1976 Buick Riviera Survivor in Boston Red Paint & 455 Engine Sound - My Car Story with Lou Costabile

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On "My Car Story" we're in Rosemont IL on 3-4-20 at the World of Wheels car show.
We're looking at a 1976 Buick Riviera Survivor in Boston Red Paint. The car is equipped with a 455 CI V8 engine.
The car's Owner is Kevin Kauppi. Kevin’s Parents bought this car new. Kevin shares he Parents bought this car new and when they passed away he’s been taking care of the car and sharing it at car shows.
If you’re interested in attending a World Of Wheels Car Show, here is the link to see the dates and show schedule autorama.com
ENJOY!

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

You can tell this car has had exceptional care during it's life...

[@loucostabile]

Agreed, right Care Taker for this car :-)

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

My folks 75 Grand Prix is original except for a couple of paint jobs..

[@rightlanehog3151]

Lou, It is always good to see a 'survivor' especially one that has been with the same family the whole time. In those days there were cars called the Riviera, Monte Carlo and Monaco and the Riviera was the classiest of them all. That fantastic brochure reminds us that in 1976 Buick offered more models of cars than the entire GM lineup does today. BTW the 'R' on the hubcaps stands for Right On!!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Right Lane Hog, Did not know that about the "R" on the hubcaps :-) Glad you enjoy, like I do, a look at the brochure from the time period, Lou

[@Goldencountry63]

In the early 90s I worked on a man's home and in the driveway was a '75 GS Riv. I couldn't take my eye from it. A gentleman's car presented by a gentleman. That's you Lou,ty.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Maris, If we were working together in the 90's I probably would have been staring at the car too :-) Appreciate the kind words, Lou

[@richmcintyre1178]

I agree with you Lou the Riviera always had great styling. It is great that he still has the family car. Thanks for bringing this one to us.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Rich, Nice story in this episode :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@iswc27]

This one is really a joy to see. This generation of the Riviera didn't sell nearly as well as earlier generations mainly because of the oil embargo and the resulting fuel shortage, and for years they went underappreciated, if not unappreciated, even by Riviera fans. Hopefully that will change, if it hasn't already, because now you almost never see them anymore. Keep on revving that Riv, Kevin!

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you enjoy this episode & rev too :-)

[@dannycasler4959]

These are the cool old cars! It's like sitting on your couch and driving down the road! Personal luxury at it's finest! The late 50's and up through 1976 was a time of excess in cars that will never be repeated! Huge cars that you could almost land a helicopter on the roof or hood! I have a 76 Lesabre that while not as fancy as the Riviera still has a smooth ride and a 75 Pontiac Grandville Brougham convertible that I have put a lot of miles on and I love them both, I have both of them stored away because of health reasons, I hope to have both of them out again soon!Take care of your parents car, it's both beautiful and irreplaceable!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Danny Casler, Sounds like you have some great cars :-) Hope you're behind the wheel of them soon, Lou

[@TheQuirkyGarage1999]

I’m in absolute love for these land yacht 😍👍👍👍

[@loucostabile]

All aboard ! :-)

[@dave1956]

These were nowhere as cool as the older Rivieras, but I always could appreciate them. I worked at a small Buick dealership when these were new. I only remember us selling two of them.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Dave, Thanks for sharing, Lou

[@tippey2011]

Very neat car so glad he has kept his mom and dads car and their memory alive. It was sure a very pretty color and those seats were sure different and sure could tell they were in the 1970's era. Thanks for sharing Lou!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Steve, agree, nice way to honor the Parents memory :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@kevinc4632]

As always Lou great job you do in every vid!! When I was on active duty in my first enlistment a very good buddy of mone hsd one of these and these big bucks sre just pieces of an lost artform that Detroit used to make!! Butter smooth ride , steering with a single finger upon the wheel and quiet inside. I grew up with cars like these ( albeit my family drove Merc grand marquis) still we've lost something , because Detroit will never again build anything like this gorgeous vehicle.Thank you Mr C as always we love youre work Sir

[@loucostabile]

Hi Kevin C, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your good Buddys car :-) Yes, we won't see these again, however we can see them right here to enjoy on this Channel. Thank you for viewing, sharing, and appreciate your kind words on the video. Glad you're along for the ride, Lou

[@JamesKeno]

Lou!! Best classic car videos in the universe!!

[@loucostabile]

Thank you James :-) Glad you're along for the ride.

