Авто МирИстория Buick RivieraИстория автомобиля Buick Riviera

Обзор Buick Riviera

  Эта машина является высшим достижением семейства Buick в жанре роскошных купе. Автомобиль был наделен огромным запасом мощности и экстравагантным стилем. Дизайнерам поставили задачу объединить респектабельность Rolls-Royce и динамику Ferrari. Основой для шикарного купе послужил автомобиль Oldsmobile Aurora. По линиям на задней части крыши проскальзывали черты Ролс-Ройса, а фронтальная облицовка была в точности как у Ferrari

Riviеra привлекала всеобщее внимание неповторимым образом и вскоре автомобиль начал чаще мелькать на улицах США. В 1963 г

продали 40 тысяч машин Ривьеры, а в 1964 г. — показатели чуть упали до 38 тысяч.

   Изначально модель оснащалась 401-кубовым двигателем V8,  который имел мощность 325 лошадиных сил, но буквально за 50$ можно было купить 425-кубовый двигатель, который обладал мощностью в 340 лошадиных сил. Двигатели работали совместно с автоматической 2-диапазонной трансмиссией. Антиблокировочная система содействовала лучшему торможению. Значительные размеры авто обеспечивали пассажирам и водителю уютное размещение в салоне. Все, что было в автомобиле, полностью соответствовало его классу.

   В 1964-м году Бьюик Ривьера получила небольшое косметическое обновление в дизайне, а 2-диапазонный «автомат» сменили на 3-диапазонный. Спустя год вышло «спортивное» обновление GS (Grand Sports), оно включало в себя более твёрдые амортизаторы в подвеске, сравнительно более «острый» руль, шины с несколько расширенным и пониженным профилем на дисках. По своим опциям модель GS могла комплектоваться четырехступенчатой МКПП и обладать мощностью в 360 лошадиных сил, а её максимальная скорость достигала 125 миль в час.

Второе поколение Buick Riviera

    В 1966-м году в свет вышло втрое поколение Riviera. В машине провели много изменений, ее формы стали более криволинейными и плавными. Ривьера имела вид большого приземистого купе с покатым верхом (типа fastback), в ней не было центральных стоек и передка с выпуклыми передними крыльями. Данное обновление получило более длинную колесную базу, а также массивный 2-дверный кузов купе.

   В 1968 году переделали внешний вид автомобиля, оставив только колесную базу величиной 3,02 метра. Машина утратила уникальный образ.  В новом стиле автомобиля оставили задний привод. Конструкторы переделали решётку и передний бампер, а фары оставили скрытыми. Версия Grand Sports ещё продавалась,  поскольку с ней удавалось разогнать купе весом в 4222 фунтов до 130 миль в час.

   Во время кризиса 70-тых годов, вместе с общими потерями в американских автомобилей своего «лица», уникальности лишается и Ривьера. Через 4 года марка потеряла свои элегантные обводы кузова и «лодочный хвост», а масса поднялась до 4572 фунтов. Двигатели объёмом в 455 кубов теперь выдавали всего лишь 210 л.с. Мощность тоже уменьшалась вплоть до 1978-го года, когда 455-й заменила на 403-и и 350-кубовыми двигателями V8.

Buick Riviera

  Спустя год машина получила передний привод. Бьюик Ривьера стала легче и короче, в дополнение к своей традиционной восьмицилиндpовой тяге обрела шестицилиндpовую (V6 c туpбонаддувом), и в дополнение к своей стандартной закрытой версии — открытую. Продажи такого обновленного автомобиля резко возросли.

   Следующий редизайн был проведен в 1986 году, и главным образом он затронул заднюю часть кузова. Через 3 года был произведен рестайлинг, модель стада длиннее на 11 дюймов (приблизительно 26 см). В подобном виде Riviera (которой в 1991 году поставили новую решетку радиатора) была в продаже до 1993 года.

Новый Buick Riviera

Новая модель Ривьеры появилась только в 1995 году, будучи сделана в модном тогда «бионическом стиле», которому характерны гладкие обводы. Это поколение раскупили тиражом в 23350 штук. Спустя 2 года сбыт уменьшился до 14096 машин. Руководство компании приняло решение выпустить BuickRiviera 1999 года небольшим тиражом. Приблизительно 200 экземпляров из данного выпуска поступили на реализацию под названием Сеpебpяная Стpела (Silver Arrow). Эта модель имела серебристую краску особенного оттенка, а также соответствующую эмблему.

