1972 Buick Riviera

Description

Chief designer Jerry Hirshberg aimed to evoke a sense of speed and elegance when he penned the third-generation 1971-73 Buick Riviera. The radically redesigned Riviera featured a sharply tapered "boattail" rear end and large, sweeping fenders up front, setting it apart from other luxury cars of the era. 

Under the hood, the 1972 Riviera was powered by a 455 cubic-inch V8 engine that produced about 250 horsepower and was mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. Inside, the Riv offered a luxurious and comfortable cabin with an impressive list of standard features like tilt steering wheel, air conditioning, and power front disc brakes, steering, windows, locks, and seats. 

This 1972 Buick Riviera is something of a time capsule, with only minor imperfections in its original paint and interior, and the odometer shows 8,853 miles, believed to be original. In addition, the current owner installed new engine gaskets, hoses, and belts and had the air conditioning charged, the transmission tuned, and the paint corrected. 

Highlights 

• Meticulously maintained 1972 Buick Riviera showing 8,853 miles, believed original  

• Finished in Vintage Red paint over Sandalwood vinyl interior 

• Powered by a 455 cu-in V8 with four-barrel carburetor rated at 250 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque 

• TH400 three-speed automatic transmission 

• Upgrades/maintenance in 2024 under current ownership: 

  • New engine gaskets, hoses, and belts 

  • A/C charged 

  • Transmission tuned 

  • Paint corrected 

• The chassis number (4Y87U2H923758) decodes as: 

  • 4 – Buick 

  • Y – Riviera 

  • 87 – Two-door Sport Coupe 

  • 8 – 455 cu-in, four-barrel carb V8 

  • 2 – 1972 model year 

  • H – Flint, Michigan, assembly plant 

  • 923758 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• Classic boattail-design rear end 

• Dual exhaust 

• Power front disc brakes, steering, windows, locks, and seat 

• Dual-cove dash with full-length console 

• 120 mph speedometer/odometer and gauges for fuel and coolant temperature 

• Classic-looking Buick digital AM/FM/CD/Cassette stereo 

• Ironman RB-12 NWS 225/70R15 white wall tires 

Known Imperfections 

• Some pitting on driver’s side door strips (original equipment replacements available) 

• Some minor scuffs, nicks, and lacquer checking in paint 

• Scuffs on glovebox 

• Stains on driver’s side sun visor 

• Small puncture in passenger side sun visor 

Included 

• Spare tire 

• Jack 

• Tire iron 

• Replacement side chrome strips and nose trunk badge 

• Buick carpeted and rubber mats 

Ownership History 

The Iowa consignor of this 1972 Buick Riviera acquired it in July 2024. “This beautiful southern vehicle was sold to me as original miles, but that is not documented. It is in incredible condition.”