If you wanted a Riviera in 1966, the chances are that you opted for the 425 V8 engine rated at 340 horsepower. This was the base offering and the most common choice for Riviera buyers, making its way to most Rivieras that left the factory this year.
People who wanted improved performance could pay $450 extra and get the Gran Sport option, which included a heavy-duty suspension system, bucket seats, a limited-slip rear axle, and other goodies that weren’t available on the base Riviera.
However, the most desirable upgrade was a dealer-installed package known as Super Wildcat. With this upgrade, the 425 engine produced 360 horsepower thanks to dual four-barrel Carter carburetors.
Buick produced 45,348 Rivieras for this model year, but only 179 GS units ended up leaving the factory with the Super Wildcat package.
One of them is here.
This Buick Riviera checks almost every big box for a solid collectible. It spent its entire life with the same owner, and the people at Spud’s Garage claim the vehicle was purchased new in June 1966 from Scott Motors in Reno, Nevada. It later moved to Lake Havasu City in Arizona, and it’s still in the same place today.
As you can tell from the photos, this Riviera was properly cared for during its entire life. It has always been parked in a garage, which explains its fantastic shape.
However, there’s something else that’s always responsible for this Riviera’s great condition. The car received a repaint to the original Shadow Turquoise finish, and based on the photos shared on eBay, it was a professional job that still looks great today. You should inspect the car in person or order a third-party verification, but you should see it live before making an offer. I believe the car looks better in person than online.
The interior is still original, and while the engine is still the factory unit that was installed by Buick before the car left the factory, it now comes with a rebuilt original transmission.
It’s hard not to like this Riviera, and I find it hard to believe that the car will remain available for long, especially if the price is fair.
Speaking of the price, the garage will let it go to anyone willing to pay $36,500. However, they also enabled the Make Offer button, so if you want this beautifully preserved one-owner Riviera GS, you should contact them to discuss all the details. The car is still located in Arizona, and considering its condition, it should be able to drive anywhere on its wheels.
The listing will expire in approximately 29 days, so you have enough time not only to see this Riviera in person but also to convince your SO that a GS Super Wildcat should be your next purchase.