[@bryanmchugh1307]

That is an AWESOME car! That huge engine bay is big enough for 2 LS V8's! That exhaust note is NUTS! He had to have done something to the engine for such a KILLER exhaust note! That 455 must be like an endless well of torque!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Bryan. Happy to read you find this one "AWESOME" :-) Lou

[@kevinsnyder4425]

Beautiful Buick kevin ! Love the styling of these. The color is great, but back in the day I was a painter & this was the WORST matching color ! Ahh- memories! Thanks lou for taking the time to show us this great car.!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Kevin, Glad you like Kevin's car :-) My pleasure sharing with you, Lou

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

Thanks for keeping the videos flowing through tough times..

[@loucostabile]

Glad you like them!

[@willsco76]

WOW! Not many ORIGINAL cars, but for it to still be in the same family. Double WOW!

[@loucostabile]

Hi William, Happy to receive a WOW! x 2 :-) Lou

[@richardbuick9029]

Man, what a gorgeous Riviera! So much class🇺🇸 and beautiful color! I’m lucky to have a ‘76 LeSabre Custom 2 doors HT with the same 455. Let’s keep these land yachts rolling Kevin! Thanks for this video Lou👍

[@loucostabile]

Hi Richard, Sounds like you have a cool car too :-) Glad you enjoy this video, and you're welcome, Lou

[@kobra6660]

The old big buick when they used to make amazing luxury cars

[@loucostabile]

"Big Buick" You're right, they used to be known for being big :-)

[@plymouthduster2252]

That car was definitely well taken care of. I haven't never seen one in that color before myself. Great video as always Lou love watching your channel.

[@loucostabile]

Hi PlymouthDuster 225, Agreed, the right Care Taker for this car, Lou

[@frankbiz]

Lou, thanks for posting, gorgeous car. I had a 1976 Lesabre 4 door. Loved the ride and look, but back then all the pollution devices killed the performance and gas mileage. I sold it to my dad and bought a BMW.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Frank Biz, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your LeSabre :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@frankbiz]

Lou Costabile you're welcome, I love the lines of that Rivera, the sloping back style is timeless, the interior of that car was the same as the Lesabre, and the Electra, truly a gem. Its always nice to look back at some of the classics. You do a great job. 👍🏻

[@JxT1957]

nice rivi you have, i had the 1971 boat tail rivi that looked like a rocket car

[@loucostabile]

Sounds like you had a cool car too, like this one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2balX-ImqelidU

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

😎 Buick Literature!!.. 💘 the cover!!

[@loucostabile]

Trunk & treats :-)

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

I'd 💘 to find some trunk treats for our Family's 75 GP...

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

A very Sharp Riviera!!. Looks All Original too!

[@loucostabile]

Yes, this one is all original.

[@ivanjones1804]

Lou 2 thumbs up to the of the 76 Buick Riviera magnificent job keeping it up & keeping it in the family as well as keeping the memories of his parents alive, again Detroit at their finest also with the Oldsmobile Toranado as well both the Electra 225,Electra Ltd & Park Avenue,Ninety Eight,Ninety Eight Recency & Ninety Eight Recency Brougham drove,handled & road just as well as the Cadillac of those same years 1970-1976. Man oh man oh man what magnificent rides aka Luxury Land Cruisers and Land Yachts they were back then even 2 this very day, oh yeah don't 4get about the Chrysler Imperial,New Yorker & the Town/Country Station Wagon even the Wagon with the Water Fall Grill and Hideaway Headlights,the 4d Ltd Crown Victoria & Mercury Grand Marquis LS Parklane 1974-1978 also the Top of the Line Ford Country Squire LXI and Mercury Grand Marquis LS Parklane Beach Wagons, good job keeping it up Lou on finding,locating & interviewing the owners of These American Antique,Classic and Vintage Rides which are all Cool in the Gang still with me😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎 [e-mail]

[@loucostabile]

Hi Ivan Jones, High praise for this episode :-) Lou

[@lunes-1]

Only America could produce something as beautiful.look like the car featured on "Goodfellas"movie👍

[@loucostabile]

N I C E :-)

[@CoachatCole]

Awesome Car! I seen only two of three of those in person..

[@loucostabile]

Hi One at a Time, You're right, seems they don't show up at car shows to often. Happy to share this one with you, Lou

[@thehuntx]

Now that a car I worked at a Buick dealer in 76 and would just adore these car when they came in from the factory always wanted but I brought a Cadillac at a steal.

