a clean ‘66, its color was called spanish gold. It was garage kept. No sunlight on it. I remember once I was on leave about to be shipped overseas. My lieutenant called me and ordered me to report to 3/1 to be promoted to corporal. I drove my uncle’s car down to Camp Pendleton, from La Puente. Everyone was amazed at that car. It had the 5 spoke chrome factory wheels. Clean!
Adam, This beautiful Buick would not be out of place on the......Riviera. 😉
GM at its best here. I have always loved Buick V8s, especially the nail head
I've always been a fan of the '63-'65 Riviera. One of the most beautiful automobiles of the 1960s from any manufacturer and arguably GM's finest styling effort of that decade - not a bad line anywhere on it. A true classic.
Beautiful hommage to a beautiful automobile
Forgot to mention the 1st year of the Turbo 400 Transmission. which really helped the cars performance
Wow, GM put a turbo in the transmission
1963 it was the Buick Riviera and from 1964 onward it was the Riviera By Buick probably.
Another advantage of the 64 Riv is the TH400 transmission that the 63 didnt get.
God i love the Riviera! Buick is always so classy without being too garish.
Agree about Buick, as long as you exclude the ‘58 from your list of “non-garish” label! 😉
@@Primus54 agreed but to be fair. The whole GM line up ranchtoppers were garish in 58 hahaha
@@rovervitesse1985 True, but I still love the Impala… the least of the garish! 👍😉
'58 Buicks are garish, but not tacky and trashy like later post-'72s
A Riv with the Super Wildcat engine must have been a real sleeper. Thanks for a great video!
Looking at the exhaust pipes, I bet you could get more horsepower by fixing the kinks in the pipe bends.
@@robertkeeney3898You can, the GS pipes are different, I work in a muffler shop and have made sets one for a 63 and for a 64😮😂❤I Love Rivz' ❤❤❤
As you say the 63 and 64 looked pretty much the same, but they had differences. The very early 63 did not have the aluminum ribbed dash applique or the 140 mph that later models had, the 63 could be ordered with leather seats that were unavailable in the 64. The 63 had the Dynaflow transmission where the 64 had a Super Turbine 400 transmission which was later called a Turbo-hydramatic. I had a 63 in the early 60's, but the 65 was my favorite in the first generation Riviera.
I believe Leonard Nimoy had a 64 Riviera. My brother had a '64 Electra 225. Another Beautiful car with equipped with the 425.
Definitely the peak years of GM's beautiful sculpted metal offerings versus the blobby look of the early 1970's.
0:47 Waiting for some unfortunate Isadora Duncan stuff to happen with that scarf..
worked in a bodyshop back in the day, way back, and the outer skin of doors unbolt from the rest of door, like a fender. one of the weirdest thing I saw
I frankly enjoyed the ad that opened this video.
I have one of these...in my day dream garage! Seriously though, If I hit the lotto before I pass from this earth, this will be on the shopping list. I am a huge fan of the early/mid 60's "Personal Luxury" cars from all makers.
To have a new StingRay AND Riviera in garage when new: coolest most beautiful pair ever. Imagine how cutting edge at the time - WOW!
Wow that 66 Riviera is gorgeous!
I really prefer that body style.
Also I noticed it had fiber optics!
I didn’t know Buick offered those then. I know they started using them in 1971, after they “came over” from Chevrolet.
Thank you Adam. Riviera is back. A classic again. This has been a great looking car. The 1963-1965 Riviera went on to influence the look of many Rivieras like the 1979-1985, 1989-1993, and 1994-1999. That interior could on a new car in 2024 with updated controls.
I have a 97 Riviera, and you can see the design carryover from the earlier cars. The challenge on the later model I think was to create a look reminiscent of the 64 version without the expensive design details and to help keep production costs down. But overall, a good design, with excellent seats as well.
@@bernieschiff5919 Thank you for sharing and confirming what I said is true. I agree with you that they did not put the details on the interior to make it look expensive. They did keep the costs down. The seats were nice indeed. It has a rekiable 3800 V6 too. You do not hear about them like you did the Oldsmobile Aurora which had a Northstar based 4.0 liter V8. I hope you are enjoying your car as well. Your car has the "R" logo on the grille and trunk.
