1972 Buick Riviera - Tour, History and Walkaround

#buick #riviera #v8adam
Hello friends and welcome, I'm V8Adam!
In the video today I will be taking you on a tour and walk around of my 1972 Buick Riviera. I also share some history on her, as well as American cars in general.
Please like this video if you enjoyed it and subscribe for more American classic car content!
Think Automotive: www.thinkauto.com/
Historics Auctions: www.historics.co.uk/
Handling demonstration video from 1972: • 1972 Buick Rivera GS -...
Instagram: @v8adam
0:00 - Goof!
0:09 - Intro
0:40 - Panning shot
0:54 - Purchasing her
1:47 - Experience of owning her
2:13 - Start of tour
2:34 - Dimensions
2:48 - Colour
3:10 - Shape
4:00 - Performance features
5:23 - Engine
8:34 - Grill
9:00 - Bumper mouldings
9:51 - Front fender
10:11 - American brand history
11:15 - Sidemarkers
11:32 - Lines
12:18 - Wheels
13:08 - Booty!
14:38 - Trunk
15:17 - Fuel filler
15:45 - Doors and windows
16:04 - Bench seat
16:28 - Dashboard
16:40 - Steering wheel
17:10 - Buttons and switches
20:00 - Dealer accessories
20:23 - Aftermarket accessories
21:40 - Rear seats
22:43 - Start up and exhaust sound!
23:27 - Ride along

[@V8Adam]

Isn't it exciting to start the show season here in the UK? Bring on the good weather and American classics!

[@flyboi61]

Hi Adam Kevin in America. Just a note about wheel weights to balance your tires. Those weights you have should not be there, they will damage your chrome. The weights should be on the inside of the rim. Go to any tire shop, and they will fix for you. Beautiful car! I remember seeing them everywhere here in America. This model ran from 1971 to 1973. Called the Bobtail Riviera.

[@V8Adam]

Thanks Kevin, you are quite right! It will also make the wheel look better so I will get that sorted.

[@dereknicol5284]

Thats a Gentlemans V8 rumble.. nothing too vulgar. Lovely lovely car from the days when cars had true style.

[@V8Adam]

Thanks Derek! I completely agree, so much soul and style!

[@bradparris99]

@@V8Adam They were the perfect gentleman's muscle car back in the day. Great video, but for safety and for a better feeling of how the car drives and handles, buckle up the shoulder belt.

[@KEITHLEE-hn6ms]

Well, Adam, as one of your friends from "across the pond" in the US, may I say "thank you so very much" (I'm an American trying to be British polite with results only you can properly assess) for your wonderful video. You *have* done a very good job of learning this very beautiful car's quirks and intricacies. Really, you have; to know that the cruise control (advertised as "cruise-o-matic on American TV in the day) was activated by the button on the turn signal stock was amazing! Your amazing video paid proper tribute to the 1971-72 Riviera which was (and is) an amazing. I *absolutely* share your affection for this timeless beauty. I was perhaps 10 years old when this car appeared in the California/US showrooms and, for me, it was a jaw dropper. It was so beautiful and so unique. I have a story that will fit into your car video quite nicely, I think because it might be difficult for some of your viewers to understand the quite large (by European Standards) engine that admittedly was not tuned for "ultimate performance" (as perhaps a Porsche was). However, I think this little story will explain all that (if anyone even *wants* a Porsche when Chevrolet Corvettes are available). But I digress - the story: my mother planned a vacation for our family to drive across the US in - yes - our 1969 Buick LeSabre coast to coast and then back again. California to New York; North going South returning. And so we did, in 1971. My father had quite a "heavy foot" and we would average about 80-85 mph every day on the interstates going across the US; BTW, the trunk was totally loaded with luggage, my dad's golf clubs, etc. etc. "Loaded" was the key word there. That's 80-85 mph for five (5) weeks of driving every day except for perhaps 2-3 lay over days. We had only two minor issues occur: (i) a fan belt broke in Texas and - drat it all - (still trying to sound British here) the A/C went out with the fan belt; so for a time we were driving around Texas with no A/C (you just did not do that sort of thing when you were from *****California***** (my home state); and (ii) somewhere along the line, the resonator on the Buick's exhaust system broke loose. (BTW, the resonator made the exhaust sound *really* cool so that all your neighbors would know you were driving a ***Buick***; that's a joke but not too far from the truth :) :) :) That's it - those were the only repairs necessary to that car that went 80-85 mph every day for five (5) weeks straight with all the crap in the trunk that a family of five people needs to haul around for five (5) weeks. Try that in a Porsche and it ain't gonna happen. Those big GM/Ford/Chrysler engines were absolutely bullet proof! I could go on with stories like this all day (really, I could) but I think this story provides a good testament to those engines absolute reliability and durability. Thank you again for your wonderful, accurate, detailed video !!! (BTW, please consider *really* putting your foot into that 455 CID engine and you will hear that quadrajet carburetor open; to me, that is the best sound in the world!!!)

