The 1966 Buick Riviera, a symbol of American luxury and style, marked a significant moment in Buick’s history. This year saw the introduction of a completely redesigned Riviera, featuring sharp, angular lines and a more muscular stance, departing from the rounded, elegant design of its predecessors.
The 1966 Riviera was a statement of power and prestige, capturing the spirit of the mid-1960s with its bold design and impressive performance.
The 1966 Riviera was offered with a single engine option, a 425 cubic-inch V8 that produced 325 horsepower. This powerful engine, coupled with a smooth-shifting automatic transmission, allowed the Riviera to deliver a thrilling driving experience. While fuel economy was not a primary concern in the era, the Riviera’s performance capabilities and refined handling made it a standout among its contemporaries.
Design and Styling
The 1966 Buick Riviera was a stunning example of American automotive design, embodying the spirit of the mid-1960s with its sleek lines and bold features. The Riviera’s design, penned by General Motors styling chief Bill Mitchell, was a departure from the previous generation, ushering in a new era for the model.
Exterior Design
The 1966 Riviera featured a distinctive, low-slung body style that emphasized its sporty character. The long hood, short rear deck, and sweeping roofline created a graceful and elegant silhouette. The front end was dominated by a large, chrome-plated grille that featured a unique “waterfall” design.
The 1966 Buick Riviera, a symbol of American luxury and automotive prowess, stands in stark contrast to the utilitarian charm of its Japanese counterpart, the 1995 Suzuki Carry: A Look Back at the Iconic Mini-Truck. While the Riviera offered opulent comfort and a powerful engine, the Carry was a workhorse, designed for practicality and reliability.
Despite their vastly different roles, both vehicles have earned their place in automotive history, reflecting the diverse needs and tastes of their respective eras.
The grille was flanked by dual headlights, which were housed in individual, rectangular housings. The taillights were also distinctive, with their horizontal, rectangular design and integrated backup lights.
The 1966 Buick Riviera, with its sleek lines and powerful engine, epitomizes the era of American automotive design. This iconic model, alongside other legendary cars of its time, continues to inspire a passion for classic cars today. The Riviera’s timeless appeal is a testament to the enduring legacy of automotive artistry, and its presence on the road is a reminder of a bygone era of elegance and innovation.
Interior Design
The interior of the 1966 Riviera was equally impressive, offering a luxurious and comfortable environment for both driver and passengers. The dashboard was designed with a focus on functionality and style. It featured a large, centrally mounted speedometer, flanked by smaller gauges for fuel, temperature, and oil pressure.
The instrument panel was trimmed in woodgrain, adding a touch of elegance to the interior. The seats were upholstered in a variety of fabrics and leathers, and were designed to provide maximum comfort.
Color Options
The 1966 Riviera was available in a wide range of colors, catering to a variety of tastes. Popular colors included:
- Silver
- Black
- Red
- Blue
- Green
Design Evolution
The 1966 Riviera marked a significant departure from its predecessors, showcasing a more streamlined and modern design. This evolution continued with subsequent models, each generation building upon the previous one. Here is a comparison of design elements across different generations:
| Feature | 1963-1965 Riviera | 1966-1970 Riviera | 1971-1973 Riviera |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body Style | Two-door hardtop | Two-door hardtop | Two-door hardtop |
| Grille | Horizontal, chrome-plated | “Waterfall” design, chrome-plated | Vertical, chrome-plated |
| Headlights | Dual, round headlights | Dual, rectangular headlights | Dual, rectangular headlights |
| Taillights | Vertical, round taillights | Horizontal, rectangular taillights | Vertical, rectangular taillights |
Performance and Engine
The 1966 Buick Riviera was a powerful and luxurious car, with a range of engine options to suit different driving needs.The Riviera was available with two different engines, both V8s:
Engine Options
The base engine was a 401 cubic inch (6.6L) V8 that produced 325 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a two-speed automatic transmission and a rear-wheel drive system. The optional engine was a larger 425 cubic inch (7.0L) V8 that produced 360 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque.
The 1966 Buick Riviera, with its sleek lines and powerful engine, epitomized the era’s love for luxury and performance. While the Riviera focused on the personal luxury car market, its contemporary, the 1937 GMC Custom: A Classic Trucks Legacy , carved a niche for itself in the burgeoning commercial truck industry.