Рубрики:Американские автомобилиМетки записи:Buick

Seventh generation 19861993

Seventh generation
Overview
Model years 1986–1993
Assembly Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly, Michigan, United States
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door coupe
Layout Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform E-body
Related Cadillac EldoradoOldsmobile ToronadoBuick Reatta
Powertrain
Engine 1986: 3.8L 140 hp (100 kW) V61987: 3.8L 150 hp (110 kW) V61988–1990: 3.8L 165 hp (123 kW) V61991–93: 3.8L 170 hp (130 kW) V6
Transmission 4-speed THM440-T4 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 108.0 in (2,743 mm)
Length 1986–88: 187.8 in (4,770 mm)
Width 1986–1990: 71.7 in (1,821 mm)1991–93: 73.1 in (1,857 mm)
Height 1986–88: 53.5 in (1,359 mm)1989–1990: 53.6 in (1,361 mm)1991–93: 52.9 in (1,344 mm)
Curb weight 3,309 lb (1,501 kg)

Buick Graphic Control

The E-body coupes were converted to unibody construction and further downsized for 1986 to a 108 in (2,700 mm) wheelbase similar in length to that of the Buick Regal. The V6 was now the only engine, rated initially at 142 hp (106 kW) SAE and 200 lb⋅ft (270 N⋅m) of torque. It used the Turbo-Hydramatic 440-T4 automatic with a 2.84:1 final drive ratio.

This generation was noted for advanced electronic instrumentation displayed on a dash-mounted 9-inch (230 mm) CRT. The CRT controlled the vehicle’s climate control system and stereo, and also supplied advanced instrumentation such as a trip computer and maintenance reminder feature. Four-wheel disc brakes were standard. With a choice of three suspension packages available, up to the performance oriented FE3 setting, handling was notably improved. The Riviera placed fourth for Motor Trend‘s 1986 Car of the Year contest.

1989–1993 Buick Riviera

Fuel economy was notably improved for the 1986 Riviera, but the investment in the downsized, transverse engine front wheel drive platform resulted in a substantial price increase, to $19,831 to the base model and $21,577 for the new T-Type. Downsizing also resulted in a dimensional similarity to smaller, less expensive offerings from GM. The smaller dimensions, generic styling, and lack of a V8 led to sales plummeting to 22,138 for 1986, only 15,223 for 1987, and a dismal 8,625 for 1988. 1988 also saw the introduction of Buick’s new Reatta coupe which cannibalized some sales from the Riviera.

A restyle for 1989 that added 11 inches (280 mm) to the overall length (on an unchanged wheelbase) helped, but only incrementally, boosting sales to 21,189 for 1989, but dropping to a low of 4,555 for 1993, the abbreviated final model year of that model. The last 1993 Riviera rolled off the Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly plant line on December 10, 1992.

Third generation 19711973

Third generation

1972 Buick Riviera

Overview
Model years 1971–1973
Assembly Flint, MichiganLinden, New Jersey (Linden Assembly) United States
Designer Jerry Hirshberg under Bill Mitchell
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door hardtop
Layout FR layout
Platform E-body
Related Cadillac EldoradoOldsmobile Toronado
Powertrain
Engine 455 cu in (7.5 L) V8
Transmission 3-speed TH-400 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 122.0 in (3,099 mm)
Length 217.4 in (5,522 mm) (1971) 218.3 in (5,545 mm) (1972) 223.4 in (5,674 mm) (1973)
Width 79.9 in (2,029 mm)
Height 54.0 in (1,372 mm)
Curb weight 4,247 lb (1,926 kg)

1973 Buick Riviera GS rear

The Riviera was radically redesigned for the 1971 model year with flowing and dramatic «boat-tail» styling. Designed under Bill Mitchell’s direction, it was penned by Jerry Hirshberg, future head of design for Nissan, mating the two-piece :792fastback rear window, inspired by the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray split window coupe, to the Riviera’s platform.

The design was originally intended for the smaller GM A platform, and the use of the Riviera’s body—expanded for 1971 by 3 in (76 mm) in wheelbase and more than 120 lb (54 kg) heavier—produced controversial looks. (Collectible Automobile ran an article about 1971–76 full-sized Buicks in which one sketch design for their 2-door coupes which was rejected resembled the 1971–73 Riviera).

This generation introduced a much more visual representation of the «», with a more faithful representation to the version that appeared on 1950s Buicks in both the side molding and beltline.

