1972 BUICK RIVIERA 'BOATTAIL'

KEY FACTS

• A rare sight on UK roads, this handsome third-generation Buick Riviera ‘Boattail’ coupe is believed to be very original and unrestored.
• Under the bonnet is the 455ci (7.4L) V8 with the original factory dual exhaust system, sending up to 255hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed ST-400 automatic transmission.
• In the care of its current owner for eight years, the car was imported from Pennsylvania, US, re-registered in the UK in early 2014, and boasts a very low 31,542 miles on the odometer.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• The chassis number confirms that this is an original 1972 Riviera, which was built at the Flint, Michigan plant, and fitted with a four-barrel carburettor U-code 455ci engine and the dual exhaust system.
• With the bodywork finished in light green with the roof in white, its interior features a striking green cloth and leather combination.
• The third-generation Riviera features an elegant two-piece ‘vee-butted’ fastback rear window, inspired by the 1963 Corvette Stingray coupe.
• This particular Boattail Riviera is fitted with an early cruise control system.
• Included with the vehicle is an owner’s manual, plus original specification information and some maintenance paperwork from both the US and the UK.

CONDITION

• There is no known prior damage. Indeed, the car’s metallic green paintwork is believed to be original, and presents remarkably well, showing the usual small stone chips and a tiny area of flaking paint on the front wing, commensurate with its age. The photo gallery provides excellent documentation of the car’s condition.
• Inside, the cabin presents superbly, with only slight age-related fading to the green ‘deep button’ cloth and leather seats. The steering wheel, dials and dashboard are all in excellent condition for their age.
• There are no known faults with the vehicle, and no warning lights on the dashboard.
• On account of its age, this Riviera is exempt from mandatory MOT testing. Its most recent test was on 15 March 2018 at 30,419 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with an advisory for slight play in both front wheel bearings – this has since been rectified.
• As it is registered with the DVLA as an Historic vehicle, it is exempt from road tax.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The latest service was carried out during October 2016 at 29,275 miles. The work comprised of an engine oil and filter change, and the replacement of the automatic transmission fluid.
• The vendor also reports that the car was fitted with a new battery in May 2019.

SUMMARY

This Buick Riviera ‘Boattail’ is a rare opportunity in the UK to own an original example of this stylish American classic. In wonderful condition, and believed to retain its original interior trim and exterior paintwork, this car has been well-cared for by its current custodian for the past eight years, and is now ready to be enjoyed by another enthusiast owner.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.