So, heres the story....My good friend Frank Pasqua's love for his 65Riv really drew my attention to the radically unique styling and design of 60's Buicks. Being a member of the classiccarclubmanhattan.com, I have access to dozens of unique and acclaimed vehicles of all eras and genres. For example, a weekend in a 67 Chevelle SS (although also a beautiful car) made me realize how much additional thought and detail went into the design of the Rivieras, and the 340hp 425 certainly helped keep my interest.:TU: After all, what's cooler than a nailhead?? The first time i saw the front end of the 66/67 Riv, I was hooked. That has to be THE most radical front end design on any car i'd ever seen! Said to be the longest hood on a production car, those jagged but smooth angles look dangerously sleek. And so my search began.... After seeing a couple of rust buckets, and some overly priced sub-par restorations, I grew somewhat discouraged. Enter my 2nd child. My wife couldn't understand my continuous ebay searches with a new baby in the house... and I was forced to put my obsession to the side for a bit. But not a month went by and i happened upon Craig's List where I, to my surprise, spied a terribly understated ad...."66 Buick Riviers GS Borough Park, Brooklyn" with no pic or description. Needless to say... my curiosity drew me to the home of Frank and Brigetta Zingaropoli, where I was met by their 2 sons Frank Jr. and Anthony. They explained to me how their Father had grown a bit senile, and in his right frame of mind would NEVER let them sell his car (which he bought brand new in 66), but the house had been sold and relocation was eminent. SO past the decorative wrought iron gates and through the grape arbors, (any old scool Italians out there know what I mean) into the cavernous garage that was certainly constructed by Frank (a builder) to suit the needs of his beloved Buick, and double as a covered summer venue for his extensive family network.....There she lay. Exactly as he left her in 1978 with 58k original miles.. and the exception of 1" of dust, 4 flats and an awful paint job which, in his senile state, had someone perform in the garage in the late 80's (even though the car hadn't been in use for a decade). I left without buying it (to which everyone said i was nuts and threw me into a panic) and went back the next day with $4,000 cash that took it. While waiting for the flat bed to arrive Frank Jr., Anthony, and Brigetta had some awesome stories. Brigetta mentioned that once, on a road trip to their summer home in the Poconos, they were pulled over a few intersections after getting off the highway. The trooper informed them that he had been chasing them on the highway for 5 miles, and couldn't catch up until they were held up by stop signs and 90 degree corners. I had to ask....Frank's Brooklyn business man finesse combined with the officers admiration for the car's performance won him a pass. They also had 1 photo of the boys standing proud with their dad's new vehicle and some 8mm home videos of the car that I would like to have had, but dared not ask for. Upon our arrival home further inspection of the car and some 12v life proved the following...All electrical components are still in working order, including all interior lights, power windows (with the exception of the pass side rear), power seats, and YES... the stowaway headlights! There isn't a spot of rust on the entire car (always being garaged and rarely driven in the rain) The car needs re-painting, but the body is straight as an arrow and all of the aluminum trims are there and in perfect shape. The bumpers need chrome. An oily engine compartment made up my mind to completely go through the motor, which would probably run if I wanted it to, AND the interior is pristine!!! Vinyl, dash, read deck, headliner, EVEN the carpets (which were always protected by huge plastic mats) are perfect! (So much for making fun of the old school WOP's for covering anything upholstered with plastic!!) And so my project begins. Not sure if its a real GS, although the sons insist that he bought it as such brand new in 66. some things point to "No" while others point to "Yes". Either way this second owner car is sure to make me very happy and either save or destroy my marriage... Time will tell! Thanks for all the good wishes and i'll be sure to keep everyone posted.
This is easier to read: Angelo: Please put your name in your signature, we're all here on a friendly first name base :TU: !
Congrats Angelo. Keep us posted on the project! Beatiful car. I agree the Rivs are at the top of the GM design food chain.
Hey Angelo, Welcome to you, and congratulations on your wonderful find. So glad you quickly realized you needed to buy this incredible Riviera. It is perfectly optioned with air, power and buckets and console! I love the 1966 probably the best of all! David :grin:
Ok......got it. will change my typing structure. not a big blogger. Also note my signature....Any other tips?
Hi cuz. I think first thing to do is get in touch with Mr. Tom Telesco aka telriv. His screen name. He will tell you who and where to get that 425 perfect! You'll probably wind up buying his Rockers. He designed these years ago. They allow the cam to work more. If you follow me.:Brow: Now I remember those grape arbors in your grandmas yard on ave t!!! What a great yard. I recommend if you have a question on anything, try the search function. Chances are, most everything has come up some time or another. Welcome and looking forward to spinning those tires on that beauty!!!:3gears:
Erik, You're a total trip. I've never seen anyone so into providing info in such insane detail. I love it! :laugh:
