Buick Riviera (3rd generation)
The controversial 'boat-tail' masterpiece of the personal luxury era.
- Power
- 315 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 8.4 s
- Top speed
- 125 mph
- Est. value
- $13k–$73k
About the Buick Riviera
The third-generation Buick Riviera is defined by its dramatic 'boat-tail' rear styling, a bold design exercise led by Bill Mitchell and Jerry Hirshberg. Inspired by the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray, the 1971 model features a distinctive V-shaped rear window and sweeping fastback lines that polarized buyers at launch. Under the hood, the massive 455 cubic-inch V8 provides effortless low-end torque, though 1971 marked the beginning of power reductions to accommodate unleaded fuel. Despite its size, the Riviera was marketed as a personal luxury car, offering a driver-centric 'wraparound' cockpit and a surprisingly composed ride for its weight.
Buick Riviera specs
The Buick Riviera produces 315 bhp (235 kW) and 610 Nm (450 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 8.4 seconds and has a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h).
| Make | Buick |
|---|---|
| Model | Riviera |
| Generation | Third Generation (3rd generation) |
| Trim | 7.5 V8 |
| Years | 1971–1973 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | United States |
| Production | About 33,810 built |
| Original price | About $5,300 when new |
| Engine | 7.5-litre V8 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 7,456 cc (7.5 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 315 bhp (235 kW) at 4,400 rpm |
| Torque | 610 Nm (450 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 5,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 8.4 s |
| Top speed | 125 mph (201 km/h) |
| Transmission | 3-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 2,009 kg (4,429 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 157 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Buick Riviera worth?
A typical Buick Riviera is estimated to be worth $13,000 – $73,000 (about £9,300 – £54,000).
Its original price when new was about $5,300.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Buick Riviera rarity in CarSpot
The Buick Riviera is a Rare card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 42 out of 100. Performance cars, typically worth around £50,000 to £100,000. A Rare card is worth 40 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Buick Riviera fun facts
- The 1971 model is the only 'boat-tail' to feature functional louvers on the boot lid as part of GM's short-lived Full-Flo ventilation system.
- Designer Jerry Hirshberg, who penned the car's radical lines, later became the head of design for Nissan.
- The car was originally intended to be built on the smaller A-body platform, but was moved to the larger B-body chassis late in development, resulting in its massive proportions.