The 455 engine had a lower compression ratio to meet EPA emissions requirements, reducing power to 255 hp (190 kW), with 265 hp (198 kW) in the Gran Sport. Performance remained reasonably brisk, with a 0–60 time of 8.1 seconds for the GS, but the Riviera’s sporty image was rapidly fading. One noteworthy advance was Buick’s Max Trac limited-slip differential. The 1971 Riviera also features GM’s «Full-Flo» ventilation system and two large deck lid louvers are prominent on the trunk lid. (Unfortunately, under certain conditions a vacuum was created that sucked rain and exhaust back into the car and the «Full-Flo» ventilation was redesigned and the louvers were removed from trunk lid for the 1972 model year.)

Despite these features, Riviera sales for 1971 dropped to 33,810,:798 the lowest to date. The 1972 Riviera was little changed, with the 455 engine switching to net power ratings, 225 hp (168 kW) or 250 hp (190 kW) with the Gran Sport, although the actual drop in net power was only 5 hp (3.7 kW). Sales remained moribund at 33,728.:876 For 1973, the 250 hp (186 kW) engine became standard, with 260 hp (190 kW) with the Stage One package, which also included a limited slip differential and a chrome-plated air cleaner. The «Gran Sport» package was still available as a separate option package consisting of a ride-and-handling package that included a rear stabilizer bar, JR78-15 whitewall steel-belted radial tires, a specially tuned «radial roadability» suspension, additional sound insulation and special «Gran Sport» badging. Sluggish sales of the third generation Riviera led GM to believe that the boattail deck lid was too radical for most customers’ tastes, so in 1973 it was blunted and made slightly shorter. The design change however only led to a marginal increase in sales, with 34,080 being produced for the model year.

Concept cars

2007 concept

2007 Riviera Concept
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door coupe
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,870 mm (113.0 in)
Length 4,710 mm (185.4 in)
Width 1,940 mm (76.4 in)
Height 1,415 mm (55.7 in)

At the 2007 Shanghai Motor Show, Buick debuted a concept coupe named Riviera, based on the GM Epsilon II platform. The concept was later shown at the .

It was designed by the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC). The design was inspired by classic Buicks, ancient Chinese artifacts, and modern electronic icons. It includes «icy green» backlighting, Shell Blue body, gull-wing doors, a 2+2 seating configuration, and 21-inch 10-spoke forged aluminum wheels.

2013 concept

2013 Riviera Concept
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door coupe

A concept Riviera was also shown at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show, again developed by the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center PATAC. It has gull-wing doors and a plug-in electric driveline as well as four wheel steering, electromagnetically controlled suspension with air springs, built in 4G LTE connection, transparent A pillar and wireless charging.

Sixth generation 19791985

Buick Riviera coupe

Sixth generation

1984 Buick Riviera Coupe

Overview
Model years 1979–1985
Assembly Linden Assembly, Linden, New Jersey United States
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door convertible2-door coupe
Layout Longitudinal front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform E-body
Related Cadillac EldoradoOldsmobile Toronado
Powertrain
Engine 231 cu in (3.8 L) V6252 cu in (4.1 L) V6307 cu in (5.0 L) V8350 cu in (5.7 L) V8350 cu in (5.7 L) diesel V8
Transmission 3-speed TH-325 automatic4-speed THM325-4L automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 114.0 in (2,896 mm)
Length 206.0 in (5,232 mm)
Width 72.8 in (1,849 mm)

Rear view of 1984 Riviera convertible

1979 saw the debut of the first front wheel drive Riviera. Built on a trimmer, 114 in (2,900 mm) wheelbase, it once again shared its mechanical design and platform with the Cadillac Eldorado and Oldsmobile Toronado. The Olds 403 and Buick 350 were dropped, but the Olds 350 remained, as did a new turbocharged Buick V6 of 231 cu in (3.8 L) displacement with 185 hp (138 kW). The Riviera became Motor Trend‘s Car of the Year. Sales more than doubled, to 52,181 for 1979 and 48,621 for the very similar 1980 models.

