If you’re a lover of classic cars, then you probably know all about the 1965 Buick Riviera, the luxury muscle car that defined GM in the mid-60s. This car had substance and style, and if it’s not on your radar and you don’t know much about it, we can help with that.
All About the 1965 Buick Riviera
The Buick Riviera was first introduced in 1963 as an answer to GM’s declining sales. Desperate to keep up with other personal luxury models at the time, like the Ford Thunderbird, the Buick Riviera was born from the mind of GM’s vice president, Bill Mitchell.
GM embraced the coupe body style after it was passed on by Cadillac and Chevrolet, and they used it to revive the Riviera name after having previously used it as a trim on several older models. This made the Riviera unique among GM’s lineup, as it didn’t share its bodyshell with any other GM products.
The Buick Riviera was praised for its sharp coupe styling and was considered a stunning accomplishment with its low-profile roofline, board C-pillar, short wheelbase, hidden headlights, and slanted rear grille. It was also superbly appointed with leather bucket seats, power steering, and wood highlights, among many other features.
However, the Riviera was both beauty and brawn. The powertrain featured a 325 hp, 401 cubic inch V8. Motor Trend recorded a time of 0 to 60 in 8 seconds, with a top speed of 115 mph.
Production for the 1963 model totaled 40,000, which distinguished the Riviera as Buick’s flagship.
The 1965 Buick Riviera underwent some styling changes and GM upped the ante with a higher-performance Gran Sport model. The Gran Sport included a 425-ci Super Wildcat V8 along with a stiffer suspension, a revised rear axle ratio, and dual exhausts.
Subsequent generations of the Buick Riviera continued to show off GM’s excellent handling of luxury and performance, but it was the 1963 and 1965 Buick Riviera models that put the Riviera on the map for superior collector cars.
What Was the Top Speed of a Buick Riviera 1965?
With the launch of the Gran Sport model in 1965, GM took the performance of the Buick Riviera to the next level. With the 425-ci Super Wildcat V8 engine, the model reached a top speed of 127 mph and could accelerate from 0 to 60 in 8 seconds.
What Motor Came in a 1965 Buick Riviera?
The 1965 Buick Riviera engine was referred to as the “nailhead” due to the shape and size of the configuration of the valves. The 425-ci Super Wildcat V8 also featured a unique camshaft, stronger webbing, and tighter-sealing piston rings.
Additionally, all of the Riviera Gran Sport models featured a dual four-barrel, 600 cfm Carter AFB carburetor setup. The car was factory rated at 360 hp and 465 foot-pounds of torque.
What Were the Specs of the 1965 Buick Riviera?
The specs for the 1965 Buick Riviera 425 V8 Wildcat model sold in the U.S. included:
- 2-door coupe body type
- RWD (rear-wheel drive)
- Automatic 3-speed gearbox
- Gasoline engine with displacement
- Top speed 127 mph
Protect Your 1965 Buick Riviera with Classic Auto Insurance
Whether you are the lucky owner of a Buick Riviera or are a collector of other classic vehicles, you’ll need the right kind of insurance to protect your piece of history. At Classic Auto Insurance, we offer excellent coverage on classic, vintage, sport, and luxury cars and work with each client individually to determine the worth of their particular vehicle to find a plan best suited to their needs.
If you need insurance for your classic car, you can request a quote here today. We are also available by phone at 888-901-1338. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about our policies and are ready to help you take the next steps toward preserving your prized vehicle.
