'65 Buick Riviera Gran Sport | Style Personified
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 มิ.ย. 2021
- Alex Downie bought his 1965 Buick Riviera Gran Sport in 1983 as a daily driver. At the time, he had no idea how much this car would come to mean to him and how he would identify with the car over time. Having owned it for close to 40 years, it is now a part of him in a way that's hard to describe. With its huge 425 cubic in engine putting out 365 hp and 465 ft. lbs. of torque, this car will throw you back in the seat but it's more about the style and elegance of this car that Alex identifies with. He had the car restored about 20 years ago and it continues to get major attention wherever he goes.
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Not just a car - pure form of art! I envy this man.
Thanks for restoring that classic Buick to it's original grandeur and not ruining it by turning it into a restomod.
Thanks for watching.
Amen brother. That's like a good looking woman getting breast implants. Keep it original
The first generation Buick Riviera’s , 1963, 64 and 65, are most definitely, one of the most stunning, respected, quality constructed, appreciated, honest era’s of Buick, in Buick’s history… and yes, one of my, most favorite automobiles, of all time. I have been blessed, as a serious ‘Car guy’, to have owned some very special and rare automobiles, and yet, I’ve never owned a first generation Riviera…I just haven’t found the ‘Right one’…yet!!
Dennis, They really were beautiful cars. Thanks for watching.
My Father Bought A New 1964. He AlwaysSaid That It Was The Best Car He Ever Drove.🌹
For people who dont know, gm actually offered this car to Cadillac first. Cadillac didn't want it so then it was offered to Buick and the rest is history. Absolutely beautiful machine.
Thanks for the info Kevin. I didn't know that. Thanks for watching.
The full story is when Cadillac declined, GM then had a competition with all the other divisions, the best promotional presentation would win the Riviera, I’m so glad Buick won,
I too am a passionate lover of the last model of the first generation Riviera, and I am also a proud owner of a beautiful 65 Riviera ✌🏽❤
The 63 Riv's styling was intended for a GM Corporate revival of the La Salle brand, which had been a Cadillac sub-division in the 1920's through to 1941. When Cadillac decided against reintroducing La Salles on the market, Buick snapped it up. Probably a good idea, since Buicks and Oldsmobiles at the time were both aspiring to be more like Cadillacs. La Salle likely would have been as useful to GM as Edsel was to Ford.
I have 65 Riviera to I’ve had it for about 30 years it was my daily driver for many years now it’s A weekend car now but it’s not a grand sport but it’s still a Riviera and I love it
Beautiful cars with unique design. They look goo regardless of what's under the hood! Thanks for watching.
What ever you do, don't get rid of it
@@DA-gn2my I agree. It's a keeper. I'm sure Alex will keep it until the end.
One of the best cars to come from that era. Absolutely gorgeous from every angle. It has no bad side at all
My favorite Buick was a 1968 Buick Riviera beautiful car a car that I will never forget and yes I did on one
They’re gorgeous for sure. Thanks for sharing.
When Enzo Ferrari saw the 65 Rivera for the first time he exclaimed " That is the most beautiful car I have ever seen". And I must agree with him.
Can't get higher praise than that!
@@CENTERLANE yes, riviera is most elegant automobil of America till Fifth generation (1977).
Incorrect Enzo Ferrari called the Jaguar E-Type “the most beautiful car ever made” and not to take anything away from this most gorgeous American car ever made because I love “Buick’s”
He said that about the E-Type....
Rest of '65 Buicks...well, better than the GARBAGE now!
This has to be one of the best car stories that I have viewed. It is a testimony to the host who did not interrupt or say stupid stuff during the video. It is really a testimony to the communication skills of the owner and his love of this car. I appreciate the investments he has made in his car and the good luck he has had in the people who he has entrusted his car to.
I've always loved this generation of Riviera and am so happy that the owner has kept and improved this car over so many years. What a car guy!!
Well said...on ALL points! We know the hp is actually 360 (not 365) w/the dual-quad 425.