[@loucostabile]

Hi KC Ronn, Happy to read this video brings back memories for you :-) Glad to read you found a good deal on a Cadillac, Lou

[@catfishcorner7116]

Lou another great find I love how you always show us such amazing rare beauties! Great video man!🐟

[@loucostabile]

Hi Catfish Corner, Appreciate you sharing encouraging words on the "find" :-) Happy you enjoy this nice car with a nice story, Lou

[@1aikane]

One of my most favorite years of the Buick Riviera. Love it!! My favorites: 1969, 1976, 1995-99

[@loucostabile]

Hi 1aikane, Happy to read this one is a favorite Buick Riviera years for you :-) Lou

[@uioned]

For GM my favorite years for big cars are 1971 to 1976 they were nice especially the GM Clambshell wagons. This is a very nice buick. Love your videos.☺👍

[@loucostabile]

Hi uioned, Happy to read this one fits in your favorite years for big cars :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing, and glad you "love" the videos. Your comment is encouraging, and glad you're along for the ride, Lou

[@TheGunfighter45acp]

It looks great, Lou! I remember those rear decklid brake lights from 'back in the day' on a friend's/parents' '76 Riveria. We used to tease each other: I always said I got to learn how to drive in my Dad's '77 Caddy, and he always said he got to learn with a 455!

[@loucostabile]

Hi TheGunfighter45acp, Happy to read this cars deck lid brings back memories of your Friends Parents car :-) Sounds like some fun drives, Lou

[@rusty3831]

I knew the Olds Toronados had their version of today’s safety taillights (the third upper taillight), but never knew the Rivieras had them. I always thought that was a great idea back then, not to mention a cool design feature.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Rusty, Happy to read you enjoy learning about the cars. I'm learning all the time from the Care Takers and I find that to be so much fun, Lou

[@williamegler8771]

My grandfather and father were both pediatricians. They drove Buicks because they thought Cadillac was too ostentatious. Buicks had all the luxury but were more low keyed. Conveyed success but didn't throw it in your face...

[@loucostabile]

Hi William Egler, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Grandfather & Fathers cars :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@dannyal467]

Holly shhh that sound!!! Damn I was not expecting that mean sound from this car!!!!lol cool ride👍🏻

[@loucostabile]

Hi Danny Al, I was not expecting that sound either :-) Glad you enjoy this one, Lou

[@mariogullette4795]

1976 BUICKS ARE MY FAVORITE!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Mario Gullette, Happy to read the 1976's are your favorite :-) Lou

[@danielbennion80]

Very similar to the '76 LeSabre 2 door; both beautiful cars. I would love to have either one.

[@loucostabile]

Or one of each is nice too :-)

[@clyde7059]

Gotta love the sound of that exhaust note! Well, I guess you don't have to love it, but I know I sure do. I tend to like my cars quiet, but I think I could get used to that sound. When my '92 Brougham was having exhaust troubles just after the catalytic converter, it could get a bit loud. Actually, at hard acceleration, it was almost deafening. I'd have to admit that even though it was, maybe, O.K. not maybe, a bit too loud, there was a part of me that kind of liked the sound. Fortunately, I didn't get pulled over for the noise pollution before I got the exhaust system fixed. Thanks, again, for your post, Lou. I really enjoy your videos. :)

[@loucostabile]

Hi clyde7059, Happy to read you enjoy the sounds from this car. Sounds like you had fun sounds from your 92 too :-) Lou

[@henrystowe6217]

The 1975-76 Rivs had the cleanest lines of all of them. The interior had a chiseled look as well. That was a fine looking automobile. The car did reflect the changes during the era. Emissions control requirements, the energy crisis and the 55 mph speed limit weighed into some elements of the cars design and marketing. Interesting memories. In 1975, GM began chopping 20 mph off the speedometer needle sweep. The 1974s read 120 mph. The 75's read 100. By 77, it was 85. 85 became mandatory in 1980.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Henry Stone, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@bigcharliesmodelgarage296]

Beautiful car

[@loucostabile]

Glad you enjoy the looks of this car :-)

[@electrichellion5946]

We had the Pontiac version of this. Big car. Big doors. Big Block. Same color scheme. Awesome road car. His sounds better. Love both of them boats.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Electric Hellion, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Pontiac :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@deborahmarroquin5715]

I had a 76..and 79...Buick Riviera..my stupid brother crashed my 76...and 79..I sold it to a friend..the tail lights on the 76..had beautiful taillights..

[@loucostabile]

Hi Deborah, Thank you for sharing, and sorry to read about the crash :-( Lou

[@edb.3313]

Very nice Lou!!

