I think we will see a day that the boat-tail's, especially GS's and loaded versions are some of the highest priced and sought after Buicks. They are already trending way up from what they were. They were sleepers for far to long, one of the most outrageous styled American cars cars ever. My Mom's boss and family friend had a special order 72 in Sunburst Yellow, black interior & top, Sunroof and was absolutely a checklist car, I would about kill to have that car today. He also had a 66 Riviera Plum Riv with matching interior that I could be happy with as well
And best year IMHO. Love the curved dash on the pass side and later '73 models seemed to bob the tail a bit.
The GS is the highest performance option for the Riviera in 71, as there wasn't a "Stage 1" offered. Total production was 3,175. From the ROA website: 1971-1972 GS The GS option in these two years were very similar in that an modified engine was part of the package, which offered an additional 10-15 hp over the standard engine. Once again the chromed air cleaner lid was included. Beginning with the '72 model the vin# included the letter "W" to indicate that the car was equipped with the optional Stage 1 engine. As in '70 there was no additional Stage 1 decals or emblems on the car. The GS option included the engine a well as the ride and handling package and posi rear axle with a 3.42 ratio. The fender emblems changed once again with a return to the Riviera script located behind the front wheels. The script had a new sleeker look for the first time. The red GS emblems, similar to the one used from 67-70, were positioned below the script rather than behind, as in previous years.
Had one years ago....ran strong...believe it or not....14.8 with McCreary Road Stars (G60-15) and that sucky aircleaner removed..... Won whole thing at first bracket race.....then never won a round....weird.....trans was going out Took self adjusters off rear brakes and backed them off.....poor man's line lock