1966 Buick Riviera review from North America

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.