This story brought me to tears. It's told by a man who knows how to speak eloquently and tell his story in a way not seen anymore in this mess of a world we live in today. I have the ability as he does to see beyond the "appliance" of a car and develop a relationship between man and machine. And what an incredible car to tell a story about. I just wish that we could find people in the tire stores who don't feel a need to hammer lead weights on the outsides of these very special rims when balancing new tires!
Alex does a great job of communicating his passion for the car. I have another video featuring Alex, talking about his '67 Corvette which will be out in a few weeks. Please subscribe if you haven't already. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for your kind comments. Next time I'll find a tire store that's willing to balance the tires by putting the weights on the inside of the rim!
The 65 Buick Rivera is my dream car
And mine too! Thanks for watching.
Stunning - the Riviera was always a benchmark of style and class - the peak of the era . . .
Definitely a great era for GM. Thanks for watching.
Probably one of the least compromised and best designs ever. In green it is magnificent. To me the greatest thing is how much the owner loves her, he deserves to own that gorgeous car.
It's great to talk to people who have a passion for their cars. Thanks for watching.
That's a mighty gorgeous machine. It's a bit crazy to think the car was just 18 years old when Mr. Downie purchased it - it would be the equivalent of picking up a 2003 car today.
It is a gorgeous car and it’s clear how much Alex loves it. Thanks for watching.
This Riviera is truly a masterpiece of design .My Uncle drove a 1963 Riviera Silver Silver interior I Loved it
Own a totally restored 1966 Buick Riviera GS bought from the original owner on the night of Desert Storm, dual quads . fully loaded, gold line tires, 88,000 miles, Buick mags, been loving this car since!!
Sounds nice!
So cool to see a man so in love with his car. Car guys get it, she is perfect. 👍👍🏁🏁
Michael, Thanks for your comment. Glad you liked the video. You're 100% correct and Alex articulates very well the emotional connection we have to our cars. Thanks for watching!
Eye catcher is a understatement. This is one beautiful car!
Hats off to you for realizing what you have.
It`s stunning, the entire grille is so clean, love the clam shell hideaways, so much nicer than side by side in the grille, the color looks great, you just don`t see these anymore, these were classy, elegant cars, and quick too, considered rich mans muscle.
I agree entirely. Thanks for watching.
I was 5 years old in 1965 this is a nice car it would be nice if GM would bring back this body style in this generation as they did with the Chevy Camaro.
That would be cool. The design is timeless. Thanks for watching.
My mother’s sister had a 1963 model in baby blue. I loved riding in that car! My aunt said she always regretted getting rid of it.
It's sad to regret getting rid of a car. I know that feeling. Thanks for watching.
💙🍁🍺A true Gem of a car. This is one cool car guy. A total appreciation for quality, design and dependability. The Iconic 65 Gran Sport will remain “a class of its own” and to own it and drive it for 38 years! This dude has my respect ✊.
Alex tells a good story and it was so interesting to talk to him and see how much he loves this car.
What a majestic automobile! Absolutely stellar design! It's been said of the best, and it is so with the 65 Riv.... quintessential rolling sculpture!
Definitely one of the top designs of the time, or any time for that matter. It's nice to see people like Alex preserving it and keeping it on the road. Thanks for watching!
Rolling art. The design was very elegant and sporty. Thanks for watching.
Beautiful Riviera, I bought my 60 buick Electra base model, 38 years ago. Still have it today.(Gloss Black Laquer). I bought my 65 Buick Riviera, seafoam green 1 year ago, base model but with A/C, power antenna and rear defroster fan. Very Happy with my Buicks. Great job Brother.
Thanks for sharing. The old Buicks are beautiful. Thanks for watching.
I bought a base model seafoam green in July 2020 as well! It's just getting out the shop now in a few weeks. Had to do a lot of work on it but it's beautiful.
n 1975, drove my 65 Riv to Calif from Ct. 3000 miles to be an actor... but... came back. Great cars.
Beautiful car. I remember when they first came out. I was 13 and was in love with the Riviera, and those headlights! Wow.
They were pretty spectacular for the time. Thanks for watching.
'65 Riviera, one of the tops on my 'Sexiest production cars of all time' list.
Absolutely. Thanks for watching.
One of GM’s top designs of all time. Thanks, great video!