Both vehicles, however, shared a common thread: their timeless designs continue to inspire enthusiasts and collectors today.
This engine was also paired with a two-speed automatic transmission. The 1966 Riviera was not known for its fuel economy, with both engines achieving around 12-14 miles per gallon.
The 1966 Buick Riviera, with its sleek, sophisticated lines, was a departure from the muscular, chrome-laden cars of the era. While it wasn’t a muscle car in the traditional sense, its performance was still impressive, thanks to a powerful 430-cubic-inch V8 engine.
For those seeking a more aggressive style, the 1969 Mercury Cyclone: A Muscle Car Icon offered a different kind of allure, with its bold styling and powerful 429 Cobra Jet engine. Ultimately, the 1966 Buick Riviera remained a symbol of luxury and refinement, offering a distinct driving experience compared to its muscle car counterparts.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The 1966 Riviera was equipped with a two-speed automatic transmission, which was considered advanced for its time. The transmission was smooth and efficient, providing a comfortable driving experience. The car also featured a rear-wheel drive system, which gave it excellent traction and handling.
Performance Capabilities
The 1966 Riviera was a powerful car, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in around 8 seconds. The top speed was estimated to be around 120 mph. The Riviera’s performance was impressive for its time, and it was considered a true muscle car.
The car’s powerful engine, smooth transmission, and responsive handling made it a joy to drive.
Comparison with Contemporaries
The 1966 Buick Riviera, a personal luxury coupe, stood out among its contemporaries, competing directly with the Cadillac Eldorado and Lincoln Continental. While all three models aimed to offer opulent comfort and stylish design, they each had unique characteristics that catered to different tastes and preferences.
Design and Styling Comparison
The 1966 Riviera, designed by Bill Mitchell, boasted a sleek, low-slung profile with a distinctive “coke bottle” shape, characterized by a narrow waist and flared fenders. It was a more aggressive and sporty design compared to the Eldorado’s more traditional and stately appearance.
The Lincoln Continental, on the other hand, presented a more formal and conservative design with its long, boxy body and upright grille.
Performance and Engine Comparison
In terms of performance, the Riviera offered a powerful 430 cubic-inch V8 engine, producing 325 horsepower, placing it between the Eldorado’s 365-horsepower 429 V8 and the Continental’s 390-horsepower 462 V8. However, the Riviera’s smaller size and lighter weight resulted in a more agile and responsive driving experience compared to its heavier competitors.
Feature Comparison
The Riviera’s interior was luxurious and well-appointed, featuring plush upholstery, woodgrain accents, and a comprehensive array of features, including power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning. The Eldorado and Continental offered similar levels of luxury and comfort, with their own unique interior designs and features.
Key Specifications Comparison, 1966 Buick Riviera
Here’s a table comparing the key specifications of the 1966 Buick Riviera, Cadillac Eldorado, and Lincoln Continental:| Feature | 1966 Buick Riviera | 1966 Cadillac Eldorado | 1966 Lincoln Continental ||—|—|—|—|| Engine | 430 cu in (7.0 L) V8 | 429 cu in (7.0 L) V8 | 462 cu in (7.6 L) V8 || Horsepower | 325 hp | 365 hp | 390 hp || Transmission | 3-speed automatic | 3-speed automatic | 3-speed automatic || Length | 213.4 in (542 cm) | 218.6 in (555 cm) | 220.1 in (559 cm) || Width | 78.4 in (199 cm) | 79.4 in (202 cm) | 79.8 in (203 cm) || Height | 54.5 in (138 cm) | 54.9 in (139 cm) | 55.7 in (141 cm) || Curb weight | 4,040 lb (1,830 kg) | 4,445 lb (2,017 kg) | 4,750 lb (2,155 kg) |
Final Summary: 1966 Buick Riviera
The 1966 Buick Riviera continues to captivate enthusiasts today, a testament to its enduring appeal. Its timeless design, impressive performance, and luxurious features have cemented its place in automotive history. Whether admired for its sleek lines, appreciated for its powerful engine, or sought after for its historical significance, the 1966 Riviera remains a symbol of American automotive excellence.