Introduction
If you are a car enthusiast, you know that certain models have a timeless appeal that never fades away. The 1973 Buick Riviera is one of those classic cars that continue to captivate and inspire people today. In this guide, we will take a deep dive into the history, design, features, performance, collectibility, and cultural impact of the 1973 Buick Riviera. Whether you are a fan of vintage cars or just curious about this iconic American beauty, this guide has everything you need to know. The Buick Riviera is one of the most iconic American cars of all time. It represents the pinnacle of luxury and performance that Buick was known for in the 1960s and 1970s. While the Riviera was introduced in 1963, it was the 1973 model that truly captured the essence of what the Riviera was all about. In this comprehensive guide, we will take a deep dive into the 1973 Buick Riviera and explore its design, features, performance, collectibility, and legacy. The Buick Riviera is a luxury car that was introduced by General Motors in 1963. It was designed to compete with other high-end cars such as the Cadillac Eldorado and the Ford Thunderbird. The Riviera was known for its distinctive styling, luxurious interior, and powerful engine. The 1973 model year was the final year of the third generation of the Buick Riviera and is considered by many to be the best and most iconic version.
The History of the Buick Riviera
The Buick Riviera was originally introduced in 1963 as a response to the popular Ford Thunderbird. The first-generation Riviera was designed by Bill Mitchell, who was the head of GM design at the time. The Riviera was meant to be a high-performance luxury car that would compete with the Thunderbird and other similar models. Over the years, the Riviera underwent several changes and redesigns. The second generation was produced from 1966 to 1970, while the third generation was produced from 1971 to 1973. The fourth generation was produced from 1974 to 1976, and the fifth generation was produced from 1977 to 1978. The final generation of the Riviera was produced from 1995 to 1999. The first-generation Buick Riviera was introduced in 1963 and was designed by GM stylist Ned Nickles. The car was built on the same platform as the Cadillac Eldorado but had a more angular and aggressive design. The second-generation Riviera was introduced in 1966 and was a bigger car with a more rounded and curvaceous design. The third-generation Riviera, which included the 1973 model, was introduced in 1971 and was based on a modified version of the GM E platform.
The Significance of the 1973 Buick Riviera
The 1973 Buick Riviera was significant for several reasons. It was the final year of production for the third generation of the Riviera, and it was one of the most successful models in the lineup. The 1973 model year was also the last year that the Riviera was offered with a boattail design, which had been a signature feature of the car since 1971. The 1973 Riviera was also one of the most powerful models in the lineup, with a 455 CID V8 engine that produced 250 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque. This engine was one of the largest V8 engines ever produced by Buick and was known for its smooth and powerful performance. The 1973 Buick Riviera is significant for several reasons. First, it was the final year of the third-generation Riviera and was considered by many to be the best version of the car. Second, it was a transitional year for the auto industry, as the fuel crisis of the 1970s was just beginning to impact car design and production. Third, the 1973 Riviera was a popular car in its day and was often seen as a symbol of status and luxury.
Design and Features
The 1973 Buick Riviera was known for its distinctive styling and luxurious features. Let’s take a closer look at the car’s exterior and interior design, as well as its unique features. The 1973 Buick Riviera was a masterpiece of design and engineering, with a sleek and bold exterior that was both stylish and aerodynamic. The car featured a long hood and a short rear deck, giving it a sporty look that was accentuated by its sharply angled front and rear fenders. The Buick Riviera also had a luxurious and comfortable interior, with plush seats and high-quality materials that made for a smooth and relaxing ride. The car’s dashboard was designed with driver convenience in mind, with all the gauges and controls within easy reach.
One of the most unique features of the 1973 Buick Riviera was its hidden headlights, which were concealed behind a pair of sleek, retractable covers that added to the car’s futuristic look. The Riviera also featured a number of other advanced features, including power windows and locks, air conditioning, and a premium sound system. The Buick Riviera has always been known for its stylish and distinctive design, and the 1973 model is no exception. With its long hood, short deck, and sleek lines, this car exudes elegance and power. The body is available in several color options, including Arctic White, Desert Sand, and Midnight Blue.
