1972 Buick Riviera GS

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The 1972 Buick Riviera is one of the most popular Buicks ever made, and the Riviera GS is one of the rarest. The Riviera was based on a full perimeter frame, and its long, 122-inch wheelbase belied its purpose as a sporty personal luxury car. Its styling was a moon shot, with GM designer Bill Mitchell overseeing the design. The commanding, 218-inch body was crafted with a forward-jutting brow and V-shaped nose, prominent rear fenders with a beltline reminiscent of 1950s Buicks, and a sleek, B-pillar-free roof design that flowed into its signature “boattail” rear deck. The innovation continued inside with a dual-cove dashboard, pillowy seats, and a plethora of standard and optional features. Simply put, the Riviera looked comfortably fast from every angle.

Even better, a select few Rivieras were optioned with the uplevel GS performance package. This added more power to the 455 engine, and stiffer shocks, higher-rate springs, and heavy-duty torsion bars for the suspension. Those improvements kept the 4,500-pound Riv flat and predictable through the turns.

This clean 1972 Buick Riviera still has its original drivetrain and paint, and is one of only 2,171 built that year with the GS performance package.

Highlights 

• Last of the stylish Rivieras, wearing the rare GS package   

• W-code 455 cu-in V8 rated at 260 net horsepower  

• TH400 three-speed automatic transmission 

• Refinished in X-73-code Vintage Red with White interior 

• Air conditioning  

• Dual-cove dash with full-length console 

• A9 High-Performance GS option includes:  

  • Modified 455 4-BBL engine with chrome plated air cleaner  

  • Specially calibrated automatic transmission 

  • Firm ride and handling suspension 

  • Performance axle with 3.42 gears and Positive Traction differential 

  • Whitewall tires 

  • GS badges  

• The chassis number (4Y87W2H919652) decodes as: 

  • 4 – Buick 

  • Y – Riviera 

  • 87 – 2 Door Sport Coupe 

  • W – 455 4-BBL GS  

  • 2 – 1972 

  • H – Flint, Michigan assembly plant  

  • 919652 – Sequential production number starting with 9 

Features 

• Disc brakes, four-way power bucket driver seat, power windows, and power locks 

• Rear window defroster and electric trunk release 

• Chrome-plated wheels wearing newer 235/75R15 Cooper radial tires 

• Stereophonic AM/FM radio with front and rear dual speakers 

• Recently replaced dual exhaust, fuel pump, and valve cover gaskets 

Known Imperfections 

• A couple of paint bubbles on trunk lid lip 

• Minor paint blemish on top of driver side rear fender 

• Fading on rear body badge  

• Minor dings in rear bumper 

 Included 

• Keys

• NOS door guards 

• Spare tire 

• Jack 

• Lug wrench 

Ownership History

Consignor states that he purchased this 1972 Buick Riviera GS on January 13, 2023, from someone who had bought it at an estate sale in June of 2022. A previous owner had titled it in Florida prior to November 1995, and in Pennsylvania from late 1995 to 2022.

It has its original drivetrain, and original exterior and interior colors. It wears a two-year-old base coat-clear coat metallic repaint in the original color, newer tires, has had recent maintenance, and drives and handles great. See the included Sloan Report and Maintenance documents for more information.