Buick Riviera V gallery (1976–1978)

The fifth generation underwent historic downsizing, temporarily shifting to the rear-wheel-drive GM B-body platform.

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

In response to changing economic realities and fuel-economy demands, the 1977 fifth-generation Buick Riviera underwent significant downsizing, temporarily moving to GM's rear-wheel-drive B-body chassis shared with the LeSabre Coupe. The redesign trimmed over 6.6 inches in overall length and shed approximately 660 pounds, yielding noticeably improved agility and fuel efficiency. Produced strictly as a two-door notchback coupe, the car featured crisp lines, square quad headlights, and vertical taillamps. Under the hood, the standard power unit was a 350 cu in (5.7-liter) Buick V8 delivering 155 horsepower, alongside an optional 403 cu in (6.6-liter) Oldsmobile V8 with 185 horsepower, coupled to a three-speed THM 350 automatic transmission. In 1978, Buick celebrated its diamond jubilee by releasing the 75th Anniversary Edition Riviera, featuring an exclusive two-tone silver paint scheme, four-wheel disc brakes, and upgraded brushed-leather interior trim.