1966 Buick Riviera from North America - 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.

I remember my brother and I bought a 1969 Riviera as teenagers in the late 1980's - what a fantastic car! I think we paid $2,500 for one that had about 55,000 miles on it. I wonder what it would be worth now? Actually we found out later it had some 'bondo' in a quarter panel, but still, great, great car.

I was wondering, you mentioned the 425 'nailhead' V8 - does anyone know how that engine differed from its successor the 430? Our 430 was an incredible powerhouse. I can remember how the dual exaust actually used to dig holes in our gravel drive when we would let it sit idling. WOW.

I just purchased a 66 Riv Grand Sport. I love the car and need a little help finding a heat riser valve for the 425 nailhead V8. If any body can help, it is appreciated.

email grandriver@prodigy.net

Thanks

I was just wondering approx. what kind of fuel mileage you get with the 425 nailhead? Also, do you need to run premium fuel in it or does it run fine with no pinging on regular? Email me with response deandittmar@hotmail.com. Thanks.

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.

I've owned my Riv for 9, soon to be 10 years.

I had the 425 rebuilt to specs, new int, new headliner, exhaust, brakes.

In summer I drive it often.

Back in 66, many cars were built to run on hi tech, you have to know what your car was built to run off. I found out the hard way by racing a new Trans Am; blew an piston from using regular gas.

Now she's rebuilt 425 nail head duals, she's HOTT, I'm in parades often. She gets her due, they don't make em like that anymore, so be easy with her, she'll give you all you need and some.

I love mine more than words can say. I have an 60 Olds 371, 65 Cat 389 conv, nothing beats that RIVIERA 425, THAT MY HONEY.

PEACE, HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL, regardless of the car.