[@loucostabile]

Glad you enjoy this one Ed B. :-)

[@frankishknight1878]

Gorgeous car!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Frankish, Happy to read you enjoy this "Gorgeous car!" :-) Lou

[@Underappreciatedclassics]

This model year as well as the 1974 model year was the heaviest car Buick had seen yet, the 1974-75 Buick riviera GS weighed in at 4,752 ibs powered by a wildcat 455 4 barrel V8

[@loucostabile]

Hi Joseph, Thank you for viewing & sharing your knowledge about this Big Buick, Lou

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

This is similar to the 75 Pontiac Grand Prix LJ my Folks now own that my Grandfather owned in the late 70s until his passing...

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Folks car :-)

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

I always think of my Grandfather when we take it to shows.. He was a true Pontiac man... Before he bought the 75 GP, He had a 69 GP and before that an early 60s Bonneville..

[@ImTheDaveman]

The paint bubbling on this beauty right under the passenger side tail lights have me concerned about possible rusting underneath. He may wanna find someone who specializes in vintage car body & paintwork to tend to that section and paint it before it gets worse and spreads. Other than that - this one is a really suave looking ride! His parents obviously took great care of it. Its a treasure!

[@loucostabile]

Hi ImTheDaveman, Good news, that piece under the passenger light I believe is rubber between the body & bumper, so it ok, Lou

[@ImTheDaveman]

@@loucostabile thank goodness! I'd hate to think this car would suffer from any rust.

[@randybiby9757]

Nice! I can see myself for a looooong Sunday drive in that.

[@loucostabile]

Sounds fun & comfy :-)

[@larryborkstrom3580]

That's one smooth leadsled

[@loucostabile]

Nice :-)

[@DanielLopez-me9mh]

I remember i read in a book that this gen riviera was the same as the electra but the chassis was shoter ? I dont know its looks very much like it

[@loucostabile]

Thanks for viewing and sharing.

[@cadillacguy1890]

Best “Riv Rev” ever

[@loucostabile]

Nice !

[@leightonfarms4962]

excellent

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read this one is "excellent" :-)

[@dannyal467]

Damn Lou there were cars a didn’t really like when I was younger and this car made me change the way of looking at this type of car great car find lou

[@loucostabile]

Hi Danny Al, Cars have an amazing way of looking better with age. Glad to read this one has grown on you :-) Lou

[@67marlins]

Styling by then had nowhere to go except, 'bizarre', with the continually evolving and strange 'shelves". The Toronado was always the best looking of the trio, hands-down.

[@loucostabile]

Hi 67marlins, Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@67marlins]

@@loucostabile You never see Rivieras anymore.....

[@drippinglass]

Lovely looking car! Good move putting duals on the 455... those poor things were wheezing thru that restrictive GM pellet cat. The back looks very unique! 😀👍

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you enjoy the design & duals :-)

[@bryantcurtis2665]

Hi Lou...I hit the like button because I’d like it

[@loucostabile]

Thank you !

[@oohgee3093]

Awesome story!! Awesome Big Beautiful Buick!!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Ooh Gee, Happy to read you thought this story & car are "Awesome" :-) Lou

[@petervitti9]

Beautiful car!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Peter Vitti, Happy to read you appreciate the looks of this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@robertlandry5676]

Nice Lou👍🏼

[@loucostabile]

Glad you like this one Robert :-)

[@deborahmarroquin5715]

Sorry..I meant to say the 76..Buick Riviera..had beautiful turn signals...

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for sharing.

[@bk14nyc]

The Lights up by the rear window (Brake Lights & Directionals) are not working???

[@loucostabile]

Don't seem to be.

[@bk14nyc]

Beautiful Car!

[@andydanko7074]

How do you find these fantastic vehicles? My mother back in 76 almost bought one identical to this one only lime green with white leather interior lime green dashboard and carpet and seat belts. I was so stoked till the dealer called and said her credit didn't go through...🙁

[@loucostabile]

Hi Andy, I seek, you see :-) Sounds like your Mother almost had one like this :-( Lou

[@christopherlarson3401]

Was this car based on the LeSabre like the next gen or possibly the Electra 225 coupe?

[@loucostabile]

Hi Christopher, Hmmm, not sure. Hoping a Viewer can share knowledge. Lou

[@tedboeing]

I miss these magical years. The best of the best with the American car 🚗 industry . What the hell happened ? Nader ?

