Description
The 1966 Buick Riviera marked the launch of the second generation of Buick’s flagship personal luxury coupe, following the celebrated first generation Riviera that had debuted for the 1963 model year. Built on General Motors’ new E-body platform, the second generation Riviera shared much of its basic shape and dimensions with the groundbreaking front wheel drive Oldsmobile Toronado, yet Buick chose to keep the Riviera conventionally engineered with rear wheel drive after engineers found that early front drive test vehicles didn’t ride or handle to Buick’s exacting standards.
Power came from Buick’s 425 cubic inch Nailhead V8, producing 340 horsepower with a 10.25 to 1 compression ratio, giving the big coupe genuine performance credentials with a top speed of 125 mph. An optional Gran Sport package added a limited slip rear axle for even sharper handling, backing up the Riviera’s sleek, sporting looks with real world capability. Inside, Buick offered buyers a choice of three seating configurations, a traditional bench, a split bench with armrest, or sporty front buckets with a console, addressing feedback that the original Riviera’s cabin had felt too confining for traditional Buick customers.
The second generation Riviera proved to be Buick’s best selling Riviera ever, actually outselling both its celebrated first generation predecessor and its eventual successor combined, even besting its Oldsmobile Toronado cousin in the marketplace. Hot Wheels brings this genuine personal luxury car icon into its Cool Classics series, finished in a striking Copper paint that highlights the Riviera’s long, sweeping fastback inspired roofline at 1:64 scale, celebrating one of the most successful and stylish American coupes of the 1960s.
Why You Should Own It?
- Represents the 1966 Buick Riviera, Buick’s best selling personal luxury coupe generation
- Part of the Hot Wheels Cool Classics series
- Striking Copper colorway that highlights the Riviera’s sweeping fastback styling
- Represents a real, historically significant American luxury coupe
- Great pickup for Buick, personal luxury car, and 1960s American classic themed collections
- Durable die cast metal build with authentic Hot Wheels detailing
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