A customized 1965 Buick Riviera blends timeless luxury with smart performance upgrades, including a rebuilt V8 and four-speed overdrive.
A lightly modified 1965 Buick Riviera is turning heads among classic car enthusiasts, offering a unique balance of luxury, style, and performance. Listed by Broad Arrow Auctions on behalf of a private Arizona seller, this example carries tasteful upgrades that make it more driver-friendly without compromising the model’s iconic design.
Finished in its original Bamboo Cream (code Y), the Riviera features a rebuilt Nailhead V8 engine with dual carburetors and roughly 300 miles since the refresh. While the block lacks identifiable stampings to confirm Gran Sport (LX-code) provenance, the car wears Gran Sport badges and mimics the performance appearance of the top-tier 1965 variant. Power is sent through a modern TH200-4R four-speed overdrive automatic transmission, giving the car improved drivability at highway speeds.
Visually, the Riviera maintains its elegant proportions but benefits from a lowered suspension and upgraded power front disc brakes with drilled rotors. The signature hidden headlight clamshells have been converted to a modern solid-state electric mechanism — a subtle nod to usability that preserves the model’s striking front fascia.
Inside, a black leather interior provides comfort and period charm. The cabin includes power seats, windows, and a tilt steering column with a leather-wrapped wheel. An aftermarket air conditioning system has been added with controls discreetly hidden in the center console. Despite some minor cosmetic flaws, including stained headliner panels and light chrome pitting, the car remains a well-preserved and thoughtfully modified example.
Ownership records indicate the current seller purchased the Riviera from a dealer in Palm Springs two years ago. A finished trunk, dual exhaust, limited-slip rear, and a smoothed firewall add to its appeal for collectors and drivers alike.
This 1965 Buick Riviera is currently available through Broad Arrow Auctions, a Hagerty-owned company known for representing historically significant and performance-driven classics. See it here.