Thanks for watching.
This was the best description of a car guy and his car. This is a beautiful car and like he said every time he sees the car it moves him.and that is what a collector car should. And besides Lou Costabile , these are the best collector car videos. Thanks for this one ❗️🇺🇸
Ralph, Thanks very much for the feedback. It was fun shooting this episode with Alex. He's very passionate about the car. I'm glad you mention Lou. He's been very successful and I hope to do as well as he has done. He and I go together a few weeks ago and he's always willing to offer his advice and help me succeed. Cheers.
He's only a car guy in that he owns a car guy's car. Just paying other people to fix up your car makes you an owner.
WOW beautiful car, he has really taken nice care of it. I enjoy working on cars that their owners really love and care for, its not often.
I was a 10 year kid when I came from school and asked where dad was. Mom said picking up our new car. I said what kind, all excited. She said a Buick. Ewwww......, you know, being 10 and knowing everything, a BUICK!? Well the ol man rolls up in a 65 riv gs, dark blue w white interior. I shat my pants and swore "someday I'm going to have one of them f******".lol. it is, as stated, something about these cars that is pure magic, the drive, the feel, the performance and the stares. I'll part with mine never .
'63 - '65 was the highlight of GM. '63 Corvette , but above all the Buick Riviera '63-65, one of the most beautiful cars ever build. Thanks for keeping this fine dark green monument in shape som others can enjoy.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Truely a beautiful car!
This is one of the most beautiful and powerful cars ever made. The interior is immaculate, especially the woodgrain finish.
The hide-away headlights make the car in 65. Beautiful body, everything
Absolutely stunning. And everyone looks at it. Thanks for watching.
@@CENTERLANEHAVING DRIVEN A 63 IN 73 AND FF TO 2023 A 65 RIV NO COMPARISON SO SEXXXXXY WITH THE HIDDEN LIGHTS
The 63 Vette sparked a whole wave of hidden headlight styling among US car builders and later in Japan & Italy.
I like this man's enthusiasm as much as the beauty of the car. Both are awesome :)
I gotta say growing up in the UK in the 60s and looking over the pond with envy at the cars that were available I absolutely fell in love with the Buick Riviera Sport. I thought it was the most beautiful car I had ever seen... and still think they are just as wonderful today..
American cars really were in their heyday back in the 60's. Thanks for watching and commenting!
When I was a freshman in collage one of my friends had a Riviera that his dad had loaned to him for a few weeks. I still remember those wonderful rides.
I’ll bet that was fun. I love those big old American cars! Thanks for watching
I really enjoyed listening to the passion, emotion, and attachment to the car. Its not a car, its a friend.
Thanks for watching.
I worked at a Buick Dealership for decades and the Riviera was and still is my favorite.
I think a lot of people agree with you. Thanks for watching.
Always loved Rivs and Toronados. Just beautiful
It's a dream car! It has beauty, power, comfort, and lots of style.
I totally agree. Thanks for watching.
I agree...not like the crap we have today!
Great storyline and phenomenal automotive art & performance. Us car enthusiast tend to bond with the cars that touch us in a special way. Thanks for sharing!
BP
It was quite a beautiful design. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Your a lucky man. That’s my dream car, right colour too!
Great video. I own a 65 Riviera. And everything Alex said is true. Every angle is gorgeous. Sometimes i just sit on my driveway and stare at it for hours. My favorite car. It's all the things in one package
Well said! Thanks for watching.
Beautiful MASTERPIECE, my dad had it brand new. Traded a 63 4dr Chevrolet Belair. It had a 283 4bbl with a powerglide. But, loved the Riviera GS. Bought & traded them brand new every 2/3years. He would compare if there was enough of a difference &/or innovations. Because, performance (lack thereof) in 76 he got a Caddy Eldorado with 500cid & fuel injection. By that time I had a Buick 225, with 455 4bbl. His Caddy had pretty impressive power. The salesman sold my dad on the FUEL INJECTION for more MPGs.
