One Of The Wildest Rear Ends From The 70s Hides Something Even Wilder Up Front

Classic American cars, such as the Chevy Camaro, Ford Mustang, and Dodge Charger, have been popular in the restomod scene, and it seems like every other day we’re reporting on one that’s been engine-swapped and modernized. A car that hasn’t proven quite so popular among restomodders is the 1971 Buick Riviera, one of which was recently sold out of Pennsylvania.

The Riviera is perhaps one of the most striking cars from the 1970s, thanks primarily to the unique rear end and the stretched rear window. Compared to the cookie-cutter design of so many modern cars, the Riviera looks fantastic, and arguably deserves more love than it gets. This one also has some appealing modifications, but it only managed to fetch $22,000, making it seem like a bit of a bargain.

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The most significant change is found under the hood, where a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 is now resting proudly, complete with forged pistons, forged H-beam connecting rods, and a cold air intake. The Buick also now sports an aluminum radiator. Mated to the V8 is a three-speed automatic transmission that was rebuilt in 2018.

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Other important work includes new front and rear shocks as well as new upper and lower front control arm bushings. The interior retains the original brown vinyl upholstery, and there’s new vinyl on the dashboard. A wood-rimmed steering wheel has also been installed. Despite the Riviera’s age, the interior looks to be in good condition.

Admittedly, this isn’t what we’d describe as a high-end restomod, and is more of a project car that still requires work, or a car you can drive as-is, free of guilt. The seller notes that the air conditioner has not been reinstalled, although it was included in the sale, and that the car could benefit from a repaint. If it were us, we would drive it and enjoy it as-is, not having to worry about mundane things, like chipping the paintwork.

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