1971 Buick Riviera Restomod

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The 1971 Buick Riviera marked a bold departure from traditional American car design, introducing a radical new look that polarized enthusiasts and critics alike. Designed under the direction of Bill Mitchell and stylist Jerry Hirshberg, the ’71 Riviera featured the now-iconic “boattail” rear end, inspired by classic speedboats and the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray. Built on GM’s B-body platform, it combined luxury with performance, offering a 455 cubic-inch V8 engine that delivered up to 330 horsepower. 

This third-generation Riviera was longer, lower, and wider than its predecessor, emphasizing dramatic curves and a sweeping fastback roofline. Inside, it offered plush seating, woodgrain trim, and advanced features for the time, such as power windows and climate control. Despite its daring aesthetics, the boat-tail design was controversial and led to declining sales, prompting a more conservative redesign just a few years later. 

Today, the 1971 Riviera is celebrated as a standout example of early ’70s American automotive design. Its unique styling and powerful engine have earned it a cult following among collectors and classic car enthusiasts. This one has received custom wheels, headlights, and taillights, a fresh paint job, and its badges and rear bumper have been removed.  

Highlights 

• 1971 Buick Riviera rebuilt in 2009-2010 with: 

  • Correct Rosewood Poly repaint 

  • Custom Eagle chrome wheels 

  • Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires: P245/45R18 front, P255/50R20 rear 

  • Custom two-color headlights 

  • Custom taillights 

  • Badging and rear bumper delete 

• Correct Rosewood Poly repaint 

• Custom Eagle chrome wheels 

• Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires: P245/45R18 front, P255/50R20 rear 

• Custom two-color headlights 

• Custom taillights 

• Badging and rear bumper delete 

• Powered by a 455 cu-in V8 with four-barrel carburetor rated at 315 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque 

• Three-speed automatic transmission 

• The chassis number (494871H918874) decodes as: 

  • 4 – Buick 

  • 9 – Riviera 

  • 4 – 455 cu-in V8 4bbl 

  • 87 – 2-door coupe 

  • 1 – 1971 model year 

  • H – Flint, Michigan, assembly plant 

  • 918874 – Sequential production number

Features 

• Iconic boattail rear inspired by Auburns, Cords, and the Corvette Stingray 

• Woodgrain dashboard 

• Audio Fox AM/FM/Cassette stereo 

• 120 mph speedometer  

• Independent front, coil spring rear suspension 

Known Imperfections 

• Paint imperfections up front 

• Paint bubbles/imperfections on lower front fender, passenger door, and rocker panel (touched up) 

• Scuffs on passenger mirror 

• Paint chips on passenger door handle 

• Paint chips on driver’s mirror 

• Paint imperfections on glovebox 

• Clock does not work 

Included 

• Key 

• Rubber floor mats 

Ownership History 

The Michigan seller of this 1971 Buick Riviera has owned it since October 2009. Judging from a sticker inside the glove box, the car has ties to Louisiana.  

Additional Notes  

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty. 

Contact: Craig Zimmerman Phone: 586.707.5811‬ email: cszimmerman@hagerty.com