Buick launched the 2nd generation Riviera this year but the Buick division slipped from 5th to 7th place in the 1966 U.S. model year production. The '66 Riviera features a crisp new body as a redesigned personal luxury flagship. The wheelbase gained 2 inches to 119 and added 150 lbs. Headlights were now hidden behind a redesigned grille and a new taillamp design. The extra cost Gran Sport package included heavy duty suspension among its features. Bench seats were standard but buckets and a center console were separate options. Production of Rivieras jumped 24% to a total of 45,348 units. Only one engine was fitted into a Riviera but also shared with the Buick Wildcat and Electra 225. And that engine was a V8 with 425 cid. and 340 bhp., and also this Riviera has a "switch pitch" tranny. This Riviera would cost $4,424 new. I was fortunate to catch the owner of this Riviera right before he was to leave the ending car show. He graciously reopened the hood and turned off the engine so I could tape his glorious Buick. This black beauty is quite the show car Buick Riviera but the owner uses his as a daily driver! I was amazed by the hidden headlamps and how they tucked upward and, of course, the interior is well preserved even though, once again, a 60's car has all black vinyl interior. Many thanks to you for viewing this 1966 Buick Riviera hardtop coupe.
