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1970 Buick Riviera coupe courtesy Classic Auto Mall

The 1970 Buick Riviera was a fairly big departure from the year before with open headlights and skirted rear fenders. Buick production dropped almost 250,000 units in 1970 to 459,931, but everybody else saw their numbers drop as well, and the division held onto fourth place nationally. Riviera sales plunged from 52,872 unit to 37,366, of which 3,505 were Gran Sports with the $132 handling package that included stiffer springs and shocks and a limited-slip. Gran Sports often had Strato bucket front seats and console automatic shifter. Base Riviera price was $4,854, still the most expensive model in the company’s lineup.
The redesigned 1970 Riviera featured a new vertical grille between four open headlights, now pushed to the side of the grille. Fine grille bars swept downward behind the front bumper and the rear bumper was redesigned altered for larger taillights. The Riviera’s sides could be accented by long sweep-spears and the rear fenders smoothed off to accept skirts, if you so desired. Vinyl roofs were common. Though buyers didn’t flock to the 1970 Buick Riviera initially, the model has become a favorite with low-riders in recent years.
A new engine developed 370 bhp from 455 cid and the GS model could do 0-60 mph in 7.9 seconds, on its way to 125 mph. Standard Riviera equipment included the 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic transmission, dual exhaust, power steering, anti-theft steering lock ignition on the collapsible tilt column, power brakes, two-speed electric wipers with washers, safety buzzers and warning lights, upper and lower dash safety pads, console gear option, walnut paneling on the dash and full carpeting. Carpeted lower door panels were optional.
Other Riviera options included air conditioning, power windows, power front disc brakes, four- and six-way power seats, tinted glass, cruise control, wire wheel covers, 5-spoke chrome wheels and AM/FM stereo.
The five millionth Buick was built at the Doraville, Ga. Plants this year. It was a <a href="https://www.hagerty.com/apps/valuationtools/1970-Buick-LeSabre-Custom" target="_blank">Le Sabre Custom</a> 4-door Hardtop.

1967 Buick Riviera coupe courtesy Classic Auto Mall

Clean, flowing lines marked the 1966 Buick Riviera as a marvelously pure example of automotive design. The car's 119-inch wheelbase chassis was a rear-drive variant of the new perimeter-frame design used by the contemporary 1966 front-wheel-drive Oldsmobile Toronado. A 340-hp Buick “nailhead” V-8 was standard in all 1966 Rivieras. The Gran Sport option now consisted of appearance and handling items.
With only minor exterior changes, the 1967 Riviera featured a new Buick 430 V-8. The Gran Sport package officially became “GS” equipment. For 1969, AccuDrive and variable ratio power steering made Riviera an even greater road car.
The restyled 1970 Riviera offered a retrospective take on swoopy French cars of the 1930s. This bit of design whimsy resulted in an uncharacteristically baroque Riviera; a fully dressed ’70, with its sweeping moldings and rear skirts. Under the hood was the high-compression 370-hp, 455-cid, V-8. Condition is everything when selecting a 1966-70 Riviera for collector purposes as their clean forms do not suffer blemishes well. Exceptional cars are rare, breathtakingly beautiful and sure to enjoy continued appreciation.