Real-deal Riviera Gran Sport with original LX engine. One of only 849 built in Midnight Aqua. Beautiful original interior. Loaded with options. Yes, the headlights work. Stunning repaint and detailed engine bay. A high-quality Riviera GS with a strong pedigree.
If it werent for a certain split-window coupe, the first-gen Buick Riviera would have been the most exceptional car of the 1960s. Bill Mitchells crowning achievement, it was the exact opposite of everything the 1950s represented: clean, lean, minimal chrome, and with chiseled good looks that drove Buick into the new era. And while the hidden "clamshell" headlights were intended from the beginning, it was only in 1965 that they became reality. The same is true of the Gran Sport option, which included a long list of features to make the Riviera the ultimate gentlemans muscle car. This particular Riviera Gran Sport is finished in code L Midnight Aqua, a somewhat rare color, with only 849 being ordered in this lovely hue of dark blue/green. We believe the 66,366 miles shown on the odometer are an accurate reading, and as a result this car has never needed a full frame-off restoration. A few years ago it was treated to a very high-quality repaint in its original color, and the laser-straight sheetmetal, even panel gaps, and excellent trim are all testament to the quality of the work. The chrome was refinished and probably looks better than new, and yes, the clamshell headlights are operational. Correct Gran Sport badges are installed in the usual locations, advertising that this isnt some garden-variety Riv, and the ribbed rocker panel moldings are in fantastic condition. This is not only a car that lived an easy life, but someone spent a great deal of money to take it to the next level.
You can see just how well-maintained this car really is by the interior, which remains mostly original. Code 613 Fawn cloth and vinyl is an unusual yet attractive choice with the Midnight Aqua bodywork, and aside from replacement carpets, it appears to be almost entirely original. On the Riviera, the wood on the door panels and dashboard is real, not a plastic facsimile, and the mid-century modern styling of the angular dash will never go out of style. Theres a considerable list of options, including A/C, a tilt steering column, power windows (including power vent windows), speed minder, cruise control, and an AM/FM radio with power antenna. The funky brocade fabric upholstery is in excellent condition and the seats remain firm and comfortable and the twin buckets in the back seat area look virtually unused. Overhead, theres a taut headliner with a few very minor stains, but it would be a crime to replace it. The trunk is neatly finished with matching fawn carpets, including a custom cover for the full-sized spare tire assembly.
The Gran Sports real claim to fame was the incredibly muscular 425 cubic inch "Nailhead" V8 with dual 4-barrel carburetors, which cranked out 360 horsepower and an astounding 465 lb-ft. of torque, making the full-sized Riv feel like a much smaller vehicle. This appears to be the cars original engine, with a matching partial VIN stamp as well as the LX stamp that indicates the dual-quad 425. Twin Carter carburetors live under the chrome air cleaner and the polished finned valve covers were part of the Gran Sport package. For a performance engine, its remarkably civilized, starting easily, idling smoothly, and generally conducting itself like a luxury car powerplant should. Its backed by GMs best transmission, a TH400 3-speed automatic which Buick called the "Super Turbine 400" due to its variable pitch torque converter. It snaps off effortless shifts and thanks to 3.42 gears on a limited slip, the big engine always feels like its on its toes. The body has never been off the frame, so the car feels incredibly solid and tight on the road, the way only good original cars can, and it will cruise effortlessly at todays highway speeds with plenty left in reserve. The undercarriage is quite clean, but not detailed for show-it has a light dusting of undercoating to seal things up and make it easy to drive without a second thought. The exhaust system is suitably muscular without being loud or obnoxious, exhaling through a correct transverse muffler out back. Massive aluminum brake drums provide confident stopping power and recent work includes carburetor rebuilds, fresh fluids, and a full tune-up so it runs beautifully. Correct 15-inch Buick Road Wheels are always a fine choice on a big Buick, with these wearing recent 235/75/15 whitewall radials for a proper 1960s look.
Extras include recent service receipts and two horns that are part of the optional "4-horn" setup.
The 1965 Riviera Gran Sport is an A-list collectable, make no mistake. Values have been skyrocketing in recent years, and it is no fad-this is a spectacular car. Fast, comfortable, and rare (only 3354 were built), it remains the ultimate expression of upscale performance with no compromises. With iconic looks and bulletproof hardware underneath, its a car that is always going to attract attention and that will reward its next owner with years of service with little more than basic maintenance. The Riviera GS simply does everything well. Call today!
Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