1981 saw the Turbo renamed T-Type and the demise of the 350 engine in favor of the Oldsmobile-built 307 cu in (5.0 L) with 140 hp (104 kW) (phased in during the 1980 MY). The standard engine was now Buick’s 125 hp (93 kW) 252 cu in (4.1 L) V6, and a new option was an Oldsmobile diesel engine with a mere 105 hp (78 kW) offered through 1985. 1982 also saw the first-ever Riviera convertible, although relatively few were built, owing to very high prices-US$23,944. The Riviera convertible was available in only two color choices-white or red firemist with the only interior color of red leather. A turbocharged Riviera convertible was chosen to be the pace car at the 1983 Indianapolis 500, although most convertible Rivieras had the V8 engine, which saw an increase in rated SAE net HP to 150 for both convertibles and coupes fitted with it from 1982 through the 1985 model year.

Overall sales made the 1980s Riviera a great success, reaching 65,305 for the 1985 model year.

Eighth generation 19951999

Eighth generation
Overview
Production May 23, 1994–November 25, 1998
Model years 1995–1999
Assembly Lake Orion, Michigan, U.S.
Designer William L. Porter
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door coupe
Layout Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform G-body
Related Oldsmobile AuroraCadillac SevilleBuick Park Avenue
Powertrain
Engine 3.8L 205 hp (153 kW) V63.8L 225 hp (168 kW) SC V63.8L 240 hp (180 kW) SC V6
Transmission 4-sp auto 4T60E (1995–96 N/A) 4-sp auto 4T60E-HD (1996 Supercharged)4-sp auto (1997–99)
Dimensions
Wheelbase 113.8 in (2,891 mm)
Length 207.0 in (5,258 mm)
Width 75.0 in (1,905 mm)
Height 55.2 in (1,402 mm)
Curb weight 3,788 lb (1,718 kg)

After a hiatus in 1994, the Riviera returned in 1995 with radical styling that departed from the previous generations’ traditional image. A 205 hp (153 kW) naturally aspirated 3800 V6 was standard, with a supercharged version rated at 225 hp (168 kW) and 275 lb⋅ft (373 N⋅m) available as an option. Rivieras were now built in Lake Orion, Michigan, riding the same Cadillac-derived G platform as the 4-door Oldsmobile Aurora. The very first of 41,422 Rivieras made in 1995 rolled off the assembly line on May 23, 1994.

In 1996, supercharged versions saw an increase in power to 240 hp (179 kW) and 280 lb·ft (380 N·m), as well as the 4T60E-HD transmission. 18,036 Rivieras were manufactured in 1996.

1997 saw suspension revisions, removing excess weight. An upgraded featuring a larger 258 mm (10.2 in) torque converter and heavy-duty gearbox were added. 18,827 were made in 1997.

For 1998, the 240 hp (180 kW) supercharged V6 became standard. GM’s OnStar service was added as an option, along with minor interior design changes. 10,953 units were produced for 1998.

With sales of all coupes declining in the North American market, GM decided to discontinue the Riviera. 1999 was the car’s last model year with production of 1,956 cars ceasing on November 25, 1998. The final 200 cars had special silver paint and trim, and were denoted «Silver Arrow» models, a designation which hearkened back to several Silver Arrow show cars that had been built off Riviera bodies by Bill Mitchell.

Eighth-generation Rivieras received the most powerful V-6 Buick engine since the Grand Nationals of the 1980s. The supercharged OHV V6 gave impressive torque and acceleration, pushing the car from 0 to 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in under 7 seconds, and turning the ​1⁄4 mile in 15.5 seconds. Supercharged Rivieras achieved a fuel efficiency figure of 18/27 (city/highway mpg).

Engines

Model Year Engine Power Torque
Riviera 1995 3.8 L Supercharged V6 225 hp (168 kW) @ 5000 rpm 275 lb⋅ft (373 N⋅m) @ 3200 rpm
Riviera 1995–1997 3.8 L V6 205 hp (153 kW) @ 5200 rpm 230 lb⋅ft (312 N⋅m) @ 4000 rpm
Riviera 1996–1999 3.8 L Supercharged V6 240 hp (179 kW) @ 5200 rpm 280 lb⋅ft (380 N⋅m) @ 3600 rpm

External links

Buick, a marque of General Motors, automobile timeline, United States market, 1940s–1970s — next »

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Fourth generation 19741976

Fourth generation
Overview
Model years 1974–1976
Assembly Flint, MichiganLinden, New Jersey (Linden Assembly) United States
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door coupe
Layout FR layout
Platform E-body
Related Cadillac EldoradoOldsmobile Toronado
Powertrain
Engine 455 cu in (7.5 L) V8
Transmission 3-speed TH-400 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 122.0 in (3,099 mm)
Length 226.4 in (5,751 mm) (1974) 223.0 in (5,664 mm) (1975)
Width 80.0 in (2,032 mm)
Height 54.0 in (1,372 mm)