Exterior Design: Sleek and Bold & Interior Design: Comfort and Luxury
The 1973 Buick Riviera had a sleek and bold exterior design that was unlike any other car of its time. The car was 218.2 inches long, 79.1 inches wide, and 53.3 inches high, with a wheelbase of 122 inches. The car’s design featured a long hood, a short deck, and a sloping roofline that gave it a muscular and aerodynamic look. The exterior of the 1973 Buick Riviera is designed to impress. The front grille is massive, and the hidden headlights give the car a unique and mysterious look. The body lines are smooth and flowing, and the chrome accents add a touch of class. The interior of the 1973 Buick Riviera is just as impressive as the exterior. The seats are plush and comfortable, and the dashboard is well-designed and easy to read. The cabin is spacious, and there is plenty of legroom for both the driver and passengers.
Unique Features: Hidden Headlights and More
One of the most distinctive features of the 1973 Buick Riviera is the hidden headlights. When the lights are turned off, they are completely hidden behind the front grille, giving the car a sleek and modern look. Other unique features include the power windows, power seats, and air conditioning. The 1973 Buick Riviera is available in several trim levels, including the base model, the luxury-oriented Silver Arrow, and the high-performance Gran Sport. Each trim level comes with different features and options, allowing buyers to choose the perfect car for their needs. The 1973 Buick Riviera was available in two main trims: the base model and the Gran Sport. The base model was equipped with a 455 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 250 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque. The Gran Sport, on the other hand, had a more powerful engine that produced 270 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. In addition to these two trims, there were also several packages available for the 1973 Buick Riviera. The Luxury Edition package added a number of premium features, such as a landau vinyl roof and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The S-Type package, meanwhile, included sportier suspension and steering components for a more agile driving experience.
Performance and Power
The 1973 Buick Riviera was a powerful and reliable car, with a range of engine and transmission options that gave drivers plenty of flexibility when it came to performance. The base model was equipped with a 455 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 250 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a three-speed automatic transmission that provided smooth and reliable shifting. For drivers who wanted more power, the Gran Sport trim was the way to go. This model came with a larger 455 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 270 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. The Gran Sport also had a four-barrel carburetor, which helped to increase the car’s power output even further.
Handling and Suspension & Engine Options: 455 CID V8 and More
The 1973 Buick Riviera was designed with a focus on smooth and stable handling, with a suspension system that provided a comfortable ride without sacrificing performance. The car featured a double wishbone front suspension and a four-link rear suspension, which helped to keep the car stable and planted on the road. The Riviera also had power-assisted steering, which made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and provided a responsive feel on the road. The car’s brakes were also top-notch, with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes that provided plenty of stopping power when needed. The standard engine for the 1973 Buick Riviera is a 455 cubic inch V8, which produces 250 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options include a 455 Stage 1 V8, which produces 270 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque, and a 455 Stage 2 V8, which produces 290 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission Options: Three-Speed Automatic and More
The 1973 Buick Riviera is available with several transmission options, including a three-speed automatic, a four-speed manual, and a three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic. Each transmission has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose the right one for your driving style and needs. The handling and suspension of the 1973 Buick Riviera are both smooth and stable. The car is easy to drive and maneuver, and the suspension system does an excellent job of absorbing bumps and vibrations on the road. Overall, the driving experience of the 1973 Buick Riviera is powerful and reliable. The car has plenty of horsepower and torque, and it’s easy to handle and control. Whether you’re cruising down the highway or winding through the back roads, this classic car is sure to impress.
Collectibility and Value
The 1973 Buick Riviera was a pleasure to drive, with a smooth and powerful engine that provided plenty of acceleration and a comfortable interior that made long drives a breeze. The car’s handling was also impressive, with responsive steering and a suspension system that kept the car stable and planted on the road.. The 1973 Buick Riviera is a highly collectible car, with a number of features and options that make it a sought-after classic. The car’s rarity and production numbers, combined with its unique design and advanced features, have helped to keep its value high over the years.