Steven Combs of Clare Michigan is the proud owner of this 1971 Classic Clare Buick
Clare Michigan Buick Riviera
This model was built between 1971 and 1973 with the unique boat tail rear window design. The 1971 Buick Riviera came with everything but the “Finest Corinthian Leather” The 1971 – 1973 Riviera received praise from all quarters for its elegant styling, not to mention its top-notch performance and luxurious interior.
The 455 engine had a lower compression ratio to meet EPA emissions requirements, reducing power to 255 hp (190 kW) with 265 hp (198 kW) in the Gran Sport. Performance remained reasonably brisk, but the Riviera’s sporty image was rapidly fading. Despite these features, Riviera sales for 1971 dropped to 33,810, the lowest to that time. The 1972 Riviera was little changed, with the 455 engine switching to net power ratings, 225 hp (168 kW) or 250 hp (190 kW) with the Gran Sport, although the actual drop in net power was only 5 hp (3.7 kW). Sales remained moribund at 33,728. For 1973, the 250 hp (186 kW) engine became standard, with 260 hp (190 kW) with the Stage One package, which also included a positive traction rear differential and a chrome-plated air cleaner. The “Gran Sport” package was still available as a separate option package consisting of a ride-and-handling package that included a rear stabilizer bar, J78-15 whitewall steel-belted radial tires, a specially tuned “radial roadability” suspension, additional sound insulation and special “Gran Sport” badging. The 1973 model is also distinguished from the 1972 models in that the rear “boat-tail” is somewhat less pronounced than on the 1972 model, resulting in a flatter rear bumper.