Although carrying over the same platform, mechanicals, and some body panels seen on the «Third Generation» Riviera, Buick replaced its distinctive ‘boat tail’ roofline with a more conventional-looking «Colonnade» treatment. This turned the car from a hardtop coupe into a pillared coupe, as it featured wide B pillars and fixed quarter opera windows. A landau half-vinyl roof option was available. The car did retain its forward-jutting grille, albeit in slightly modified form. Thus modified, the car looked far less distinctive than its predecessors, and even its platform mates, the Oldsmobile Toronado and Cadillac Eldorado. The tamer-looking Riviera was no lighter, and its standard 455 V8 lost more power, dropping to 230 hp (172 kW) and 245 hp (183 kW) for standard and Stage One models, respectively. Max Trac was dropped from the option list after 1974 due to lack of buyer interest. The revised styling did nothing for sales, which plummeted to 20,129 in 1974. This generation introduced as a novelty what later became a federal mandate in a modified form, two high-mounted taillights above the trunk and below the rear window, which was shared on its platform twin the Toronado.

For 1975, the Riviera received an updated front fascia, which lost its forward-jutting theme through the redesign of the fiberglass front end cap. Quad rectangular headlights were mounted horizontally. The new vertical-bar grille echoed the «stand-up» theme that many GM cars of the day incorporated. Parking lights wrapped around the fender sides. The Stage One performance package was dropped for 1975, though the Gran Sport handling package would continue to be offered. The standard engine’s output dipped to 205 hp (153 kW). Sales for 1975 were 17,306.

Minor changes greeted 1976 models, the most notable of which was a new crosshatch grille insert. The Gran Sport handling package was replaced by an ‘S/R’ package that had similar sporting pretensions. Sales rallied slightly to 20,082 for 1976.

Fifth generation 19771978

Fifth generation
Overview
Model years 1977–1978
Assembly Flint, MichiganLinden, New Jersey (Linden Assembly) United States
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door coupe
Layout FR layout
Platform B-body
Related Buick LeSabreBuick EstateChevrolet CapriceChevrolet ImpalaOldsmobile 88Oldsmobile Custom CruiserPontiac Bonneville/ParisiennePontiac Catalina/Laurentian
Powertrain
Engine 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8403 cu in (6.6 L) V8
Transmission 3-speed TH-400 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 115.9 in (2,944 mm)
Length 218.2 in (5,542 mm)

1978 Buick Riviera rear

Buick downsized the Riviera for 1977 onto the new smaller GM B platform. While the other E-bodies were front wheel drive since 1966 (1967 for Cadillac’s Eldorado), the Buick E platform used a B-body undercarriage (along with the cruciform frame of pre-1965 GMs for the 1966–70 generation). All B-bodies (including C and D platform GM RWDs) were downsized for the 1977 model year which prompted the short-lived 1977/78 generation.

It was, in most respects, a Buick LeSabre coupe with unique styling (with quarter windows mimicking the 1975–78 Cadillac Eldorado). Unlike its LeSabre counterpart, the front fascia is vertical as opposed to slanted. It was reduced to a wheelbase of 115.9 in (2,940 mm), down 6.1 in (150 mm), and an overall length of 218.2 in (5,540 mm), down 4.8 in (120 mm). Weight dropped some 660 pounds (300 kg). The 455 was gone, replaced by a 350 cu in (5.7 L) Buick V8 engine with 155 hp (116 kW) or Oldsmobile-built 403 cu in (6.60 L) with 185 hp (138 kW). California models had a 170 hp (127 kW) .

Sales were up modestly to 26,138 for 1977 and then fell to 20,535 for 1978, although this was strictly a stopgap model until the all-new E-body cars would be ready for 1979. To date, 1977 and 1978 Rivieras are considered a rare find since it was only produced for two model years on the downsized GM B platform before the 1979 redesign on the FWD E-platform (there are two reasons why the B-platform was used—the existing 1976 B-platform was phased out for the downsized variant where RWD E-platform vehicles were produced on the B-chassis. Buick could have continued production although the frame stamping facilities and undercarriage/chassis components were being retooled in late 1976 for downsized B-platform production where the FWD E-platform did not downsize since they were produced on a separate assembly line.