[@V8Adam]

Wow Keith, thank you for your amazing comment and kind words. I am so glad that I did this beautiful car justice in your eyes with this video. I really wish I had time to do more and I could happily do a video in this car every week! I loved reading your story and what an amazing thought of riding around in a '69 LeSabre for 5 weeks! We certainly do not have those amazing road trip journeys that you have in America. In 5 weeks you could go around the UK about 25 times lol! Like you said, am amazing testament to that bullet proof engine. Also I find the TH400 transmission so beautifully smooth, you can hardly tell it is changing gear. I do not have the resonator on my exhaust system as it was changed to a stainless steel. I thought the resonator actually made it quieter, hence me leaving it off. I wanted it quiet like the original but I also didn't want it silent lol!

[@carloscardova4221]

The 65 and 67 now those are the Riviera's to sought after the 69 with center console shifter is way to classy and sporty for the times . Back then in the 70s we didn't think much of the 72 it was a way to big of car to find parking for . Yours looks great in that color . We really go crazy for Clam Shape Concealed Head Light Covers and custom grill on the 65 Riviera now that's the Car when Custom shuts down any show .

[@V8Adam]

I love those too! Beautiful design feature.

[@graysonwatson1702]

I’ve been daily driving a 72 riviera for 4 years and this video even taught me a few things, great video!

[@V8Adam]

Wow, I am impressed with the current price of fuel! Great to hear, thanks for the view.

[@jonirwin7316]

Love this Boat tail!

[@V8Adam]

Thanks! Glad you love it!

[@jondeaux336]

That was a really well done video. I really liked the detail you put in to it. And not too long either. I love these cars and I think you did a fantastic job of representing them.

[@V8Adam]

Thanks so much for your comment, I am glad that you enjoyed the video.

[@martron1962]

Nice presentation of a lovely automobile! I’ve had mine for 40 years. Another great thing about the 455, it’s very easy to get get 400-500 horsepower and 500+ ft lb of torque with a few simple modifications.

[@V8Adam]

Thanks so much for your commend and I am glad that you enjoyed the video. Wow, 40 years, that's fantastic! Amazing, what an engine!

[@Blurredman]

Hi. Got a '79 Buick LeSabre here w/ 350ci. Cruise control I find is not good on even slightly hilly roads. I tend to only use it on straight and fairly flat motorways. Otherwise the surging gets a bit annoying, but also wastes fuel! Nice car!

[@V8Adam]

I can well imagine! I never use mine, I just tested it a couple of times lol! I am happy it works though 😁

[@andyguildford]

I’m looking forward to seeing her in person!

[@V8Adam]

You're more than welcome Andy!

[@chetpeterson5174]

Hey Adam, love your videos they are a huge help when tinkering with my own Riviera, could you please make a video where you remove the dashboard?

[@V8Adam]

Hi! Thanks, I am glad that you find them useful. I am not planning on removing the dashboard but I do have a video on removing the instrument cluster and a video on removing the radio that you might find useful. Are you in the UK?

[@KB-ke3fi]

Nice car....brings back great memories. Reminded me of a giant 1963 split window vette. I like the 71's better because of the trunk louvers. I got laid in that car with a girl named suzy in the high school parking lot, so the leather seats were essential.

[@V8Adam]

Haha! Glad it brought back memories and glad to hear you had a good time in one! Hopefully you had the tissue dispenser :)

[@nickbarnes9240]

Another great video from V8 Adam. What a spectacular car and an owner who really loves his ride.

[@V8Adam]

Thanks so much Nick!

[@stevetaxpayer6664]

A beautiful example because it doesn't have a vinyl roof.

[@V8Adam]

Thanks for your kind comment!

[@ewertonsaavedra9393]

Adam, I made sure that this engine did, in fact, produce 250 Hp for the standard Riviera (260 Hp on the Riviera GS). In other Buick cars, with a single exhaust (Buick Electra, for example), it produced only 225 HP. Could you make a video talking about this and correct the information given in this video. Hug

[@V8Adam]

Thanks for the info. I am planning on doing a video specifically on American engines and will include this engine in that.

[@RivieraR]

Hello Adam,, another great video👍👌, very clean rivi. Its possible to get à way to get some advice and where you got some parts for your rivi please ? For example where you get your bumper trim please ? I'm searching for m'y 72 Riviera. And Thanks again for your videos very helpful tips and enjoying. Avinash from Indian ocean. 👍

[@V8Adam]

Hi Avinash, thanks so much! As I said in the video, getting the bumper trims is almost impossible unfortunately but happy to tell you the places I get my parts: www.rockauto.com/ buickfarm.com/ jcaparts.com/ classicbuicks.com/ www.oldbuickparts.com/ www.ebay.co.uk/ In addition, this is a great forum for advice and also finding parts directly from sellers - v8buick.com/index.php Hope it helps you mate!

