In 1971, the Buick Riviera, a prestigious car manufactured by General Motors (GM) since 1963, reached a significant milestone. GM’s chief styling director, Bill Mitchell, oversaw a major redesign of the Riviera, incorporating a striking and dynamic “boat-tail” style. This innovative design was conceptualized by Jerry Hirshberg, who would later become the head of design for Nissan.
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The Riviera’s bold and innovative design, particularly its boat-tail rear and muscular flanks, caused disagreement among automotive writers. However, the fastback roof line and large rear window were disregarded because the coupe was spacious enough to accommodate five people comfortably.
One notable change to the 1971 Riviera was the installation of GM’s powerful 455 engine, which offered sufficient power to the car. However, EPA regulations required GM to decrease the power to 255 hp with 265 hp in the Gran Sport by reducing the compression ratio. Optional upgrades could boost the substantial V8 power to 330 while maintaining the car’s serene and comfortable ride.
The 1971 Riviera showcased GM’s “Full-Flo” ventilation system and two deck lid louvers. It came with Soft-Ray tinted glass, all-vinyl bench seats with custom trim or front buckets (which gave them a slightly plastic appearance), and standard tilt steering. The car boasted bold lines, including a pointed grille, a longer 122-inch wheelbase compared to previous Rivieras, and muscular rear flanks that seamlessly transitioned into a boat-tail rear, making the ’71 Rivieras stand out.
The 1971 Riviera was a revolutionary milestone for Buick’s luxury car lineup, redefining design and cementing its status as an iconic American muscle car. Collectors today eagerly seek these cars for their distinctive style and impressive performance.
