The Convertible Returns! 1983 Buick Riveria

My neighbors growing up had one of these, and it was a truly cool and luxuries car at the time, at least for a ten-ish-year-old.

Apparently, relatively few of these were built, so they’re something of a rarity.  This car launched at about the same time that the Mustang Convertible returned, which marked the return of convertibles to the US market.  Like many others, this car was completed by American Sunroof Corporation (ASC) after leaving the GM  plant as coupes.  That and a high level of content mean this was a very expensive car at the time, and those factory contributed to low volume.

Today, this is a rarely-seen oddity.  It’s not a driver’s car by any measure, but it’s an interesting cruiser if you want to be a little different.  If you want to be REALLY different, try to find one of these with the 3.8L turbocharged V6 – supposedly well under 100 were ever made.  Remember, though, this is a big front-driver, and that won’t turn it into a Grand National Convertible!  Still, they offered significant bumps in horsepower and torque, as well as a more aggressive final drive ratio.

Palm Springs, CA

$8,650