[@RivieraR]

@@V8Adam Thanks Adam very appreciated.

[@V8Adam]

@Riviera R You're welcome, always happy to help a fellow American classic owner 😁

[@Hapesky]

Great video and info! Just got my riviera on the road after long winter.

[@V8Adam]

Thanks so much! How was the first start of the V8?

[@Hapesky]

@@V8Adam It started surprisingly well. Second attemp. I just tap gas pedal lightly and crank after that. Before I pumped pedal few times, but just light tap seems to work better. Your Riviera is in great condition!

[@V8Adam]

@@Hapesky Similar for me, single full pump and she started up. The pump of the gas pedal is important for setting the choke position. It's also important to blip the throttle after about 45 seconds to 1 minute as that shuts off the choke. You'll actually hear the revs drop down.

[@Hapesky]

@@V8Adam Thats right, I think it was on manual that full single pump and slowly up. I still have some issues with carb (minor warping on throttle boby, throttle shaft little loose.) Maybe some vacuum leaks...

[@V8Adam]

Yes I think you're right. I hope that you get the carb sorted. Fortunately they are easy enough to source as a replacement if required.

[@pedroalvarez387]

Excellent video and vey detailed. What’s the color of the dash?

[@V8Adam]

Thanks very much. That is a good question. I did ask but never really got to the answer. My interior is Sandalwood and apparently there was only 1 carpet and dashboard colour that came with that interior (the one I have). Sandalwood or just brown. If you are interested, there is some info on a post that I started on v8buick - www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/the-interior-colour-confusion.348555/

[@pedroalvarez387]

@@V8Adam great. Thank you!

[@pedroalvarez387]

@@V8Adam i just checked out the forum. I’m having the same issue. With my interior being sandalwood. I’m trying to figure out the correct color to dash and carpet.

[@V8Adam]

​@@pedroalvarez387 I would say that this carpet is a good match - www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=6067143&cc=1021464&pt=1264&jsn=416&_nck=Ekt6BqBF1pwlXdx0gYlm1esw98pF26vehMm%2FGG3C%2Fl2QOXSJubi7WSpUmUSdg3OxWOs2f5z9h43X9pGY%2B2%2F7VNNEfKKyKISRMr2z3cWO4EUPyhmWbc1h8sPFqocceudaF8k%2B%2B2rixCrgpwHNhg4Gh4s3hNn%2BGXwBnT9sM%2BSFQB8UPBQPiwhilLUNcT%2F6XaRLt8fLKAtYggyBk4nwLV11MuJ5Dtb9TK3kARveiayqFbQgqtrt9Ie8VtVoBe1POuPMgYYemSBtIJh2I%2BxxGJrcUfSA41CluIbYNzcp%2BzKIfLYYfRGCC3D3Ltvs3DAi6HPtQ9%2BSg015f5lD3TI4d5XbTE1mKZIvVC3yMFLtGw9h5xz4wfjNiKwZPg%3D%3D That is from a company called ACC (www.accmats.com/). I have purchased their floor mats and they are excellent. You can get them from Rockauto for much less than their website directly but on their website they have more detailed information about carpet colour and choices. I would say that 'loop' carpet is the closest match to original.

[@pedroalvarez387]

@@V8Adam thank you

[@ewertonsaavedra9393]

The 1972 Buick Riviera have 250 hp or 225 hp? I've seen different people giving different answers to this question.

[@V8Adam]

According to what I have read and the Wikipedia article, the standard Riviera had 225hp and the Gran Sport (GS) had 250hp. These were quoted as the new net horsepower figures (previously gross horsepower had always been used). To be honest though the figures might not have been accurate as the measuring techniques were not as advanced as today and sometimes manufactures played down their figures for emissions compliance and insurance purposes.

[@ewertonsaavedra9393]

Yes... I read that on Wikipedia. But pretty much everywhere else I look, they state horsepower at 250 hp in the standard engine for the 1972 model year, and 260 hp in the Riviera GS. That was a 5hp loss from 1971, where the Riviera had 315 hp (255 hp - net power) and 265 hp in the Riviera GS. I have here a comparative test from a December 1971 magazine where they make a comparison between the Riviera 1972, the British Jaguar and the Ford Thunderbird and there the power is 250 Hp. I really think Wikipedia is wrong.

[@V8Adam]

​@@ewertonsaavedra9393 That's interesting to know. I think it is quite common for the information about these old cars to be a bit hazy. Perhaps you can suggest an update to the Wikipedia article. I can also suggest the forum v8buick.com. The guys there are extremely knowledgable.

[@bigblockelectra]

Do you have to have that car smog tested every year over there?

[@V8Adam]

It forms part of the yearly MOT test but an MOT is no longer compulsory for historic vehicles.

[@pyrofirearts]

Haha! Period Tissues! 🤣🤣🤣🤣