Breakdown of the 25 Best Muscle Cars to Own (Part 4a – General Motors – Buick)

 

General Motors Corporation

Buick Division Riviera

The statements: “Buick Division has always been in the lime light when compared to the top GM offering, Cadillac. A top of the line Buick is where the two meet, but Buick is more subtle and adds performance”, are both true if applied to the generations revealed here until the 90’s or thereabout. The Buick Division of GM has consistently produced luxurious vehicles, that are also high performance oriented and the Riviera from `63 to `65 is one of those. The Riviera is one of the best built and most well designed luxury automobiles of its time, living up to the reputation of being a very responsive, with smooth handling and agile automobile, with a fan club base that is still growing. Any Buick will be higher priced than a Chevy or similar brands, but the car will also command a higher price on resale.

© Littlemacproductions | Dreamstime.com – Classic Buick Riviera Photo

 

1971 Riviera

There is a wide variety of basic items with a G2 Riviera including power steering and power brakes, but in ’63 the “Al-Fin” brake drums finned with aluminum for cooling are fitted with 12” brake shoes are also included on all Rivieras. The steering wheel will give three and a half turns from lock to lock. The coil springs are slightly softer than on most Buicks, but the lighter Riviera stands out, offering a comfortable, firmly controlled ride. The standard Buick designed double wishbone in front; live axle located by trailing arms and a lateral track bar, with the roller centers raised, to reduce the body’s lean.

© Antonsokolov | Dreamstime.com – Buick Riviera 1972 Photo

 

1972 Riviera

The Riviera, as basic equipment, has a 401 cu in (6.6 L) V8 “Nailhead” engine, initially in ‘63, but later in the year a 425 cu in (7.0 L) version of the same V8 engine could be optioned. The production in ’63 is limited to 40,000 vehicles, of which, 2,601 customers choose the 425 that year. Either engine was bolted to the continuously variable, twin turbine drive automatic transmission (CVT). Both the V8s have lower back pressure with the basic equipment dual exhaust pipes. The entry level price in 1963 is $4,333.00 up to around $5,000.00 fully loaded. The Riviera can reach a top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h) and do a standing quarter mile in less than sixteen seconds. As it left the assembly line the Riviera will do 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in a little under eight seconds consistently.

Buick division, traditionally, has always limited production numbers, partially to have demand exceed availability. Many parts for the Riviera, including some body panels (some cases), interior packages or engine enhancing upgrades are interchangeable, with other full size models, like the Toronado, Monte Carlo, Impala and Eldorado, also on the GM “E” platform. There were more than 1.1 million produced during the 35 year Riviera production run. Newly manufactured body panels, interior coverings and trim pieces are all there to find now, to a large degree, but will become even more available as time rolls on as a quality product, fitted with top drawer components will endure.

Related:

Buick Grand Sport 1965-1970

Buick GSX 1970-1974

 

Chevrolet Division

Bel-Air 1954 to 1957

The Chevrolet Bel Air name is used from 1950 until 1981 and in the beginning it is a premium trip level for all models, but by 1954 Bel-Air is the top model in the Chevy full size line up. In 1958 a power option, the Impala, would later become the nameplate for the full size line-up, delegating the Bel-Air to an entry level model. All years were produced in large quantities so an original condition project car may still be found while an older restoration can be turned up easily. The models produced from 1954 until 1957 are among the most highly collectable. Of these, the 1957 occupies top spot in most collectors’ eyes, with the ‘55 and ’56 a close second and third. Any 1957 Bel-Air, fully restored, can easily cost $30,000.00 and up, but even the ‘57 models can occasionally be found in good condition, for around $15,000.00, or possibly much less, with a serious search.

 

1957 Bel-Air

The last year of the first generation Bel-Air is 1954 and basically equipped with the “Blue Flame” in line 235 cu in OHV engine putting out 106 hp bolted to the standard transmission with a column mounted, three speed shift stick or an automatic could be optioned too. The Powerglide transmission equipped models would develop 115 hp (86 kW) and this 235 has solid lifters with full pressure lubrication. The ’54 is valued more than earlier versions because the crank shaft bearings are modern style, but earlier engines have babbit bearings which have to be poured during engine assembly.

The G2 Bel-Air is available in a full range of body styles, including, the very collectable Chevy Nomad station wagon. Any of the ‘55 to ’57 Chevy Bel-Airs have strong eye appeal with classic styling, and all are very desirable. For the ’55 to ’56 model years there are two six cylinder engines and two V8 power options available from the factory. The smaller engines use the two speed Powerglide automatic while the V8 choices would be bolted to the 3 speed Turoglide, for the customers that do not want the basic three speed standard transmission. The largest engine for the first two years of G2 is the 265, but in 1957 the 283 (4.6 L) is available for your new Bel-Air.

Body panels and upholstery can be purchased off the shelf, in some cases, or special ordered with quick delivery from a number of aftermarket suppliers. Panels can be found identical to the originals or lighter weight fiberglass, aluminum or even carbon fiber are in production or can be special ordered.

Modern style disc brake kits are available to improve stopping ability and complete electrical upgrades to today’s standards can be done. There is a large variety of factory correct power plants and drive chain options to choose from to get the performance, brand new, from the vast GM arsenal. Additionally, Interchangeable high performance after market accessories are now in production to make your restoration deliver a bit more than the original. There is also a pool of an ever shrinking supply of original parts still on dealers and collectors shelves.

Related:

https://musclecarfan.com/chevrolet-super-sport-the-ss-generations/

https://musclecarfan.com/chevrolet-impala-1958-generations/

https://musclecarfan.com/chevrolet-impala-1961-1964-third-generation/

https://musclecarfan.com/chevrolet-impala-1965-1968-fourth-generation/

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