What a crock. Bc of more power & 400lbft torque, 215hp, it was very difficult to feather the go pedal. His last Riviera GS was a 73. Because of him my 1st new car was a 76 Buick Electra Landau coupe 225,bought the lowest model & used $$ to equip it right. Astroroof, chrome wheels, VOGUE tyres, a/c, speed alert, power windows, seats,antenna, etc.. a tick over $9k. Buicks were gr8 cars. Now???? But,thanks for sharing Ur gorgeous car. Njoy.
Thank you for sharing your story and thanks for watching. I love to hear from viewers, especially ones who are passionate about their cars and have good stories. Cheers
*A jewel of a vehicle! . . . .* ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💓
I agree! Thanks for watching.
The Riviera, Eldorado and Toronado from this era are some of the most beautiful American cars ever built, in my opinion.
I agree. They are all three of my favourites. Thanks for watching!
A beautiful example, the '65 GS is one of my top 5 all-time favorites. Thanks for posting.
Thanks for watching. Glad you liked it. 👍
I ordered and bought a brand new 1965 Riviera from DeMontrond Buick on Kirby Dr in Houston. Most beautiful car I ever owned before or since.
Drop dead gorgeous, and the green! Cheers!
Beautiful car and gorgeous colour. Thanks for watching.
Outstanding Sir , thank you for restoring this beautiful car .
John, Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching.
What a gorgeous Riviera!!!
I agree. Very nice and fantastic colour.
It’s a work of art that till looks great today. I miss my 69 GTO. Cars had style and individuality
Couldn't agree more!
Oh man, really! Those were some nice cars, you should've kept it
Still have my 65 GTO after 53 years . Restored to Ike new .
@@DA-gn2my I owned it in HS and then couldn’t afford the gas
I owned the same car. Bought it in the late eighties. For 2000 dollars. 425 with dual carbs. Sold a year later for 7000. Broke my heart selling it. But I had three young kids
Too bad you had to sell it but I’ve been there before. I know lots of people who had a car they wished they still had. Thanks for watching.
The 1966 Buick Riviera, the 1967-68 Chevrolet Camaro, the 1967-68 Chevrolet Impala, the 1965-66 Pontiac Bonneville, the 1965-69 Chevrolet Corvair, the 1963-66 Chevrolet Corvette, the 1967-68 Chevrolet Corvette are some of the most beautiful GM Coke bottle designs and most beautiful cars imagined and manufactured.
The Chevy cars from that era were beautiful. Thanks for watching.
Beautiful. Love the Aqua paint.
It's even nicer in-person. Thanks for watching!
It's green, not aquqa
Green, Aqua it's all the same.
Thanks so much for posting this. This guy presented his car so well and what a car! Living the dream.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.
Seriously... smart, cool, unique, I'll take it!!!!
Thanks for watching.
I bought a '69 Riviera in 1989. It was in good unrestored condition, had low mileage, and it was a dream to drive.
Thanks for watching and sharing your story. I do a new video every week so please subscribe to my channel.
What a GORGEOUS car!!! I am so envious in the MOST POSITIVE way imagineable!!! Alex did the right thing...he hung on to this beauty, and restored it the RIGHT way 👍👍 I've had the good fortune to have a ride a '65 ONCE. it wasn't as nice as this one...it creaked a fair bit when driving around. As a boy when we lived in Long Island, we had a 3 yr old '66 Riviera in gold with black vinyl roof and the Wildcat engine. These two models - the '65 & '66/67 are my favourites.
Wishing Alex MANY MANY hours of enjoyable driving and admiring looks with this breathtaking car!
Thank you for sharing it with us! 😊👍
Great comment! I love hearing other people's stories about their cars and what makes them meaningful to them. Thanks for watching!
Thanks Peter for your kind comments. I consider myself fortunate to be the caretaker of this very fine automobile. The '66/67 are also a favourite of mine, basically the same car as the '65 chassis and mechanically (except the '67 got the new 430cu in engine).
@@CENTERLANE - my pleasure! 👍
@@AlexDownie - take care of that beauty! 😊
I know I'm late to this party, but IMHO, in the mid-sixties, GM ruled the world of styling. This car is one of the best examples of that. Alex made a very wise purchase and restoration. It's stunning.
Many people agree with you on that. They built some beautiful car back then. Thanks for watching.
