1978 Buick Riviera LXXV

From the collection of “The Big Guy”, here is a 1978 Buick Riviera LXXV. The LXXV is 75 in Roman numerals, to signify the 75th anniversary of Buick. To celebrate, Buick produced a special edition of the Riviera in its last year of rear-wheel drive. Originally, the plan had been for under 1,000 units with the black and silver two-tone paint and special badging on the car. However, it proved popular and more were produced though still enough to make it a rarity with under 3,000 units. Under the two-tone paint is a grey leather interior. Power comes from a 403 cubic inch V8 engine mated to a three-speed automatic transmission to drive the rear wheels. This car has been in the collection since 2013. The car is well-equipped, including vinyl roof, special LXXV badging, air conditioning as part of the automatic climate control, AM/FM stereo with 8-track player, power steering, and four-wheel disc brakes. This Riviera LXXV comes with many extras, as set out in our photo gallery.

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The black and silver paint was common to all LXXV Rivieras. Within the vinyl roof’s sides are opera windows adjacent the outward rear seats while chrome appointments include bumpers and trim. Flaws are noted in the form of pitting in the grille and surface corrosion on the top of the front passenger door frame. All are presented in our gallery.

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Chrome accented wheels feature a five-spoke pattern with a distinctive “R” emblem, for Riviera. The 15s are skinned in S-Rated Cooper Lifeliner Classic II whitewall radials measuring 225/75R15. This LXXV Riviera is equipped with four-wheel disc brakes and power steering.

The grey leather seating surfaces are complemented by black piping. Door cards and carpets are a matching grey. The dashboard on the passenger’s side is covered in brushed aluminum with a prominent analog clock, still functional. The power group includes windows, locks, and driver’s seat while cruise control is managed the turn indicator stalk. Building on the two-tone theme, black carpeted floor mats are in place and they show the Riviera’s trademark “R”.

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The LXXV is a US market car and the speedometer beyond the leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel showing wear maxes out at the then US-legislated 85 MPH. The five-digit odometer within shows under 34,000 miles – believed original though not documented, making this car TMU – true mileage unknown.

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The 403 cubic inch engine outpaces the base Riviera’s 350s and is equipped with a four-barrel carburetor. A three-speed automatic transmission is fitted, getting the factory-rated 185 horsepower to the rear wheels. The engine was also rated at 320 lb.-ft. of torque. Underside photos are among the many on our gallery.

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This 1978 Buick Riviera LXXV is available with original documents stored in a three-ring binder, decorative 1978 Ontario licence plate, car cover, a selection of 8-track tapes, 2017 appraisal and three sets of keys from the owner in Carp, Ontario.

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More videos and Photo Gallery appear below.

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