1982 Buick Riviera Convertible
In Italy or France, one can travel TO the luxurious Riviera to enjoy the outside weather. In the USA, one can travel IN a luxurious Riviera convertible to enjoy the outside weather.
Buick caused quite a stir in the automotive world in 1982 by announcing a new convertible edition of the popular and beautifully styled Riviera.
Seven model years had passed since the last Buick convertible was sold in 1975, and GM marketed the “last of the breed” convertibles by Cadillac in 1976. With the Spring appearance of the new drop-top Riviera, the excitement of the public, the industry, and the motoring press did not go unnoticed. This was not an inexpensive acquisition, as the base price of $24,494.00 exceeded the same year Riviera hardtop price by nearly ten thousand dollars; the 1982 Riviera convertible was the most expensive vehicle offered by General Motors, priced higher than any Cadillac.
Every Riviera started life in 1982 as a hardtop in Linden, New Jersey. Those vehicles designated to become convertibles were shipped to Lansing, Michigan, to the America Sunroof Corporation (ASC) for conversion.
Offered in only two colors, either with enhanced by a white vinyl convertible top. The proud new Riviera convertible owners seemed to always motor with the top down, to reveal the exclusive and very luxurious interior was of Claret leather with Maple wood grain trim, in an elegant pattern. They immediately belonged to an exclusive “Club,” as only 1,240 units were sold in 1982.
Fully optioned vehicles, the buyers had only to select a V-6, or upgrade to the 5.0 V-8 engine.
The vehicle offered by Family Classic Cars has the more powerful V-8 engine upgrade. With only 59,512 cared for miles, this vehicle shows well inside and out, with the rich Claret interior still in great shape. The locking wire wheel covers provide a handsome compliment to the gleaming White exterior.
Keep in mind that with this convertible design, Buick influenced the Cadillac group, as that GM line did not introduce their own convertible again until 1984. For Buick, the convertible was an exclusive edition; with less than 3,550 units built between 1982 and 1985 it was rare, exclusive, and visually popular.
Surviving examples are in short supply today.