I had a Chevrolet that made every trip an adventure. No matter the weather if you stopped at a stop sign you had a fairly good chance of continuing your trip! Thanks for another great video Adam!!
Reason 1 - It's gorgeous. I've always loved them.
I've driven one back in the '70's while working at a Ford dealership. I , even now remember that I felt extremely special driving it ! It's a beautiful car indeed !
Sexist? Yeah right, men understand machines!
Adam, surely you can recognize that men tend to appreciate cars more than women! Women express other good qualities. The Buick ad is not "sexist."
Two years ago, I finished a complete restoration of 1964. It had the tow package. (401,with 2-4 barrel carbs. ) . I made good money when I sold it!
My childhood best friend’s father had a red 1964 Riv from new with his name engraved on the dashboard…and this was in 1974! That car was stunning even when 10 years old and the styling themes were long outdated. He finally got rid of it for a downsized 1977 Cadillac and always regretted it!
65 riviera and 67 Eldorado two of GM's best.....
Just don't get T-Boned in a car with a X frame.
You're right, the PC police would be all over a TV ad like that today.
Unfortunately, no one "understands" cars today. Car enthusiasts (man, woman, or otherwise) have been robbed of intimate, true ownership of our vehicles.
Absolutely gorgeous design... truly art! I see the Avanti in the lines and it really works! Oh I would wish for the opportunity to purchase this car. The maroon color is simple and classic. Thank you so much.
My mom's boyfriend had a maroon '63 Riviera at the same time she had a red '67 Cadillac convertible. I can still picture those cars side-by-side in the driveway. Damn I'm old.
Sorry, what was wrong with the ad again? 🤣🤣
I get such a kick out of the old ads.
@@eyerollthereforeiam1709Oh me too!
I don't see it as being sexist.
The guy takes a shortcut and beats her to the club, oh, no.
@@Johnnycdrums I think it has more to do with saying it's a machine that a woman can admire and enjoy but only a man can really understand. 😂
@@portaltwo; Ikr, what a raging misogynist bastard, is this guy.
And not only that, he cheats by taking a short cut, it's just not fair.
Oh, wait, they know each other too.
In the small town in Wisconsin where I grew up the local grocer had a 1965 Riviera GS. What a beautiful car it was. Dark green metallic with a black leather interior. He traded it for a 1968 Electra convertible.
The car magazines of the day, (Motor Trend, Car and Driver, Hot Rod Magazine, etc.) referred to the Riviera, because of its power and elegance, as the "Banker's Hot Rod" or as an "Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove",,,
Would have loved to have seen that photo of Leonard Nimoy, in costume as Spock leaning on the front of his Buick Rivera. Cool as hell.
Thank you for this. In retrospect (going back nearly 60 years) I realize it was a competent car. My father gave me his 65 for going away to college and it served me reliably through hot humidity to freezing days and nights. Until the covers for the lights shorted out the battery. Once detected, it was easy to fix. When switching colleges he also switched my car. They 65 went to a friend of his and I got mom's DB5. I never saw that advert before, but it's ironic to me that its theme is James Bond and the implication is Aston Martin--although the DB5 was similar in size to a Mustang and not as accommodating as the Riviera.
The biggest reason for me to get a 64 Riviera is the turbo 400 transmission along with the 425 engine
My dad had a black '64. Probably the best car he ever had, and he had a bunch.
I am surprised you did not mention the transmissions! 64 was the first year for the Switch-Pitch Turbo hydramatic 400!
1sr gen Riviera by far, is the best looking version.
My favourite car, ever! I was always more of a “banker’s sports car” guy, than a muscle car guy!
Peace
What's interesting to me about the Riviera is that it was not, in the beginning, a large car at all. It was of humble dimensions-- probably no larger than a Chevy Nova or any number of other mid-sized cars-- but from the beginning it was marketed, and succeeded, as if it was a large, luxurious car.
1st gen Riv’s are all absolutely stunning and timeless in design. Had a chance to buy a ‘65 GS back in early 2000s. It looked like a 2-3 condition in sea foam green. Had a young family at the time and a ‘67 skylark convertible. Dropped out of bidding when it hit 20k, it sold for 25 😞. It’s still a bucket list car for me but the $$$ are just thru the roof. Thanks for video !
