A restored 1965 Buick Riviera GS blends striking design, big V8 power, and rare collector appeal.
This 1965 Buick Riviera GS underwent a full restoration that wrapped up in 2017, and it still carries its original matching-numbers 425 cubic-inch “Nailhead” V8. That engine was factory rated at 360 horsepower and a strong 465 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful Riviera configurations offered that year.
Power is delivered through a Turbo 400 three-speed automatic transmission, a setup that helped make the GS one of the quickest luxury coupes Buick offered in the mid-1960s. For many enthusiasts, the first-generation Riviera remains the most memorable version of the nameplate.
One detail people still talk about today is the front lighting design. On some versions, the headlights were concealed behind doors built into the fender grilles, giving the car a clean, almost futuristic front end for the era. The Riviera itself was General Motors’ serious move into the personal luxury segment, a market largely dominated at the time by the Ford Thunderbird.
This particular 1965 Riviera GS retains its factory 425 cubic-inch Nailhead V8 rated at 360 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. At the time, that combination represented the top performance configuration available for the model year. Paired with the Turbo 400 automatic transmission, the car delivered smooth power along with impressive highway performance.
The Riviera first arrived in 1963 as GM’s focused entry into the growing personal luxury market. Unlike many other models in the company’s lineup, it rode on its own platform. The first generation mixed sharp styling, rear-wheel drive, and strong V8 performance in a package that felt slightly more European in character than typical American luxury coupes.
The design program was led by Bill Mitchell, and the 1963–1965 Riviera quickly earned praise from major names in the automotive world. Figures like William Lyons, Sergio Pininfarina, and Raymond Loewy all spoke highly of the car’s clean lines and balanced proportions.
This example is finished in code 624 Flame Red and paired with a white vinyl interior accented by wood trim. Equipment includes power steering, power brakes, power windows, an AM/FM radio, a power antenna, and a power trunk release. The car is scheduled to cross the auction block at Mecum’s Glendale sale on March 20.
The Buick Riviera was produced by General Motors from 1963 through 1999, spanning eight generations and nearly four decades. It was originally developed as GM’s answer to the Ford Thunderbird, which had been enjoying strong sales at the time. Although it wore a Buick badge, the Riviera was always positioned a little differently from the rest of the brand’s lineup. It was never meant to be a high-volume seller, and that was intentional.
The first generation, built from 1963 to 1965, came as a sharply styled hardtop coupe with a distinctive coke-bottle shape. Designed under Bill Mitchell’s direction, it sat on a unique platform not shared with other GM cars when it debuted. The layout was classic American performance: front engine, rear-wheel drive, and a choice of Buick’s 401 or 425 cubic-inch Nailhead V8 engines.
Right from the start, critics praised the Riviera for its elegance and balanced styling. Compared with many bulky American luxury cars of the mid-1960s, it looked more refined and athletic.
The design impressed some of the biggest names in automotive design. Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons famously remarked that Buick’s team had done “a very wonderful job.” Italian designer Sergio Pininfarina went even further, calling it one of the most beautiful American cars ever built.
When the Riviera appeared at the Paris Auto Show, legendary industrial designer Raymond Loewy described it as the “handsomest American production car” — though he jokingly noted that his own Studebaker Avanti still ranked first.
Later generations of the Riviera gradually grew larger and more luxurious, reflecting broader General Motors design trends of the era. One of the most memorable versions arrived in the early 1970s with the dramatic “boat tail” styling seen on 1971–1973 models. With their sweeping fastback rear design, those cars remain highly collectible today.
Like many American vehicles, the Riviera eventually went through downsizing during the late 1970s and 1980s. The model also switched to front-wheel drive beginning with the 1979 model year. Over time, the focus shifted slightly from pure luxury toward new technology, including early digital interfaces and updated interior designs.
The final eighth generation, built from 1995 to 1999, adopted a smoother, curvier look. It was powered by GM’s 3800 Series II V6, and some versions even offered a supercharger. Production ended after 1999 as sales declined and market tastes changed. A modern revival seems unlikely today, though the auto industry has surprised people before.
The car shown here is a 1965 Buick Riviera GS finished in bright red, with a restoration completed in 2017. It still carries its original factory-installed engine — the 425 cubic-inch Nailhead V8 producing 360 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.
Power flows through a Turbo 400 automatic transmission to the rear wheels, and the car rides on factory wheels fitted with period-correct tires. The exterior paint is code 624 Flame Red, paired with a white vinyl interior, wood trim, and a center console.
As expected from a luxury coupe of the time, it comes equipped with power steering, power brakes, and power windows. The factory AM/FM radio remains in place, along with a power antenna, a power trunk release, and a spare wheeel with jack stored in the trunk.
Overall, the first-generation Riviera remains one of the most respected American grand touring coupes of the 1960s. This particular example shows why the model still attrcts collectors and classic car fans today.