Already Well Maintained 1966 Buick Riviera Could Make For a Stylish Daily Driver
02/17/2022
Just as one can look for certain tells to determine whether a vehicle hasn't been well maintained or has far more miles than the seller indicates, one can also look for certain tells to determine the opposite. For instance, while far too many vehicles equipped with air conditioning "just need recharged" (that is, the seller hasn't bothered to put in the time to properly diagnose and service the air conditioning system), this 1966 Buick Riviera listed for sale on Hemmings.com reportedly has a fully functioning air conditioning system, illustrating the extent to which the current owner has maintained and serviced the Buick. Were it to be pressed into show or concours duty, it probably could use some detailing, but it appears ready as is for frequent use. From the seller's description:
This luxurious Buick Riviera rolled off the Flint, Michigan assembly line late in the 1966 production year and was shipped west where it has been driven by three owners over the past 55 years.
The roomy and stylish Buick Riviera is the top of the line = sometimes called a “gentleman’s hot rod” because of the 425 CID V8 engine, factory rated at a whopping 360 horsepower, that easily accelerates the big two-ton car to freeway speed in less than 10 seconds. The three speed Super Turbine 400 automatic transmission shifts smoothly and solidly, and power steering and 12 inch finned aluminum drum power brakes ensure nimble handling and sure stops. When the lights are required, drop down headlights operate properly.
It still keeps people looking over five decades later, and it is still reliable and dependable as a daily driver. It has been well maintained and all major components – engine, transmission, braking system, air conditioning, and suspension have had regular service and replacement, if necessary. The car has no mechanical issues. The sport coupe is finished in Silver Green, a hue only available on the Riviera.
Inside, the interior is soft and pliable black vinyl featuring the optional Strato-Bench seats with center armrests which mimic bucket seats. The seats show very little wear and the deep pile carpeting is like new. The car was repainted at some point by a prior owner. Considering that this Buick has traveled over 100,000 miles, the exterior condition is way above average with no major flaws. The chrome trim, bumpers, and badges are free of dents or pitting. The air conditioning system produces ice cold air, the power seats, power windows, and power antenna all function as they should, and the glass, rubber and trim are in top shape. An aftermarket Sony AM/FM/XM system adds some beautiful sounds to the whisper quiet cabin and the walnut tilt steering wheel is flawless. The vinyl dash cap, suffering some sunburn and cracking, is covered by a form fit cover. The Riviera looks fantastic, it rides on factory chrome road wheels and Hancook steel belted radial tires with virtually no tread wear and current DOT dates, and it starts at the touch of the ignition.
There are very few of these wonderful big Riviera sports coupes available now. There are two reasons for that: First, anyone who owns one does not want to sell it. Not only were they gorgeous, but they were also so well built that they lasted. Secondly, many of them were cannibalized for their engines. The nailhead V8s were a favorite engine for hot rod builders in the late 60s, and the Buicks that were wrecked often became engine donors.
1966 Buick Riviera
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Rather than a lightweight sports car, the Aston Martin V8 is better considered a GT car, which seems to have a lot in common with American muscle cars. Even with aluminum body panels, the rather substantial Aston had a curb weight just a hair over 4,000 pounds, making it several hundred pounds heavier than a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T. It’s worth noting that despite being measurably smaller than the Charger, both cars share very similar proportions, with their long hoods, fastback rooflines, and short rear decks. An even closer comparison comes in the form of a ‘67 Ford Mustang, again with similar proportions but also the Aston having a wheelbase and overall length, width, and height very close to the American pony car.
The 1978 Aston Martin V8 is frequently referred to as a Series 3 since it was derived from the DBS, a model that launched in 1967 with an inline-six engine that was followed by the DBS V8, with a fuel-injected V8 engine. Both versions of the DBS were sold alongside each other into 1972, when, during the model year, the simply named V8 model supplanted both. With an updated front end that included a grille shape more reminiscent of Aston Martins past and a pair of headlamps rather than four, these interims V8s were considered Series 2 cars.
In 1973, Aston Martin dumped what had turned out to be a problematic mechanical fuel-injection system, instead opting for four Weber carburetors for its 5.3-liter V8. Multiple carburetion gives it good company with the likes of a Mopar 440 Six-Pack or Pontiac Tri-Power. That carburetor setup required additional hood clearance that resulted in the large scoop worn by such cars, though it was non-functional in terms of letting in any additional air to the intake.
The rest of the engine department takes a big departure from the standard American iron-block, overhead-valve setup. Aston Martin’s V8 featured all-aluminum construction and dual overhead camshafts on each cylinder head, driven by dual chains. Yes, it had hemispherical combustion chambers, even with just two valves per cylinder. Engineers specced a forged crankshaft and forged chrome-moly connecting rods.
Output for 1978 was estimated at 310 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque—pretty substantial numbers for a car built during the oil crisis era and before engineers had leveraged electronic fuel injection to win the battle against emissions regulations. In accordance with its muscle car vibe, most AM V8s of the period were equipped with a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic, complete with Mopar factory ratios of 2.45:1, 1:45:1 and 1:1, along with a limited-slip rear differential. A 3.31 final-drive ratio was standard, with 3.54:1 optional. A five-speed manual was available.
Distinctions from Detroit grow once you step inside an Aston Martin V8, which was essentially a handmade car, with very low production numbers. Each of the four seats was covered in leather, a material that extended to the door trim, steering wheel, shift knob and even the center console surround. Carpets were wool. Given its high price and object of luxury aspirations, each car was also packed with plenty of sound insulation to isolate occupants from road noise. Power assistance for the brakes and steering was standard, as were air conditioning, power windows and power locks.
With a 0-60 mph time of “about six seconds,” according to Aston Martin literature of the time, along with a top speed over 150 mph, the AM V8 was in nearly a class by itself. Torque wasn't quite like that of an unrestrained big block American V8 from the peak muscle car era, but the Aston Martin’s V8 engine still delivered power with a swift rush towards a redline over 5,000 rpm, though no such actual red line is indicated on the tach. Suspension included unequal-length control arms up front with an anti-roll bar and De Dion rear axle with parallel trailing arms and watt linkage in the rear. Coil spring were at all four wheels, as were disc brakes, with the rear disc inboard. Not designed to tackle a tight road course, the AM V8 was still noted as a competent high-speed handler.
This 1978 Aston Martin V8 Series 3 features a silver metallic body with a red leather interior. The selling dealer indicates that it was purchased from the second owner who it is believed purchased it from the original owner as he aged out of driving in his 90s. The car appears to have been very well maintained, with the seller sharing that the engine, transmission, paint, body and interior are all “highly original.”
Other information to note on this AMV8 are a slew of services performed last fall, including a “full tune-up,” rebuilt carburetors, new spark plugs and filters, new battery and an alternator rebuild. Everything is asserted to be functioning properly with the car seemingly ready to drive anywhere.
As one of less than 1,000 Series 3 examples made, this 1978 Aston Martin V8 coupe offers a uniquely British take on big V8 performance in a midsize car—a muscle car, but with a different accent.
Head on over to Hemmings Auctions and take a closer look for yourself.
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