Build Sheet
- VIN: 494475H933003
- 401ci "Nailhead" Wildcat V8 (325 HP)
- ST-400 automatic with "Switch-Pitch" torque converter
- Fully operational factory "clamshell" headlights
- Fully operational factory air conditioning
- Original Ivory vinyl bucket seat interior with Walnut veneers
- 17-inch Coys C-5 Forged wheels in Gunmetal
- Factory "Al-Fin" finned aluminum front drum brakes
- Independent A-arm front and three-link rear suspension
- Power steering and factory power windows
- 9.3-inch Dropout style rear end and original exhaust
Wrench Report
RestoMods Head Mechanic. 20 year classic car mechanic & builder.
There's few luxury classics as iconic as the 1965 Buick Riviera. If you don't know, the '65 Riv was really a one-year-only model and was the only year you could get it with the famed electrically operated clamshell headlights, which work perfectly on this one. The whole car is an engineering marvel for its time. Having driven this Riviera multiple times myself, I can tell you that this car has been so well preserved, especially the ivory white vinyl interior. It does have a new paint color, yes, but you could argue the car needed some color from it's white on white factory spec. It rides like a classic luxury cruiser should and it's super comfortable out on modern California roads. It's not slow either: that 401 Nailhead makes up for the car's weight and will keep up with modern cars. You get factory A/C that still works great, so you'll know that you can cruise in this absolute time capsule all year long. It's a high-class cruiser that drives great and will be throughly enjoyed by the next owner.
Description
Originally assembled at the Flint, Michigan factory in April of 1965, this '65 Buick Riviera 2-door hardtop Sport Coupe came equipped with the Wildcat 401ci Nailhead V8 and ST-400 3-speed automatic that is still in the car today. Much of the car remains in its original state except for the exterior paint and wheels. The body tag indicates that the car was originally Arctic White (CC) with an ivory vinyl interior (TR 624), though the car was repainted at some point to red. The car still has the original interior, however. Not much is known about the ownership history until its most recent purchase from Mecum Auctions in May of 2024 by RestoMods. This 1965 Buick Riviera is being offered by the selling dealer RestoMods (CA dealer ID# 03810) with a clean Michigan title. The vehicle is located in San Diego, CA.
At some point in the vehicle's history, this Riviera Sport Coupe had a full repaint in red. The color code is unknown. Aside from the paint, much of the factory exterior elements remain, such as the chrome front and rear bumper, door edge guards, chrome accented trim, badging, door handles, and driver side mirror.
This Riviera also still has it's factory electrically operated clamshell headlights that the seller notes are fully operable. Also visible is the factory front grille, and the Riviera's factory hood ornament.
The original wheels and tires are gone, and have been replaced with Coys 17 inch C-5 Forged wheels in gunmetal, wrapped in modern Goodyear radial tires (225/55r17 in front; 235/60r17 in rear). The Riviera's factory drum brakes are also visible, which are equipped at all four corners.
Under the hood, the Riviera's factory 325 horsepower, Wildcat 401ci Nailhead V8 still remains with the car. The engine is paired to the factory Super-Turbine 400 3-speed automatic with the Switch-Pitch torque converter, which is said to give the '65 Riviera one of the smoothest rides of its era. The seller notes that recent service has been done by RestoMods of San Diego, CA, which included the engine receiving new valve cover gaskets and spark plugs, and the transmission received a new pan gasket.
The interior upholstery is completely original in its factory Ivory color, including the front and rear bucket seats, door panels, headliner and sun shades. The interior trim is also all factory original. The seller notes that while all of the interior is well preserved, there is a noticeable rip in the driver's seat backrest.
It should be noted that this Riviera retains its factory air conditioning, and is fully operational. Also factory original is the steering wheel, dashboard, gauge cluster, radio, and genuine Walnut veneers on the lower center dash and center console. The car also has factory power steering, power windows, and rear passenger cigarette lighter.
The vehicle retains all the factory suspension geometry, including the front independent A-arm double wishbone suspension with coil springs, and front sway bar. The parallel-arm steering linkage with power assist is also preserved with this car.
The factory original live rear axle setup is also equipped, with the three-link system and track bar and rear coil springs. As stated previously, the vehicle retains the factory 12 inch "Al-Fin" finned aluminum drum brakes in the front, and finned cast iron drum brakes in the rear. The original driveshaft and 9.3 inch Dropout style rear end is also equipped. The original exhaust system is also visible under the car with the original exhaust tips.
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Comments & Bids
Great buy I think. How many cars have you bought on this website. Just wondering
I had the same car , whoever ends up getting it is going to love driving it. Just floats down the road. I absolutely loved mine
More history of how I bought the car and how much I paid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61t9K4h0Hxg
I've gotten a few questions privately so figured I would answer them here for everyone:
Is this car sufficiently roadworthy to be driven to the state of Washington after the auction?
The car is extremely road worthy. The most I've driven it at a time is 50 miles or so, but I have no reason to believe it wouldn't make it across the country.
Is this a numbers matching car or a replacement engine?
This is a numbers matching car. I will post photos.
All vehicle descriptions and listings are provided exclusively by the seller and are assumed accurate by the platform without independent verification. Buyers maintain the sole responsibility to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of any description, and independent research and physical inspections must be completed prior to bidding.
The Wrench Report is generated solely for informational purposes and is based on a subjective analysis of information provided by the seller. The contents of the Wrench Report constitute a good-faith opinion only; they do not constitute mechanical advice, professional valuation, or an assurance or guarantee of the vehicle's quality, safety, or condition.
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Build Sheet
- VIN: 494475H933003
- 401ci "Nailhead" Wildcat V8 (325 HP)
- ST-400 automatic with "Switch-Pitch" torque converter
- Fully operational factory "clamshell" headlights
- Fully operational factory air conditioning
- Original Ivory vinyl bucket seat interior with Walnut veneers
- 17-inch Coys C-5 Forged wheels in Gunmetal
- Factory "Al-Fin" finned aluminum front drum brakes
- Independent A-arm front and three-link rear suspension
- Power steering and factory power windows
- 9.3-inch Dropout style rear end and original exhaust
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Congrats @LumpyCam, really cool car!.