[@loucostabile]

Hi Ted, Happy to read you enjoy this episode and glad it brings good memories :-) Lou

[@1997DanielFlores]

For a second i almost thought that was a coupe deville

[@loucostabile]

I can understand why you'd say that.

[@davidpistek6241]

Were those front wheel drive? I believe the Eldorado and toronado were at the time

[@loucostabile]

Hi David, Hmmm, I didn't even think FWD, I thought rear. Hoping a Viewer can confirm, Lou

[@tj81164]

Riviera didn’t go FWD until the ‘79 downsize.

[@jeromebrotton9785]

Why didn't the lights work on the trunk lid?

[@loucostabile]

Not sure, but you're right, they didn't.

[@kc0lif]

last big Rivera then almost like lesabre 77-78 then 1979 Rivera went to front drive and diesel option.

[@loucostabile]

Hi chris l, Thank you for viewing & sharing your knowledge, Lou

[@hamerplayer1229]

My dad's friend had a 1975 Riv. His was silver with red leather. He treated it like trash and I'm sure it was crushed years ago.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Hamer Player, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Dads Friends car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@davidnavarro5035]

I'm trying to find another one

[@loucostabile]

Hi David, Hope you find the right one for you soon, Lou

[@davidnavarro5035]

Thanks

[@deborahmarroquin5715]

I sold the 79..and bought a Mercedes..6.9

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for sharing.

[@jochimbenschneider1915]

This was the last beautiful Riv. 77 didn’t look good. Olds Toronado beat the looks of Riv from most of the 70s and then in 79 both cars changed. I still preferred the Toro over the Riv. But I do like this style very well. It was one of Buicks best. I remember the Olds very well. My parents bought Olds 98s then in 78 they got a new Toro. Great cars. Today I just don’t like any cars. GMs last good years here imo.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jochim, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this Riviera :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@carllavell8673]

👍💯😎💯👍

[@loucostabile]

:-)

[@thoramann4259]

a 71 or 73 caprice wagon?

[@loucostabile]

Hi Thora Mann, Not sure what your ? is. Lou

[@chuckster3629]

I'm surprised it had a 4 bbl carb. By the mid 70's most big displacement engines in U.S. made cars had 2 bbl to comply with new federal mileage laws. Those 2 bbl carbs were a joke because they had 2 huge ports and jets to shoot lots of gas into the intake manifold. It was a well known fact in those days that a 4 bbl with smaller front bbl ports could get better gas mileage then the big 2 bbl carbs. And that was only if you kept your foot out of it. Once you mashed the gas pedal to the floor, it was like flushing a toilet. Massive amounts of gas and air would dump into the engine and go out the exhaust pipes.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Chuck Ster, Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts. Lou

[@bmt336]

1/3 of the video is looking at a brochure that I can see on the internet....great. Stick with showing the actual car...…..

[@loucostabile]

Hi bmt336, That's funny you said that. When I watched the video, I thought I hauled through the brochure and wished I would have taken more time :-) Lou

[@nyki7fykxtjxyi]

That's a Buick Cadillac

[@loucostabile]

Hi James, Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@beast1624]

❤❤❤👍👍

[@loucostabile]

Nice :-)

[@ronbutler6502]

NICE CAR BUT NOT MY CUP OF TEA REMINDS ME OF MY GRANDFATHERS CAR EVEN THO I AM 72 I WOULD PREFER A VETTE....TKS LOU

[@loucostabile]

Hi RON, Thanks for sharing. Clearly this one is not for you, and that is ok. Stay tuned, I think you'll see something you'll enjoy :-) Lou

[@michaelmartinez7955]

Nice car but you're video's are boring you don't talk about the car you are showing you keep zooming in on the labels and stickers on the car

[@loucostabile]

Hi Michael Martinez, Seeing your Channel has 3 Subscribers, you might want to get a little more boring :-) Stay well, and have some fun with me on the Channel, Lou

[@loucostabile]

BTW - Here's a little more action for you :-) kzbin.info/www/bejne/qofPfIZjmM9-eNk

[@TascamTascam]

You need to improve your camera technique. You are too close most of the time and the camera is always shaking or moving too fast. Get yourself a gimbal and back up.

[@loucostabile]

Hi OX MONSTER, So glad you want to help improve the Channel. Seeing the wonderful pool at your pad, maybe you can pad my Patreon account to help. Thank you in advance & here is the link, Lou www.patreon.com/MyCarStoryWithLou

[@TascamTascam]

@@loucostabile A gimbal is $100. You can afford that. Then just back off your subject a little. That will cost you nothing