General Motors originally intended for its new personal luxury car to be a Cadillac. However, the luxury brand passed on the opportunity and Buick subsequently won the opportunity, with the Riviera becoming an instant classic. Fast-forward eight years and we had the “Boattail” Riviera—can you image our Pick of the Day as a Cadillac? This 1972 Buick Riviera is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Kentwood, Michigan.
When the redesigned Riviera was introduced in 1971, it was at the dawn of unleaded fuel. General Motors had decided to lower compression a year earlier than the federal mandate, so the standard 315-horsepower (255 net) 455 featured 8.5:1 compression. Opt for the GS Handling Package and horsepower was bumped up to 330 (265 net).
“This classic, new design is a triumph of automotive styling,” said Lee Mays, general manager of Buick and vice president of General Motors, “and will assure the Riviera of continuing g its established reputation as the leader in the personal luxury car field.”
Little was changed for 1972. Under the hood, as net horsepower officially took hold, power fell by five for both engines, the victim of additional, marginal pollution controls. The louvers on the trunklid, part of GM’s new “Full-Flo” ventilation system, were eliminated after reports of moisture and exhaust emissions seeping into the cabin. An eggcrate grille was a noticeable update, while the taillight lenses were a much more subtle change. New was a power sunroof but, otherwise, the Riviera was little-changed.
It may be difficult to imagine that Bill Mitchell had reservations about the Boattail Riviera, but that is because its design was compromised from concept to production. The sleeker, more dramatic design of the mock-up was somewhat replicated with the Silver Arrow III show car that was introduced at the 1972 Detroit International Auto Show. It featured tech-y items like MaxTrac (an early, electronic traction control system), a pair of third brake lights mounted on the roof (an idea adapted for the 1974 Riviera), and four-wheel disc brakes.
Today, the Boattail Riviera seems to resonate with the younger crowd, unaware of the baggage it may have. This 1972 Buick Riviera nicely reflects the strengths that has made the Boattail an intriguing collectible. Originally ordered in code 54 Champagne Gold, the exterior is complemented by Saddle Madrid-grain expanded vinyl interior with a custom notchback 60/40 front seat. “Recent maintenance includes a new transmission pan gasket, new gas tank, new valve cover gaskets, new radiator, a fresh tune-up, and fluid change,” says the seller. Options include air conditioning, fiber optics, power windows, tilt wheel, gold longitudinal protective trim, remote driver-side mirror, pushbutton AM radio, clock, and Buick’s famous chrome road wheels.
Nineteen seventy-two does not tend to be thought of as a high point in Detroit. This Riviera is one of the few shining stars in what was beginning to be a miserable era, though it would be a shining star in any era. And, for $27,900, you don’t have to be from Gen Z in order to appreciate and buy it.
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