Hey everybody, Firstly I wanted to say how incredible welcoming and kind everybody has been here. I have had a lot of good guidance, support and advice from this community already and I am very grateful. I wish to have this thread serve as an ongoing record of the development of my 1972 Buick Riviera. Some background: My Buick Riviera was built at the Flint Michigan plant in the 4th week of May, 1972. I believe it was purchased by Wayne Walters, a community school teacher, also of Flint Michigan. He kept the car until 2011 when he sadly passed away at the age of 72: http://317parkcircle.com/wayne_tiny_walters.html After his death, the car was sold to a guy who was a private dealer. From there it was noticed by Nick, a brit who was looking for an American car in 2011. With the help of his friend Scott (who was in Michigan) he purchased the car and Scott drove it back to his place around October 2011, before shipping it off to the UK. Due to some various complications, by the time the car arrived on the UK shores, Nick no longer wanted it. He therefore sold it in May 2012 to a guy named Ed. Ed lived in Northampton and had an American car collection. The car was then mostly stored, had the radiator recored and some basic maintenance. Between Ed purchasing in May 2012 and July 2019, the car had only done 2,700 miles. It was at this point that Ed decided he had too many American cars (an enviable position!) and had to sell some. He therefore listed 5 of his cars in the Historics auction at Brooklands in July 2019. The car was professionally photographed for the auction and was also photographed in a studio for Classic & Sports Car Magazine on it's way down to Brooklands Motor Museum (the auction location.) These pictures are attached and the Historics listing is here: https://www.historics.co.uk/buying/...72-buick-riviera-boattail-coupé-generation-3/ I saw the car featured in Classic American Magazine for the upcoming auction and I actually said 'wow' out-loud (I was the only one in the room at the time.) I then decided to go and have a look during the viewing day. As soon as I saw it, I thought, 'oh dear I'm probably going to have to buy this now.' I spent about 3 hours looking around the car, as well as some others. I was impressed by how original it was and the condition it was in, as well as the fantastic overall look of her. I also loved the bench seat! It is worth pointing out that I did not plan on getting an American classic for at least another 10 years as I have no storage and not much money to throw at a classic if there were issues. I did some further research and realised that the 1972 Riviera was starting to have it's time and they were becoming more appreciated. Mostly though, I just loved the car and thought it was fantastic! I returned to the auction the next day and was the winning bidder. Afterwards, many people spoke to me and congratulated me with a local guy giving me his card to keep in touch. Everybody was extremely supportive and friendly. I sorted payment and some insurance. I knew the fuel gauge was broken, so I filled her up from a jerry can and set off from Brooklands. The V8 was rumbling, the sun was shining, my arm was out of the window and I was leaving the motor museum. It was like a dream and I could not believe that I owned this beautiful American car. I have since been posting on here for advice, seeking local professionals and doing what work I can myself. This thread will serve as a diary of my journey with this amazing car as her current custodian. I hope you all enjoy the journey as much as I know I will.
On 1st August, I spent over 10 hours detailing her using the following method: Snow foam 2 bucket wash Dry Clay bar 2 bucket wash Dry Polish Snow foam 2 bucket wash Dry Metal polish Glass clean Rain x Wax Took her to the pub Here are some pictures during and after.
BLIMEY!!! Adam my friend, its a true pleasure communicating with a true master of the English language and is a bloomin' sesquipedalian ! Yer bloody hack is sweet as can be. I pictured much less but think you are a fortunate chap to have acquired such a "bomber" LOL... Fair winds and following seas mate!!! ws
Beautiful Riv!! And snow foam out of a cannon is awesome isnt it. Nice job on the detailing, she shined up really well.
Thanks so much guys! Bill, I had to look up sesquipedalian but I like it! . Great communicating with you too
I am sure you all have these funny little 'finds' on your cars. Thought I would share my one today...
glad you are enjoying your Buick Adan . how much is petrol there now ? think it was about $10:00 US when I was last there in 2007
Thanks man! Regular unleaded is £1.27 per litre, so assuming 3.79 litres to a gallon, I make that $5.84. Esso supreme (higher RON and no ethanol content) which I use in the Buick is more like £1.40, or $6.45. It's the motorway services that are thieves. The price there for regular unleaded is more like £1.50 or $6.89!
Nice '72. I just got another one with a factory sunroof. Silver with black roof covering and black Custom interior.
No pics right now. It needs to be restored. It was actually purchased as a parts car and I happened to get it from the fella for some work on his '72 non sunroof car. It is far too good to be used for parts. The body is solid and the sunroof works.
I'd be proud to own that car regardless which side of the pond I was on! It's absolutely Beautiful!! And that color...Perfect!! Looks like it got the best caretaker too!
Wow! Thanks so much man, really appreciate it. I am certainly taking very good care of her. Latest developments: I am going to tidy up the air filter, so I have removed it for repainting. Have stripped the paint from the top cover so far.
Wow love the color on your car and the detailing job you did is great! Keep it as original as you can. Looks like your car is unmolested. Must be weird to drive a left hand steered car on british roads I am watching now