Also, with Buick dropping its 455 V8 after 1976, continuing the ’77–78 Riviera on the old E-body platform would have forced Buick to either downsize its engine compartment to their 350 V8, which was too small and underpowered for a 5,000-pound car—or «import» larger engines from other GM divisions including 400s from Chevrolet and Pontiac, Oldsmobile’s 403 or Cadillac’s 425—each of which would have limited sales and production as each division gave first priority to its own vehicles before selling engines to other divisions.

75th Anniversary Package

For 1978, a special «LXXV» edition was released to commemorate Buick’s 75th anniversary on the market. Production total was 2,889 and included special silver & black paint with gray leather seats with black trim, four-way disc brakes, brushed chrome trim, deep pile carpeting and special LXXV name plates.

The interior of a 1978 Buick Riviera LXXV

Origins

The Riviera name

1949 Buick Roadmaster Riviera (one of the first hardtops)

1959 Buick Electra 225 Riviera

The name Riviera, Latin for coastline, was chosen to evoke the allure and affluence of the French Riviera. It first entered the Buick line in 1949, as the designation for the new two-door pillarless hardtop, described in advertising as «stunningly smart». The Buick Roadmaster Riviera coupe (along with the Cadillac Coupe de Ville and Oldsmobile 98 Holiday coupe) constituted the first mass production use of this body style, which was to become extremely popular over the next 30 years. Buick added a two-door Riviera hardtop to the Super the following year, the Special in 1951 and the Century upon its return, after a 12-year absence, in 1954.

From 1951 to 1953 the Riviera designation was given to the existing long wheelbase versions of the four-door Buick Roadmaster and Super sedans. The 1951–53 Buick Roadmaster and Super four-door Riviera sedans feature more standard features, more plush interior trim and, most significantly, a wheelbase (and overall length) that is 4 inches (102 mm) longer than a regular Buick Roadmaster or Super four-door sedan. The 1951–52 Buick Super four-door Riviera sedan is still 0.75 inches (19 mm) shorter in wheelbase and length than the regular Buick Roadmaster and 4.75 inches (121 mm) shorter than the Roadmaster four-door Riviera sedan. In 1953, with the move from the Fireball straight-eight to the more compact Nailhead V8 engine, the Roadmaster and Super four-door Riviera sedans became the same length.

In the middle of the 1955 model year, Buick and Oldsmobile introduced the world’s first mass-produced four-door hardtops, with Buick offering it only on the Century and Special models, and the Riviera designation was also applied to these body styles. Four-door Riviera hardtops were added to the Roadmaster and Super lines at the beginning of the following model year. However, since it was a body style designation and not a model, the Riviera name does not usually appear on the car.

In 1959, Buick became much more selective in applying the Riviera name. From then until 1962 it only was used to denote a premium trimmed six-window hardtop style which it initially shared exclusively with Cadillac (the Oldsmobile 98 would receive it in 1961) and was available only on the Electra 225. The last usage of the term Riviera to describe a luxury trim level was 1963, as the formal designation of the #4829 Electra 225 Riviera four-door hardtop, the same year the E-body model two-door hardtop coupe Riviera made its debut.

Debut as a personal luxury car

In the late 1950s, GM lacked a personal luxury car to compete with the highly successful Ford Thunderbird—a uniquely styled, two-door, four-passenger car. To fill this gap, an experimental Cadillac design, the XP-715, was created, and the concept car was badged «LaSalle». Initially the LaSalle displayed an upright Cadillac hood emblem, but the concept car was later promoted as the «Buick LaSalle» and «Buick Riviera» concept cars Its angular look was reportedly inspired by GM styling chief Bill Mitchell’s visit to London during the period, when he was struck by the sight of an elegant, custom-bodied Rolls Royce. He later said that «knife-edged» styling was what he wanted for the new model, but with a lower profile. The design itself was penned by stylist Ned Nickles.

1963 Buick Silver Arrow concept car

However, GM management was not particularly interested in such a vehicle for Cadillac, and in 1960 the project was thrown open for competition by the other GM Divisions. Buick, desperate to revive its flagging sales, won the competition by enlisting the aid of the McCann-Erickson advertising agency to create its presentation. The finished design was adapted to a shortened version of Buick’s existing cruciform frame. The design was substantially the same as the original, less expensively without an outer pair of hidden headlights concealed in the fender grilles. (The concept car had quad headlights, with the inner pair located in the center grille.) It was again introduced as a concept car in 1963 called the Buick Riviera Silver Arrow.

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