The Riviera went on sale in October 1962. Although Buick general sales manager Rollie Withers estimated a potential market of up to 55,000 cars, he deliberately limited initial production to 40,000, judging that it was better to have buyers clamoring for more cars than to have unsold examples cluttering up dealer lots. Base price was $4,333, $112 cheaper than a base Thunderbird, but $271 more than an Electra 225, making the Riviera one of Buick’s most expensive models.
The Riviera was a fast car. Even with the base engine, it was capable of reaching 60 mph (97 kph) in around eight seconds, with a top speed in the neighborhood of 120 mph (193 kph). Although no Ferrari, it was a good deal more agile than most American cars its size, and its big, 12-inch (305-mm) finned drum brakes gave it respectable stopping power. It rode somewhat more firmly than a Thunderbird, but it was by no means uncomfortable.
GM stylists borrowed the subtle W shape of the Riviera’s front end for many other sixties cars, including not only the second-generation Riviera, but the mid-sixties Buick, Oldsmobile, Chevrolet, and Pontiac B-body models.
The automotive press was very enthusiastic about the Riviera — it was perhaps the first model Buick had ever offered that was really their sort of car. While there was some mild nitpicking about the Riviera’s numb power steering and less-than-comprehensive instruments, the reviews were exceptionally positive. Even the European press, which generally took a dim view of both the capabilities and the styling of American cars, judged it a decent effort.
A site for the Buick Electra 225 enthusiast
I am in the process of selling my Electra. I will also be selling this site. If you are interested in either, please contact me. Below are information and pictures of my Electra that is for sale.
1970 Buick Electra 225 Convert: 455 Engine 80k original miles, Auto, PS, PB, Power Windows, Power Front Seat, Power Trunk, Power Top, Cruise
Option: Side Lights (nonoperational right now) These turn on when you activate your blinker so you get an extra view where you are turning.
Option: AC (nonoperational, never saw the need to get it working again on a convertable)
Notes: Carpet and top have been replaced. Original top boot, interier in excellent original condition, AM/FM radio works (had it rebuilt), front emblem is reproduction as *no* original emblems exist (they fell apart easily on the cars after a couple years, bad plastic). Dealer option pass side rear view mirror is correct for year (very rare option). Rims have been replaced with a later year Buick rally wheel (originals would have been steel rims with hubcaps).
Extras: I am including my literature and spare parts collection with this sale. I have alot of extras. Parts manual, front bumber, rear seats, etc etc. way too much to list.
Some of the things I have replaced over the years: Carpet, Dash wood grain, front emblem, corrected pass side mirror, patched floor pans, rebuilt radio, door handles, radiator, water pump, normal tune-up items (wires, plugs, fuel filter, etc), rear driver side wheel bearing, brake shoes.
Why am I selling this car? Well I now have two young children who take all my time and love so this car has just been sitting in the garage. We really need the space so it’s time to sell the car, my parts collection, and my literature collection. I usually drive the car at least once a month to keep the battery charged and fluids moving but even thats tough anymore. I figure I can get back into the hobby in another 10 years or so after the kids are older.
If you don’t see a picture you would like to see let me know. I’m sure there will be questions. I am going to be 100% honest about this car. It’s a nice car and I have learned alot about this specific model over the years. I know what parts are available, what parts are not, what is correct, what is not, where the problem areas are, etc. I want the next owner to enjoy this car as much as I have.
