Buick Riviera Boattail: 1970s Icon That Divides Opinions

Iconic and Divisive - Few cars in automotive history have sparked as much debate as the Buick Riviera Boattail. This car, introduced for the 1971 model year and continuing until 1973, has been a subject of both admiration and controversy. Some see its design as a bold statement, while others argue it lacked the finesse expected of a luxury vehicle. But what can’t be denied is its ability to stand out, much like other creations that bear the mark of a visionary—whether celebrated or criticized, the Riviera Boattail continues to evoke strong opinions to this day.

The Buick Riviera Boattail, as seen in the 1971 model, was the brainchild of Bill Mitchell, General Motors' Design Chief in the early 1970s. (Picture from: Motorcities.org)

The Riviera Boattail was the brainchild of Bill Mitchell, General Motors' Design Chief during the early 1970s. Known for his fondness for Boattail rear ends, Mitchell applied this design element across various GM models, from the 1963 Corvette to the 1971 Grand Prix. However, the most prominent and extreme execution of this design appeared on the Buick Riviera, resulting in a unique aesthetic that still divides opinions.

Interior view of the 1971 Buick Riviera Boattail. (Picture from: AmericasClassicAndVintageAuto)

The initial concept for the Riviera Boattail was conceived in Jerry Hirschberg's Advanced Buick Studio. Designers originally envisioned a much smaller, sleeker car than the one that eventually rolled off the assembly line. The idea was to create a vehicle built on the A-body platform, similar in size to the Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Pontiac Grand Prix. This smaller framework would have allowed for a more elegant design, with sweeping curves inspired by classic Delahayes, which Bill Mitchell greatly admired.

The Buick Riviera Boattail, as seen in the 1971 model, showcases unique styling elements, including the dramatic rear end that earned it the "boattail" nickname. (Picture from: Motorcities.org)

By 1968, the design team had developed a stunning clay model, showcasing smooth, sculpted surfaces that gave the car a refined appearance. Unfortunately, this vision never made it to production. Instead, the Riviera was shifted onto GM's full-size B-body platform, much like its contemporaries, the Oldsmobile Toronado and Cadillac Eldorado. The decision to enlarge the Riviera was likely driven by corporate strategies aimed at achieving economies of scale, but it was a move that left the designers frustrated.

An early GM design of the Buick Boattail features distinctive side sculpting. (Picture from: Motorcities.org)

The following concept models and design sketches are likely to be used as the foundation for the production version of the Buick Riviera Boattail;

The Riviera concept model differs from Houlihan's rendering, lacking the pointy boattail but featuring the Sting Ray rear window and distinct side sculpting. (Picture from: CurbSideClassic)

The boat tail of the 1971 Buick Riviera origin myth has it that it was based on a rendering by John Houlihan, scaled for the mid-sized A-Special body, like the Pontiac GP. (Picture from: CurbSideClassic)

There’s no question that Houlihan’s front end is very much what was adopted for the production Riviera. (Picture from: CurbSideClassic)

According to various sources, the boattail design of the 1971 Buick Riviera originated from a rendering by John Houlihan, scaled for the mid-sized A-Special Body, similar to the Pontiac GP. While the transition to a larger platform brought some challenges, the final version of the Buick Riviera Boattail still had a distinct presence. Introduced in 1971, the production model featured a toned-down version of the original design, losing some of the elegance that the A-body proposal had promised. 

The Buick Riviera Boattail, as seen in the 1972 model, combines a daring exterior, luxurious interior, and powerful engine, securing its place in American automotive history. (Picture from: NR-Classic-Car)

Despite this, the Riviera still retained unique styling elements, including the dramatic rear end that gave it its "boattail" moniker. This design was most extreme in 1971, with the following years seeing modifications to meet bumper standards, ultimately softening the sharpness of the original shape.

The Buick Riviera Boattail, shown in the 1972 model, was powered by a front-mounted 455 cu-in V8 engine producing 250 hp, paired with a Turbo Hydramatic 400 transmission. (Picture from: NR-Classic-Car)

Under the hood, the Riviera Boattail was equipped with Buick's 455 cubic-inch V8 engine, producing 250 horsepower. The car also boasted GM’s Turbo Hydramatic 400 transmission, known for its durability and smooth shifting. Additionally, the Riviera featured coil springs at all four corners, offering a comfortable ride. 

The Buick Riviera Boattail, shown in the 1972 model, featured coil springs at all four corners, providing a comfortable ride. (Picture from: SilverstoneMotorcars)

However, the vehicle's performance was not its only claim to fame—its design was equally as memorable, particularly with the vinyl tops offered on many models. Bill Mitchell reportedly had strong objections to this feature, leading to heated discussions at the highest levels within GM, but ultimately, vinyl tops became a common option.

The Buick Riviera Boattail, as seen in the 1973 model, featured controversial vinyl tops that sparked heated discussions at the highest levels within GM. (Picture from: GM-Authority)

Despite its bold design, the Buick Riviera Boattail did not captivate the market as its designers had hoped. Sales averaged between 33,000 and 35,000 units per year from 1971 to 1973, a noticeable drop compared to the previous generation, which sold over 53,000 units in 1969. 

The controversial appearance of the Buick Riviera Boattail, seen in the 1973 model with vinyl tops, likely contributed to its lukewarm reception, as customers were divided on its unique styling. (Picture from: GM-Authority)

The car’s controversial appearance was likely a contributing factor to its lukewarm reception, as customers seemed divided on whether they loved or hated the unique styling. Nonetheless, the Riviera Boattail remains a symbol of GM’s adventurous spirit in design during the early 1970s.

Interior view of the 1973 Buick Riviera Boattail. (Picture from: GM-Authority)

As time has passed, the Riviera Boattail has gained recognition for its distinctive look, even if it never achieved the sales success of its predecessor. Its unique place in GM’s design history makes it a topic of discussion among automotive enthusiasts. 

The Buick Riviera Boattail, shown in the 1973 model, was powered by a front-mounted 455 cu-in V8 engine producing 250 hp, paired with a Turbo Hydramatic 400 transmission. (Picture from: GM-Authority)

The car’s combination of a daring exterior, luxurious interior, and powerful engine ensures that it holds a special place in the annals of American automotive history. Though it may not have been the hit its creators envisioned, the Riviera Boattail stands as a reminder of an era when bold ideas were embraced, even if they didn’t always hit the mark. | JwFrBaDktLA |

In the end, the Buick Riviera Boattail represents more than just a car—it is a symbol of a daring design philosophy, one that sought to push boundaries and challenge conventional thinking. Whether admired or criticized, it has left a lasting impression, proving that sometimes, it's the boldest designs that stand the test of time. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ATEUPWITHMOTOR | MOTORCITIES.ORG | AUTOEVOLUTION | BUZZBLOQ | CURBSIDECLASSIC | AMERICAS CLASSIC AND VINTAGE AUTO | SILVERSTONEMOTORCARS | NR-CLASSIC-CAR | GM-AUTHORITY ]

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