A pretty face with a beast under the hood would accurately describe this 1965 Buick Riviera in Regal Black with the Gran Sport option.
First introduced in 1963 this was the last Riviera of the first generation cars before a complete revamp for 1966.
One of the distinguishing features of the new '65 Riviera was the moving of the headlights from the grille to behind the shields on the front fender. At the flick of the light switch the clam shell would open revealing the lights. The taillights were relocated to the bumper giving the back of the car a cleaner look.
Rear view
TRIVIA: The movie Roadhouse with Patrick Swayze playing James Dalton the professional 'Bouncer' featured the 1965 Buick Riviera, further adding to the car's popularity.
Side view
The Riviera was a personal luxury car and as such came with the following as standard: woodgrain veneer interior panels, power steering, power brakes, tilt steering wheel, 2-speed electric wipers, windshield washer, map light, electric clock, automatic trunk light, glove compartment light, foam-padded bucket seats, center console amongst a host of other things.
The Gran Sport package included a 425 cubic inch, 360 horsepower Super Wildcat V8 engine with dual 4-barrel carburetors, replacing the standard 325 horsepower 401 cubic inch V8. It also included: extra large dual exhaust pipes, positive traction differential, engine dress-up kit and exterior badge identification.
Buick produced 34,586 Riviera cars for the 1965 model year at a base price of $4,318. It's estimated that only around 3,300-3,400 of these cars were Gran Sports.
This car is currently for sale on eBay. (follow the link for even more photos)
Recommended Reading
Buick Riviera 1963-78 Performance Portfolio by R.M. Clarke
Road and comparison tests, specifications, performance data and more...
My grandfather used to take me with him every year to see the new cars. When the 65’s came out, he was in the market to buy one. We looked at the Riviera, and, living in Pittsburgh where it got cold, he was worried the headlights would freeze shut. He bought a 65 T-Bird instead.