I love this car. Old girlfriend in high school had one. It was so cool.
The design has aged very well. Thanks for watching.
In 1970 my Dad bought a used Buick Riviera that had been custom ordered with a 445 wildcat engine.The same one in the Gran Sport but was not that model.A one of a kind.
Cool story. It would be worth a lot today. Thanks for watching.
An era where actual people designed the car & all divisions had their own engines.
I was watching a JR Garage video on TH-cam and saw a car carrier in the background with a '65 Verde Green Rivera aboard. Reminded me of my time with an identical car. It belonged to my girl friend's father, who bought it new in '65 for (I believe) $5000. He was kind enough to allow me to drive it on dates an to proms and (when I married his daughter) on our honeymoon to Rockport, Massachusetts. Had to stop often for gas but as someone mentioned, it cost 30 cents a gallon in 1972 so it wasn't a big deal. In the late 70's, a friend and I took the paint down to bare metal and painted it with lacquer paint (Verde Green) The car went on to take first place in car shows across the country. Loved every inch of that car. Thanks for a great video - kudos to the owner for making it look like new!
I had a 68 and loved it
That$ is a real dream car.Indeed the mostly sport luxury sedan ever
Luxury and sportiness! Elegance from the 60's. Thanks for watching.
Just beautiful..........
It is gorgeous. Thanks for watching!
@@CENTERLANE very much my pleasure
Great video!
Just bought my second 65’ Riv, lost the first w Hurricane Sandy...was my dream car as a kid and still is at 49
Glad to hear you got a replacement. Thanks for watching.
That car is pure class
Total class in the late 60's!
This was a beautiful story and beautiful car.
When I was a Kid there was a Neighbor that had one of these Cars and That Sucker Could burn Rubber very easily Making the Tires Smokes like Crazy It was Very Nice
Lots of power! Thanks for watching.
My wife and I had a 65 Riviera Gran Sport here in Perth Western Australia back in the late 80's early 90's. Ours was red with a white vinyl top (I don't think they were original colours though) with A/C, which you need in Australia. Great car with great build quality. I remember the seat upholstery being really thick and great quality. My wife used to daily drive it. Regret selling it but the current owner is doing a full restoration. He sends me regular photo updates.
Thanks for sharing. Was it a right hand drive model? Did they even make a right hand drive version of the car? Glad to hear someone is restoring it to keep it on the road.
@@CENTERLANE Yes it was right hand drive. I believe it was imported as a new car and converted to RHD by the dealer. I have been told there was second 65 Gran Sport sold but I have never seen it.
Flame Red with white interior was an original color combination for the '65 Riviera. The white interior wasn't offered until spring of 1965 so is somewhat uncommon, esp. in the optional 'Custom' interior option (with the full-length wood on the door panels and diamond pattern on the top of the seats. Red on white is stunning colour combo, and rare too!
Very interesting story about this car's history with the current owner. I'd agree with the owner that this car is an end of era American car free of smog control & electronics.
Built with materials meant to last. Thanks for the video
Love these. Beautiful
I had a matchbox little replica when I was a child I'm a girl.
One of my all time favorite designs. It looks so good, like right out of a Batman comic book. The years between 59-69 have so many gems of American autos.
In 1965, the TV show "The Outer Limits," used a Buick Riviera as an example of a futuristic 1998 car in one of their episodes, adding turbine engine sounds as it rolled along.
That’s awesome. I didn’t know that. Thanks for watching.
I remember back in the early 80s a kid a year or two older than me had the identical Riviera to this except it wasn't a GS, so it only had 1x4bbl carburetor, but I thought it was the most menacingly beautiful cars I ever saw. Congratulations for finding yourself a real GS! That is a keeper.
My dream antique car
It sure is nice.
Cool car.
Buick GS’s had some surprising options in the 60’s.
Thanks for watching.
I appreciate your thoughts. That’s a nice car. You got a gem.
Thanks for watching.
One if not my Favorite American car...My parents had a 66 but I like the style of the 65 more
I’m an Olds guy, but the 63-65 Riviera was on a level none of the other manufacturers were able to achieve in my opinion. 👍👌
I like the Toronado. I think the Toronado, Cadillac Eldorado and the Riv from that era we all gorgeous cars. Thanks for watching.
