Poll: Which Gen 1 Riviera? (6/5/2026)

Tie between ‘63 & ‘64. I prefer the exposed headlights. 
Steve

They are really stunning automobiles and Buicks. Bill Mitchell at GM Styling really showed he was a worthy successor to Harley Earl. I think the 1964 first featured a new 430 cid V-8 to the Riv's initial V-8 powerplant.

‘63 for me, When it first appeared I was blown away when I first saw it and I still love it! Absolutely a gorgeous automobile, maybe Buicks finest contemporary automobile!

I like all the Riv's; but my favorite is just how it first appeared in 1963. GREAT comparo John!

Posted by: @100ford2003

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Tie between ‘63 & ‘64. I prefer the exposed headlights. 
Steve

Ditto

And 63 years later, it is still one Drop Dead Gorgeous “Masterpiece” that will never lose its place in Buick’s design portfolio. 
Steve

For years I have favored the 65 but lately I have changed my mind. Because the 63 was the first it is the one I feel should be commemorated.

I think they're all gorgeous,  but I favor the '65. They tweaked to perfection. JMHO though. 😊

I love the hide away lights, so the 65 gets my vote.

I really like them all but the final year is the cleanest look, partially due to the hidden headlights.

I love them all but my heart lies with the original '63; plus this dark red/white&black color combo shown is stunning!  A gorgeous, timeless design; the most beautiful post war Buick ever made.

I voted 65. Ever since my younger brother pointed out that Detroit had made a custom car with the 65, its been one of my favorites.

As usual I am the sole descending vote here, do I dare!  I just don't care for the styling and I am not a Buick fan to start with.

I prefer the squarer look of the '64 - 66 Thunderbird.

So today I vote no interest. 

WOW, I go to express my opinion and I find I can't, it is not a choice today 😜 talk about feeling alone.

John! You devil! How to pick among the three versions of the design that is closest to a modern classic as any car comes!!

I'm going with the '65. It is what Mitchell originally wanted. The brass at GM thought the hidden headlights and the complex rear bumper would be too expensive on an untested design. After all, Cadillac passed on this car. It was originally slotted to be the LaSalle II. The boys at Cadillac claimed it "doesn't look classy enough to be a Cadillac...and it is too small!" The hidden lights and the taillights integrated into the rear bumper were part of the original design. So, actually, Buick tweaked the original design to make a custom '63. Once the car was successful, GM gave Bill his way with it before moving on to the gorgeous '66.