Buick Riviera I gallery (1962–1965)

The first-generation Riviera debuted as an iconic personal luxury coupe showcasing Bill Mitchell's acclaimed groundbreaking styling.

All photos 38 I 0 1962–1965 II 0 1965–1970 III 0 1970–1973 IV 0 1973–1976 V 0 1976–1978 VI 0 1978–1985 VII 0 1985–1993 VIII 0 1994–1999

The first-generation Buick Riviera was launched in the fall of 1962 for the 1963 model year as General Motors' definitive answer to the Ford Thunderbird in the personal luxury car segment. Built on a unique rear-wheel-drive cruciform frame (GM E-body architecture), the design was masterminded by GM design chief Bill Mitchell, drawing inspiration from bespoke Rolls-Royce coachwork and Ferrari sports coupes. The body was a pillarless hardtop coupe featuring razor-sharp fenders, a luxurious four-bucket-seat interior, and walnut wood accents. Under the hood sat Buick's venerable Nailhead V8 engines: the standard 401 cu in (6.6-liter) producing 325 hp and the optional 425 cu in (7.0-liter) producing up to 360 hp with dual four-barrel carburetors in the Super Wildcat spec. Power was transferred through the Twin Turbine and later Super Turbine 400 automatic transmissions. The 1965 model introduced the revered Gran Sport package and iconic concealed clamshell headlights integrated into the front fender grilles.