1965 Buick Riviera Base 401 Rare Vinyl Sunroof

Factory-correct Silver Cloud metallic paint, rare black vinyl roof and wire wheel covers add the final touches to this elegant Riviera. Inside you’ll find a correct vinyl interior installed in 1993 with bucket seats, floor shifter and wood-trimmed center console and door panels. Passengers in back are also treated to bucket seats. This Riviera features power steering and brakes, factory air conditioning, and tilt wheel. Power comes from the venerable Buick 401 Nailhead. The car retains its original engine and transmission. Power steering pump rebuilt by Lars and 4-barrel Rochester carburetor rebuilt by National Carbs of Florida. Original factory a/c compressor rebuilt and updated to R134.
This car features a factory-installed vinyl roof that was newly available for the Riviera in 1965. Only 1 in 12 Rivieras were ordered with vinyl roofs in 1965.
This is the car with the one-year-only, “Clam Shell” opening stacked headlights. These work perfectly. The motor was rebuilt by Riviera Owners specialist Thomas Moody.
I have found and installed a rare passenger-side review mirror for added driving safety.
New correct muffler, new shocks, new starter, and new Interstate battery with cut-off switch installed for shows and long-term storage. The original AM radio has been refurbished, the clock operates properly and even the “Speed Minder” is functioning.
Original Owner’s Guide, bill of sale (pictured) and Guardian Maintenance Guide with its protect-o-plate come with the car as well. Included with the purchase is the 1965 Buick Chassis Service Manual, the 1965 Buick Part Book and the 1965 Body Service Manual I used for the restoration. Also included is a full wiring diagram from Ron Francis.
This Riviera is a pleasure to drive due to its advanced for-the-time, X-frame chassis (low center of gravity) construction which makes it ride and handle more like a modern car. It is not at all like the heavier “floater” cars of its generation like the Thunderbird or the Grand Prix.