1966 Buick Riviera

Description

The 1966 Buick Riviera saw a significant redesign, maintaining its cruciform X-frame, powertrain, and brakes while introducing a larger body with increased passenger comfort. The new design removed vent windows and featured horizontally concealed headlamps that pivoted behind the grille. The interior was updated to offer either bucket or bench seats, accommodating up to six passengers for the first time, with options like reclining seats and a Strato-bench seat with an armrest. The Riviera retained its rear-wheel drive while sharing its platform with the front-wheel drive Oldsmobile Toronado and the upcoming Cadillac Eldorado. Powering the Riviera for its final model year was the well-proven 425 "Nailhead" V8. Providing sporting performance for Buick, these engines were additional used by the United States Air Force for starting the famed Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird." Optional rear seat belts and an AM/FM radio were available, and the redesign led to record sales of 45,308 units for the year. 

Highlights 

• Powered by the Wildcat 425 cu-in V8 rated at 340 horsepower with a Quadrajet carburetor 

• Three-speed “TH-400” automatic transmission 

• Dash mounted AM radio with power antenna 

• Fuel pump upgraded to electric 

• The chassis number (494876H959859) decodes as follows: 

  • 4 – Buick 

  • 94 – Riviera  

  • 87 – Two-door sport coupe 

  • 6 – 1966 model year 

  • H – Flint, Michigan assembly plant 

  • 959859 – Sequential production number 

• The trim tag shows the following: 

  • 06B – June, second week assembly date 

  • 66 – 1966 model year 

  • 4 – Buick  

  • 9487 – Riviera two-door hardtop coupe 

  • 653-B – Light Fawn optional custom bucket seats 

  • V1 – Shell Beige paint 

• Group 1 Options:

  • E - Tinted Glass All Windows 

  • X - Power Window (Except Vents) 

  • S - Automatic Trunk Release 

• Group 2 Options:

  • K – Air conditioning 

  • G – Center console 

  • R – Rear seat speaker 

• Group 4 Options:

  • F - Remote Outside Driver's Mirror 

• Group 5 Options: 

  • K - Door Edge Guard Moldings 

• Please note that while the odometer displays just over 35,000 miles at the time of listing, the true mileage is unknown 

Features 

• Power steering 

• Self-adjusting power brakes 

• Tilt steering wheel 

• Dual exhausts 

• Finned aluminum front brake drums 

• Door-operated courtesy lights 

• Trunk light 

• Rear seat ash trays 

• Deluxe wheel covers 

• Carpeting 

• Back-up lamps 

• Padded sun visors 

• Custom front seat belts with retractors 

• Electric clock 

• Dual-speed windshield wipers 

Known Imperfections 

• The car is reported to have been used for long term static display, with limited use, as a result additional service work may be needed prior to returning the car to road use or to meet owner preferences

• Inoperative air conditioning  

• Minor paint imperfections as shown in the photos 

Included 

• Owner’s manual 

Ownership History 

This 1966 Buick Riviera is offered from the current owner's estate, with the car reportedly being sold in Arizona.