Faults:

Usual items have been replaced or rebuilt with a car of this age.

There have been no major problems. Engine is still original, save for the timing chain and transmission has been rebuilt.

General Comments:

I bought this car because I always thought the boattail was an interesting design, and I love Buicks. Found this one in Hemmings back in 1996, and after talking with the seller a few times, we struck a deal.

The car had 113,000 miles when I got it, and it's around 200,000 and still running strong.

The original owners were an older couple, so there were a few dingers and scratches, no big issue.

I made this my daily driver, and enjoyed everything about it.

The 72 version of the 455 is a great running engine, as long as you have all of your vacuum lines around the carburetor in order.

The engine is low compression, and will run fine with supreme gas. Mileage is around 12, but who cares when you're driving a big old American boat.

The car has all the options except cruise and rear defrost.

In 2003, a Lincoln Navigator ran head first into me and crushed my front end. He didn't look as bad, but his truck couldn't move while my Riv started right up when the tow truck came to get it.

I had a local body shop put a whole new front clip, since the frame didn't suffer any damage, and the rest of the car was mint.

In 2009 I finally retired the Riv from daily service, and it now sits under a cover and gets driven at least once a week. Truly a great car with beautiful styling, that still gets lots of attention whenever it's out.

Prices are now starting to get high for ones in really good shape. Body and trim parts can be difficult to get.

Faults:

It has been a great car and I still own it. So far I replaced the carburetor @ 160,000 miles and is running great! Besides that the head gasket went @ 120,000 miles after I was drag racing it!!! It got so hot the steam was coming out of the carb!!

General Comments:

I think this is one of of the world's greatest American luxury cars!!