1966 Buick Riviera 430 cui V8 from Norway

Summary:

Great car

Faults:

I have rebuilt the automatic transmission, the Reverse didn't work when I got it (141,000 miles).

General Comments:

It's a quite fast car. 0-60 mph takes about 7.6 sec. It uses a lot of gas, about 1.2 l/mil at the highway and about 2 l/mil in the city.

It's a nice roadcar, quiet, comfortable and a great engine.

It's also a very good looking car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th December, 2009

21st Dec 2009, 14:55

I had a '69 Riviera with that same 430 engine - unbelievable power. Really takes you back to when times were better. Sad what the country's come to, isn't it?

22nd Dec 2009, 09:28

"It's a quite fast car. 0-60 mph takes about 7.6 sec. It uses a lot of gas, about 1.2 l/mil at the highway and about 2 l/mil in the city."

- Well, as the old saying goes, "If you want to play, you've got to pay."

1966 Buick Riviera 425ci from North America

General Comments:

I bought my 66 Riviera from a classified ad in my local paper back in 1989. I wasn't looking for one, but when I saw this car I knew I had to have it. I still have the car and can honestly say it's the best car I've ever owned. The 425 nailhead engine was in it's last year of production, but runs very smooth and idles so low, you don't know it's running. The 400 trans has fantastic shifting and that coupled with the posit rear gives all around wicked performance. This car has remained bone stock and considering it's age, it remains a strong and solid car. All I've done since I bought the car is brakes, exhaust, tires and suspension rebuild. GM really put quality and styling into their cars back then as most of the hardware is metal and has held up very well. The engine and trans have not been rebuilt and even though the engine smokes a bit it still has tremendous torque. The 66 and 67 are almost identical except for a few trim changes and the 430 replacing the 425. Parts are difficult due to the uniqueness of the body and interior, but this body style is just as beautiful as the 63-65's. The prices on Rivieras has recently gone crazy due to the Chevy's and Pontiac's having been snatched up by collectors. It's going to be hard to get a decent early to mid 60's Riv at a good price, but if you find one and it's all there, grab it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd August, 2007

23rd Sep 2009, 09:33

Man, if you are worrying about fuel mileage, then don't even consider buying a classic car. People do not buy these types of cars and sit around worrying about how economical they are, but to answer your questions, 13/16 mpg is the expected range for one properly tuned and driven responsibly.

As for your second question, a good rule of thumb is Pre 1972 you should run a lead additive or do some head work so that you don't have to run lead, and any V-8 engine from 1973 up should be run with premium or 91 octane. Considering that my 1971 Lincoln Mark III with the 460 had a minimum fuel requirement of 99 octane, I part my fuel with airplane grade fuel I get from a friend who works on single engine planes. Works perfectly and I get better economy. Believe it or not, makes no difference to me.

Oh, one more thing, NO ETHANOL, old V-8's don't like that.

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1966 Buick Riviera 425ci from North America

Summary:

Classic GM styling that still looks great

Faults:

Car was mostly original when bought. The only major repair was an oil pump replacement. I believe the engine has never been rebuilt and it does smoke some, particularly at start up.

General Comments:

The 1966 Riviera was and still is a classic beauty. It rides and handles very well. the 425 engine is quite reliable, but is seriously thirsty. The interior is beautifully laid out and the cars are usually optioned with all the bells and whistles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th December, 2004

27th Dec 2004, 10:09

Do you have a 1965 or 1966? it's not clear from your review.

I greatly admire the 1965 model, especially the GS version.