One thing I always thought a bit odd about these care were the really flat side windows. Most cars back then had curved side windows.
Had a white '65. All rotted out, but pop-riveted it back together & it was great!
And so stiff. The only car except for SAAB 96s that you could stand in the MIDDLE of the roof panel without it collapsing.
They were like a mid-size car, but totally built like a fullsize.
Wouldn't you really rather have a Buick?
Buick Wildcat Power!!!
For me the easiest way is the 63 has the Dyanflow PNDLR dual range transmission, and the 64 has the SuperTurbine 400 PRNDL 3 speed transmission.
My dad seemed to have the greatest love for the nailhead engines. He thought they were more reliable than the newer engines with their somewhat fragile oil pump design.
Beautiful car, wish they made them like that now!
I'm surprised the clamshell headlights weren't talked about such a unique design.
Always a favorite of mine, this generation of Rivieras along the Corvettes of the same era, beautiful cars
Prettiest car GM ever made, IMHO.
Adam, have you ever considered doing a video on the 1960 Ford Starliner? Not as elegant as the Riviera, but one that exuded sportiness and class as well.
My father’s business partner had a white 63 Riv that I distinctly remember as a little kid. He kept buying new Rivieras through the 1975 model year. I owned both a 1968 and 1969 Riviera. Best model GM car(s) ever produced.
I liked the spelled out Riviera better than the circle R.
No doubt about it, a beautiful car.
This is a car with a lot of history for me even though I don't remember it. My father bought a new '63 model fresh out of medical school. My parents got married in 1964 and I was brought home from the hospital in 1965 (I have a old photo). I'm told the car was traded for a '67 Riviera and then my father unexpectedly passed away in 1969. Both the '63 and '67 are modern classics and I wish I still had those cars today.
I agree, Adam. A truly beautiful car that has aged very gracefully. I have to say, though, that I do rather like the hidden headlamps on the '65.
Beautiful car! Also one of only two cars endorsed by Spock (Leonard Nimoy). There is a fun photo of Leonard Nimoy dressed in costume as Spock in front of his new ‘64 Riviera. The other vehicle is the Oldsmobile Silhouette. “Travel in space and style”
Bought my 64 in 74 for $300. When the oil embargo hit I couldn't afford to feed it and traded for a 69 LTD Wagon for the new family. Boy, that 425 with two Quadrajets was something! But at 8 MPG 25 a week didn't get it fed.
-I'm a total Porsche man but have to agree with Adam, this car had the best old American car interior of all time!
This is my favorite year of the Riv and my #1 favorite personal luxury car of the '60s. This year is chosen on my behalf over '63 because of the Turbo 400 transmission. Buick's 2 speed automatic is in my view still a little too inferior. Of all the 2 speed automatics by GM, as far as I know Chevy's aluminum Powerglide was the first real sturdy one and then came the 300 used by Buick & Olds on mid-size muscle cars until '67. Anyway, there are some '64 Riveras that happen to have the 401s. What could've happened was that maybe the 401 was sold on the Rivs for a price deduction while the 425 got listed as the standard motor & then the 401 again as standard in '65. I'd say it's rather odd but that's the one logical reason I could possibly come up with for that. And that's the one way in which I could stand corrected by another viewer in the comment section of another video about these Rivs not too long ago for saying that the 401 was always the base motor until '66, when the bigger & heavier 2nd generation got started. There have been lots of '64s and '65s with 425s. '64 is the Riv that I'd like to have, 425 or 401, Turbo 400 tranny and 0-60 in the low 8s or better (obviously better w/ 425). I have 2 classic Chevys, but it would be fun to own some of the very best of other divisions of GM which would include one of these as well as stuff made by Pontiac.
