Buick Riviera II gallery (1965–1970)

The second generation adopted a dramatic fastback profile, sharing its underlying platform structure while retaining rear-wheel drive.

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

Redesigned for the 1966 model year, the second-generation Buick Riviera shared its basic E-body structural shell with the front-wheel-drive Oldsmobile Toronado and Cadillac Eldorado, while deliberately maintaining a traditional rear-wheel-drive layout. The vehicle featured an elongated fastback roofline, sweeping Coke-bottle body sides, and retractable headlamps cleverly concealed above the grille. The original 425 cu in Nailhead V8 was replaced in 1967 by an all-new 430 cu in (7.0-liter) big-block Buick V8 producing 360 horsepower. For the 1970 model year, displacement grew to a massive 455 cu in (7.5-liter) V8 generating 370 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Power delivery was managed by the dependable three-speed Super Turbine 400 automatic gearbox. The high-performance Gran Sport (GS) option remained a staple throughout the production run, offering heavy-duty suspension, quicker steering ratios, a Positraction limited-slip differential, and upgraded high-flow exhaust systems.