1965 Buick Riviera Gran Sport

Design by Bill Mitchell

425ci OHV 'Super Wildcat' V8 Engine
2 Four Barrel Carburetors
360bhp at 4,400rpm
3-Speed Automatic 'Gran Sport Dynaflow' Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Power Drum Brakes

*Beautiful and well-preserved example of the iconic Riviera Gran Sport
*Well-documented with original Windowsticker and Protect-O-Plate
*Retained by the second owner for about 5 decades
*Zenith of Harley Earl/Bill Mitchell Design Studio


THE BUICK RIVIERA

Buick's 1963 Riviera was General Motors' impressive response to the popular four-passenger Ford Thunderbird. Created under the direct design leadership of GM Styling chief Bill Mitchell, the boldly understated Riviera featured a crisply sculptured roofline, low profile, and frameless side glass. 1965 brought the introduction of a 'Gran Sport' option, advertised as "An iron fist in a velvet glove". Capable of a 125+ mph top speed, the Gran Sport endowed the Riviera with a potent 360-hp 'Super Wildcat' V8 with dual four-barrel carburetors, a posi-traction rear end, and larger diameter dual exhaust, among other upgrades. It is the ultimate expression of the original - and best-looking - Riviera design, and the only year for the "clamshell" headlight covers.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The present owner acquired this iconic Riviera Gran Sport from the second owner, a resident of Portland, Oregon. First owner recorded on the original paperwork was an entity by the name of W.C. Bauman Company of Portland, Oregon, which too delivery of the new 'top-of-the-line' Buick in February of 1965. The various owners and operation manuals offered with the car includes the original Protect-O-Plate and original Windowsticker, indicating this highly optioned Buick carried a $6,151.00 price tag in 1965.

Today the car has feeling of a sound and solid car, which has been well looked-after over the years. The Cream exterior color has been resprayed, while many original finishes can be found intact throughout the car, along with ID plates and factory stampings. The chrome, stainless trim and brightwork appear to be original, as does the interior and dash mounted Buick radio. The comprehensive history file offered with the car contains receipts and work orders for restauration work performed, including fitment of a new exhaust system. Once described by the legendary Italian designer Sergio Pininfarina as 'One of the most beautiful American cars built', this powerful 1965 Buick Riviera Gran Sport looks as Avant Garde and striking today as it did half a century ago.