1965 Buick Riviera
The 1965 Buick Riviera stands as a stunning example of American luxury and performance, showcasing a design that is both bold and sophisticated. With its distinctive lines and elegant profile, this classic coupe captures the essence of mid-1960s automotive innovation.
Equipped with a powerful V8 engine, the 1965 Riviera delivers an exhilarating driving experience while providing a plush interior that prioritizes comfort and style. This model quickly became a favorite among those who sought a blend of performance and refinement. If you’re considering adding this iconic vehicle to your collection, be sure to decode the 13-digit VIN and access the build sheet to verify its specifications and authenticity. Delve into its history to uncover the stories it holds. What unique experiences has your Riviera encountered? Continue reading to explore its remarkable legacy.
1965 Buick Riviera Gallery
1965 Buick Riviera, the most expensive sold ones
History of 1965 Buick Riviera
The Buick Riviera is a personal luxury car that Buick marketed from 1963 to 1999, except the 1994 model year.
As General Motors’ first entry into the personal luxury car market segment, the Riviera was highly praised by automotive journalists upon its high-profile debut. It was a ground-up design on a new GM E platform debuting for the 1963 model year and was also Buick’s first unique Riviera model.
Unlike its subsequent GM E platform stablemates, the Oldsmobile Toronado and Cadillac Eldorado, the Riviera was initially a front-engine/rear-wheel-drive platform, switching to front-wheel drive starting with the 1979 model year.
While the early models stayed close to their original form, eight subsequent generations varied substantially in size and styling. A total of 1,127,261 Rivieras were produced.
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Popular figures who owned the 1965 Buick Riviera
Bill Burr: The comedian showcased his love for the 1965 Buick Riviera GS on Jay Leno’s Garage, praising its design and performance. Jay Leno, Danny Trejo and the 1965 Buick Riviera – Jay Leno’s Garage
Danny Trejo: The actor owns a 1965 Buick Riviera, which he displayed along with his car collection on Leno’s show. Jay Leno, Danny Trejo and the 1965 Buick Riviera – Jay Leno’s Garage
Facts about the 1965 Buck Riviera
Here are five fun facts about the 1965 Buick Riviera that showcase its unique blend of innovation, performance, and luxury:
- Clamshell Headlights: One of the Riviera’s standout features was its clamshell headlights, which opened and closed using a single electric motor. This sleek design helped maintain the car’s elegant profile when the lights weren’t used.
- Powerful Performance: The Riviera came with a standard 401-cubic-inch (6.6L) Nailhead V8 delivering 325 horsepower, while the optional 425-cubic-inch (7.0L) Super Wildcat V8 packed up to 360 horsepower. With a top speed of around 123 mph, it was one of the fastest cars of its time.
- Luxurious Interior: Inside, the Riviera offered four bucket seats, a center console, and premium materials like optional leather upholstery. Unique touches, like accelerator and brake pedals color-matched to the interior, added to its upscale vibe.
- Superior Handling: Built on an X-frame chassis, the Riviera combined structural stiffness with smooth handling, making it one of the best-handling full-size American cars of its era.
- Limited Production: Buick produced just 34,586 Rivieras in 1965, making this stylish car a rare treasure for collectors today.
These highlights capture the innovation and elegance that defined the 1965 Buick Riviera.
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- Standard Specifications
- Original Base Price
- Standard & Optional Equipment
- Exterior & Interior Colors
- VIN ID & Location description
MSRP
- Msrp: $4,026.00
Market Value
- Outstanding: $139,000
- Clean: $94,900
- Average: $53,400
- Rough: $27,800
Body
- Body Maker: Fisher
- No. Of Doors: 2
- Model Number: 49447
Dimensions
- Length: 209 inches
- Width: 76.6 inches
- Height: 53 inches
- Wheelbase: 117 inches
- Weight: 4,036lbs
Engine
- Type: V8, Valve-in-head, Downdraft 4-barrel, Super Turbine automatic
- Displacement: 401.11 cu. in.
