1973 Buick Riviera 'Boat Tail' Coupe (RHD)

Competing with Ford's Thunderbird and Oldsmobile's Toronado for the personal coupe market, Buick's Riviera, had been in production since the mid-1960s and was starting to look a little dated by 1970, so an entirely new shape was unveiled for 1971. Known as the ?boat-tail? Rivieras, the sensational new look was based on a concept by GM's styling chief, Bill Mitchell for a style that was completely different to other full-size American cars of the day. Few detail changes were made in 1972, but the following year saw the front and rear end treatments revised with new headlamps and grille. New federal safety regulations required energy-absorbing bumpers able to withstand 5 mph collisions and emissions controls were making themselves felt as well. 1973 was the final year for the boat-tail Riveria and it featured as standard a 455-cid V8 with a Rochester Quadrajet carburettor mated to a Turbo Hydra-matic 400 transmission. The GS handling package was optional, as was the Stage 1 engine for those looking for more horsepower. Buick introduced something called Max Trac on the Riviera, an early form of traction control. Power steering was standard, along with power front disc brakes while the extensive list of optional extras included air conditioning, sunroof, vinyl roof, power windows, tined glass, cruise control, an AM/FM radio, 8-track sound system, climate control, Rally wheels and more. In total, just over 34,000 Rivieras left the Buick factory in 1973 and they are rarely seen on Australia's roads today.