I enjoyed watching - thanks. A little surprised you didn't mention the Switch-Pitch torque converter, a Buick only transmission feature that was also sold to Rover in the UK. I'm not sure what other Buicks used Switch-Pitch but all 63-65 Rivieras had it. The 63-64 would do a continuously varying slew between the high and low stall points depending on throttle position, but this turned out to be heavy on gas consumption so for 65 they adopted a bi-state approach. High stall at idle, low stall for small to medium throttle opening and high stall again for large throttle openings. The change in torque-converter corrector-blade pitch-angle, used to create the change in stall point, was hydraulically controlled and would take about 2 seconds to complete, no doubt this was tuned. During a WOT (Wide Open Throttle) launch from stationary, the low stall signal created when first pressing the gas pedal, was cancelled by the high throttle opening switch. The result being a WOT launch would be essentially high-stall all the way. Switch-Pitch did not appear in the second gen Rivs as I understand it. Keep up the great work!
Very nice! My friends parents were Buick people and had a '65 and is was gorgeous. They also had the first year wagon with the clam-shell rear door. Cool stuff. I wouldn't consider the ad sexist. Even today, women and men look at cars differently. When I got my '99 Rio Red SVT Cobra convertible, my girl friends thought that it was cute and colorful and all of my guy friends thought that it was tough and cool looking. It is what it is, I guess. Either way, those Rivieras were just great looking cars. An excellent video, as always.
My college buddy in 1972 had a 64 Riviera. It was already rusted, dented, and the interior was ripped up. Oh, and the A/C didn't work. But it was a ride and we loved it.
Jack Telnack told me personally that the '83 Mercury Cougar and the '83 Lincoln MKVII designs were switched. And this design was supposed to be a LaSalle but wound up a Buick. I suspect that this happens more often than we are lead to believe....
The wood on the interior looks real.
It is.
My grandad sold Buick/Chevrolets and Opels kind of. I was 2 in 64 but always loved the Rivieras, just beautiful cars.
I remember the "coke bottle" styling theme as being attributable to Pontiac.
We had one and loved it.
I love the early Rivieras. They’re beautiful cars. I want one. The 63-65 body style is very appealing and I like those clamshell hidden headlights but I think are only available on 65 models. I kinda like the 66 and 67 body style a little better. I’m leaning towards 66 because I want the nailhead but I’d be delighted with a 67 as well. I think I might be able to find one for a little less money than the 63-65 because most people do like those better.
I had a girlfriend who owned a 67. She was a nice girl but I really miss that Riv.
Thank you for this presentation. Excellent as always
Been waiting for you to feature the 1st Gen Riv. I remember seeing one as a teenager thinking how beautiful can a car be….the Riviera logo is the one to have w/425 ci. V8. It almost hurts to say that today😅
1964...actually, you got the 425 motor complimentary for the car cost, rather. "free" it werent.
Chauvinist maybe... not quite sexist.
The absolute best model ever was the split rear window by far!
No doubt one of the best lookers…Be difficult to argue otherwise
I knew a guy who had one of these. Fantastic design! Beautifully crafted. But, he said it "drove like a bucket "
Might have been an understatement so you wouldn't try to buy it
Clark's Corvair Parts sells upholstery for 63 - 65 Riviera's.
I love my 67 Buick Plum🇺🇸
Just beautiful
I mean, was that commercial a bit sexist...by today's standards. Sure. But not so much for the 60s. I kinda miss the 60s. ;)
thje buiks from the 60´s all of them were incredible nice the coupés, till 72 maybe baby
Thanks Adam for a great presentation. The interior in this generation was second to none and the 64 has the easier to repair the transmission as opposed to the dynafllow in 1963. As stated, the prices for the 65 are strong. However, back in the day, the 65 full size GM line up looked so modern compared to the dated 65 Riv with A pillars and vent windows that looked like a 64 Biscayne.
Nice cars, for sure. We're suckers for hideaways, so the '65 with the too-cool-for-school clamshells takes it for us.
Excellent video Adam, I've always wondered how to tell the 63 from the 64 except for the number of gears on the shift quadrant! 😋
(Those original ads you find are some of my favorite parts... Hard to believe that such heavy cars did not come standard with power steering and brakes.)
So hard to choose whether this or the next generation was the best-looking. Man, do they look good. I like the '79-'85 a lot as well. The boattail would have been nicer if they had built the concept but was compromised in production. As for the other generations, well....