Buick Riviera Gran Sport
The Buick Riviera came onto the market in 1963. It is not really a muscle car, but it did play a major role in the American automotive industry. In relation to that time period, Buick’s latest model release was seen as cutting edge and extremely stylish. It was a car that incorporated performance, as well as European styling. The Gran Sport or GS models were performance options that were available on the vehicles, and included models such as the Wildcat and the Riviera. A few vehicles were produced that carried the option as a model name.
The Gran Sport option was introduced in 1965, and once again surpassed all expectations in regard to luxury and the cars’ performance. Buick Riviera Gran Sports, were fitted with a 360bhp engine, a 425 cid and included a Posi-Traction rear end. The posi-traction could be found until 1973, on both the Wildcat and Riviera Gran Sport options. The car itself only had a few minor adjustments made to the exterior, such as the position of the headlights and restyled taillights. The top speed of the Buick Riviera Gran Sport was approximately 125 miles per hour. Later Riviera models were still GranSport options, but were replaced with GS on the badges. The high-performance option of the Riviera, the Riviera GS, was manufactured between the years 1965 to 1975. Other Gran Sport models that were produced by Buick, included the Skylark GS, Gran Sport 340/350, the Gran Sport 455, GSX, Century Gran Sport, Regal GS and as mentioned before, the Wildcat GS.
Even though the Buick Riviera is not a muscle car, it is still a desirable collectors item. It has a unique two-door body, dual exhausts, improved suspension and a Super Turbine 400 transmission that makes this GS model irresistible. Apart from the few exterior changes, seats, interior trim and chrome wheels, were additional options that vehicle buyers could chose from. Therefore it is not a standard vehicle, as owners could change and style their new car as they wanted. Most Buick Riviera Gran Sport owners view their cars as muscle cars. The look of the vehicle is aggressive, fast and unique, and has become an icon in its own right.
