Hi all, I am a Pontiac nut, but I know of a car that one of you Buick guys really needs to save. It is in the impound lot of the towing company behind my shop, and one of the towing co. employees supposedly has a clear title on it. I could tell it was an early boattail Riviera from through the fence, but today I finally got a chance to look at it. It is a '71, mustard color (metallic?) with faint remains of a black vinyl top and a black interior. Upon closer inspection, it appears to be very complete, including the 455 (has a Holley but otherwise looks stock), TH-400 and a 12-bolt rear. It has the original wheels, the AC is intact, and it has a very nice black split bench interior with deluxe seatbelts. I do not see any indication that it is a GS (it has engine-turned inlays around the dash controls...is this standard?) Apparently, it runs with a jump start (I didn't witness that). Here is the worst part: The owner is planning to run it in a demolition derby later this summer!! :af: This car is not rust free, but I don't think it is rotten either. I suggested that this car is worth a lot more than they think it is on eBay or in the Buick community (I threw $1500 out there...maybe this is overly optimistic, but?) Maybe I am wrong but I wanted to make them think twice about smashing it up. It is basically straight with original Soft Ray glass etc. It is one hell of a parts car for a Riviera enthusiast, or quite probably a good resto project. The car is located in Gaithersburg, MD, and while it is not officially "for sale" I would bet cash talks as they have little interest in the car other than to destroy it in a derby. If anyone is interested I could likely put you in touch with the owner of the car. Again, I am a Pontiac enthusiast, but I know an original, classic Buick when I see one and this car shouldn't be destroyed in a demolition derby. Please give me some feedback on this if possible. Thanks, Eric H. 1971 Pontiac T-37, 455, TH-400, 3.31 12-bolt
It is not rotted from what I can see. I cannot see the floors nor have I looked in the trunk. It has minimal if any rust in the front fenders behind the wheels, and the quarters may have some rust in the very lower areas but not a lot. There is always more rust than you can see, but this looks like a solid resto project from what I can see. There is a good chance the paint is original (though very tired). If I get another chance to go in the lot I'll take some pictures. I have no clue about the market for these cars, but this one just strikes me as a car that should not be given up on. If it were a Grand Prix I would have bought it already. Eric H.
