1965 Buick 401 Riviera

For sale by auction on Saturday 31 August 2013 with Historics at Brooklands. Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit. Weybridge. Surrey. Call 01753 639170
Buick revealed the new 'Riviera' at the 1963 Paris Auto Salon as
'the car of tomorrow' and the design took the critics by storm. The
elegant flowing lines were an entire departure from the fins and
chrome which had characterised US culture in the previous years.
Consequently the 63-65 Riviera has been described by historians as
a styling landmark and this shape is frequently credited by car
enthusiasts as being amongst the most desired in America. The 1965
model is widely referred to as the most distinguished thanks to the
'Clamshell' shutter design which was a first for retracting the
headlamps into the body-shell and thus emphasised the distinctive
rake of the nose.

This is a 1965 'Clamshell' 401 Wildcat example (6. 6 Litre)
imported over from the US by a local private collector in 2011 and
declared by the US owner as correct mileage (51. 00)when sold. The
elderly US resident who had cherished the car for the last 28 years
also declared the car as having had two owners prior to him with
all details supplied within the history file. US paperwork is
insufficient to provide a concrete guarantee to the mileage
although the condition of the vehicle appears to substantiate the
declaration. The original Owners Protection Plan Booklet and
Service record remains with this Riviera. along with the metallic
ID 'Protect-O-Plate'. The original Owners Guide Book is also
present. as is a large 1965 Service Book and two sets of keys.

This example is finished in Metallic Starflake Turquoise with
contrasting white upholstery. black carpets and wood veneer trim.
There are various luxury period extras including power steering. br/>tilt steering column. power windows (which fold away for a fully
pillarless profile). air conditioning and cruise control.

This is a numbers matching example which has not been modified
but for the paintwork. side exit exhaust system and a modified
replacement motor to improve reliability and function of the
feature 'Clamshell' headlamps (fitted Nov 2011). The vendor
describes the car as being in very good show and cruise condition
and a fine example of the marque. It is complete including the
slender edge trims around the wheel arches and flanks which are
free of dents and distortions. These parts are often either damaged
or discarded. even on show standard vehicles. The shut and
reflection lines on this car are of excellent quality. Mechanically
the car is described as reliable with a healthy engine burble.
Power is smooth and plentiful. The steering is light and fluid with
no creaking or whine. Transmission is smooth and progressive and
the driving experience comfortable and rewarding.

There have been new brake hoses and shoes plus the servo has
been rebuilt recently by specialist Past-Parts in Suffolk. Mileage
was 30 miles between the first two MoT's. The most recent MoT test
certificate expires on the 18th December 2013 and the certificate
has no advisories. According to DVLA this car is one of just five
Clamshell Riviera's licensed presently in the UK. so this
most certainly represents a scarce opportunity to own a striking
and highly collectable example of a true American icon.

Interested parties might like to note that the four
digit pre-suffix transferable Cherished Registration number '4 RXY'
is included in the sale.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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