- Cylinders: 8
- Bore And Stroke: 4 3/16 & 3 41/64 inches
- Compression Ratio Standard: 10.25 to 1
- Horsepower Brake: 325@4400
- Horsepower Rated: 56.11
- Torque: 445@2800
- Main Bearings: 5
- Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
- Engine Number Location: Stamped on front edge of crankcase, left of thermostat housing.
- Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
- Carburetor Make: Carter
Transmission
- Type: 23 Pints
- Drive: Rear wheel drive
- Number Of Gears: 3
- Gear Ratios First: Not applicable
- Gear Ratios Second: Not applicable
- Gear Ratios Third: Not applicable
- Gear Ratios Fourth: Not applicable
- Gear Ratios Fifth: Not applicable
- Gear Ratios Reverse: Not applicable
- Clutch Type: Not applicable
Axle
- Type: Semifloating
- Differential Type: Hypoid
- Differential Ratio: 3.23 to 1
Suspension
- Front: Independent ball joint with coil springs
- Rear: Coil springs
Brakes
- Service Type: Power, self-adjusting
- Service Front Size: 12 inches
- Service Rear Size: 12 inches
- Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
- Emergency Size: 12 inches
Fuel
- Type: Premium
Wheel & Tires
- Tire Size: 8.45 x 15
- Spare Location: Trunk
Capacities
- Fuel: 25 Gallons
- Oil: 4 Quarts
- Rear Differential: 4.5 Pints
- Front Differential: Not applicable
- Transfer Case: Not applicable
VIN/ID
- Serial Number: 482675-100001 and up
- Description Total Digits: 13
- Description Digits 1: Make
- Description Digits 2-3: Series
- Description Digits 4-5: Body style
- Description Digits 6: Model year
- Description Digits 7: Assembly plant
- Description Digits 8-13: Production number
Exterior Colors
- Availability: All colors may not be available in all models.
- Color 1: Regal Black
- Color 2: Silver Cloud
- Color 3: Astro Blue
- Color 4: Midnight Blue
- Color 5: Seafoam Green
- Color 6: Verde Green
- Color 7: Turquoise Mist
- Color 8: Midnight Aqua
- Color 9: Burgandy Mist
- Color 10: Flame Red
- Color 11: Sahara Mist
- Color 12: Champagne Mist
- Color 13: Shell Beige
- Color 14: Bamboo Cream
Optional Equipment
- Sport Coupe: Optional
- 425 Cu. In. V8 Engine: Optional
- Power Windows: Optional
- Air Conditioning: Optional
- Power Seats: Optional
- Pushbutton Radio: Optional
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower does the 1965 Buick Riviera have?
The 1965 Buick Riviera Gran Sport Coupe seamlessly blended striking aesthetics with formidable performance. Powered by the 425/360 HP dual 4-barrel V8, it offered thrilling acceleration and power that perfectly complemented its refined design. The car's sleek exterior was matched only by its luxurious leather interior, exuding sophistication and comfort. In the rare code A9 Gran Sport model, this powerful performance and elegant craftsmanship made the Riviera a true standout, embodying both muscle and luxury in one unforgettable package.
What Transmission in a Buick Riviera?
1965 Buick replaced its iconic Dynaflow transmission with the new Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic. Renowned for its durability and smooth shifting, this gearbox became legendary for its indestructibility, solidifying its place in the Riviera's performance legacy.
What is the difference between the 65 and 66 models of the Buick?
The 1966 Buick Riviera grew slightly larger than its 1965 predecessor. GM aimed to blend full-sized luxury with sporty styling, attracting high-end buyers seeking comfort and elegance in a single, captivating package.
What is the engine option for the 1965 Buick Riviera?
The 1965 Buick Riviera came with a 425 cubic inch V8 engine, producing 340 horsepower.
What is the design style of the 1965 Buick Riviera?
The 1965 Buick Riviera is known for its sleek, futuristic design, with a distinctive "boat-tail" shape and elegant lines.