@@CENTERLANE Like I said, I’m an Olds guy, but put the three side by side, no comparison, the Buick takes it IMO.
63 - 65 Riviera is on my bucket list cars to own.
Hope you get one. Thanks for watching.
Spectacular !
It really is! Thanks for watching.
fell in love with this car when I first saw it in roadhouse
I would love to see one of these from 63 to 67 with factory cruise control, I knew w it was a rare option but I'd love to see one
I had lots of friends in my teens whose parents owned upscale GM products and they all complained that factory cruise control was the one unreliable feature. 😌The seemed to last 3-4 years before the mechanism had to be replaced.
Beautiful Car man. My true True Dream Car. 💯
Lovely car and beautifully restored thanks for sharing your experience with us. I worked for GM in the UK 🇬🇧 and sometimes had the chance to drive American cars mainly Cadillac. But always had Buick when visiting the states.
Very cool! Thanks for watching.
beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Very beautiful!
I like what you said that “Every time you look at it an element comes over you to enjoy.”
The right car has that affect on a person. The Riviera is that kind of car. Thanks for watching.
Those hidden lights for sure is
the most futuristic car thing in the 60's, I reckon 🤔
For me, this is the most beautiful car ever made,
'65 Buick Riviera Gran Sport followed by '70 Chrysler's Imperial LeBaron.
I agree! Thanks for watching.
@@CENTERLANE My pleasure.... and source of envy😁
I was lucky enough to own a 65. My dad and I rebuilt the engine. He painted the valve covers with a brush. The body was primer gray. The interior was pristine and the electric windows all worked, the clam shell headlights were completely functional. I paid 100.00 for the car from a man who wanted beer money. He thought the block was cracked. It was just a blown freeze plug. As a kid, I was offered way more than I paid for it and sold it. I could kick myself looking back. It was the only car that my dad and I ever worked on together. Someone is SE Missouri bought that gem. I've often wondered where it ended up. When I see these rebuilds online, I like to think that maybe, it's one of these beauties. This green is a favorite color of mine as well. Beautiful piece of Americana.
It’s easy to look back. At the time it was just an old car. Too bad we don’t have crystal balls. So many people have stories about cars they wish they didn’t sell. Thanks for watching.
I knew the man who once had one in Silver Cloud. It rode like a dream.
That would be a nice colour for this car. My parents had a '67 Oldsmobile and GM cars of that era just seemed to float. Total luxury! Thanks for watching.
Great story Alex, I’m so proud that you took the time to care for this extremely classy & beautiful car. This car is very unique & very Rare overall nowadays. Congratulations & may your car be appreciated by someone like you when it’s your time to “let it go” as you get older. 👍💚😎⭐️🔥🏆🥇✌️🍀
The Riviera will go to my son when I pass on. That way it can stay in the family.
To me, this is THE most beautiful American designed mass produced car (along with the 67 Eldorado). And I agree with the owner, the 63 Riviera is a great looking car, but the 65 with the hidden headlights is even cleaner and more beautiful.
Agreed! Thanks for watching!
Funny you should say that as I once owned a '68 Eldorado, which I kept for 20 years. Another technically interesting car with beautiful crisp kinfe-edge styling thanks to the styling studio under Bill Mitchell. The '63-67 Corvette, the '63-'65 Riviera, and '67-70 Eldorado exemplify the best in 1960's GM automobile styling and sophistication.
Coolest looking car!
It sure is. Thanks for watching.
One of my best friends in High School had a 63 that his dad had bought new. He later found a 64 GS in a car lot and bought it for a song. His dad insisted that he remove the dual quads to drive daily but it still flew. We lost him in a motorcycle wreck.
I found my own 63 year later while living in Southern California, the car has been parked for years now waiting on restoration and possibly an LS swap.
The body and paint is Amazing! What a Beautiful car!
This guy can weave a tale. He even mentioned the kind of car his friend took him in to go look at the Riviera.
He tells a good story for sure. Thanks for watching.