Love this car. Always think of my uncle from Miami with a cigar driving it to the strip joint. He still wore all his '70s shirts well into the '90s. Probably dealt coke at some point.

80's Buicks are finally getting shine these past couple years.

My brother in law used to sell Buicks back in the 70’s and 80’s and I used to love it when he would bring a new Riv over to the house so I could test drive them. Buicks are great riding cars. He and my sister drove a white Riv convertible on their wedding day. Great memories. Thanks Bill, your videos are “da bomb”.

Undoubtedly one of the most elegant, graceful cars ever made anywhere. A timeless beauty. I wish I had the garage space.

Wow, does this car take me back! 1984, the year I graduated high school. I knew lots of kids whose parents had this exact car. Riding in these cars was a dream, so cushy and soft, like a Cadillac, very smooth, quiet ride. God, what I wouldn’t give to own one of these now. I love driving cars that look unique and unlike the “bubble cars” and SUVs everyone drives now. That steering wheel though..hmmm, I don’t ever remember that wheel. That might be a replacement from a sportier model. The steering wheels I remember in these cars was simpler looking and more elegant. At any rate, I’d still kill to have this beauty in my garage to drive everyday. Great video Bill! Please keep them coming! PS...just like you, I’d give up my electronics and internet and go back to the 80s in a split second! It was the time of my youth, a much funner, simpler, carefree time.

When our family first arrived in the US in September 1982, my Dad’s business partner picked us up at the airport in his then new Riviera. The first American car I ever rode in. I was a 14 year old French kid who had only ever been in my parents’ Simcas and Citroens and the occasional Renault. What a car that Buick was. I love all your videos. You fucking crack me up. Don’t know how you find these gems. Keep them coming.

Another classic Bill. Thanks for allowing us into your time capsules and taking us back in time. 1984 was arguably the best year of my life, 10th grade and no worries at all. 😂😂

Back in '84 i was hoping i could afford one later as a used car but that was just a dream.They ran high because everyone wanted them used.They did not last on used car lots. You are spot on about 1984.It was the year i immigrated from Germany.It was a different world,carefree and just having fun.The Riviera was one of the first things that caught my attention.There was a Buick dealer in my neighborhood and i would go there after hours just admiring the elegant shape of this car.

Mom gave me her 1985 Riviera in 1988..I was in my mid 20s ..I felt like I was a Grandpa driving it but what a fantastic automobile ...My partner and I took alot of Road Trips with it and in style.. I sold it and bought a 1988 Olds Cutlass International .. a more younger suited car.. Thanks Bill ..

It's not Billy Joel at 33:13 , it's Bob Seger ! 😁

Only 39 minutes?! Ah well, we all deeply appreciate a fresh dose of Bill, even if it is a 'quick take'. 😉 🥃

She is a beauty Bill. Always loved this gen Riveria along with same gen Eldorado. So classy, elegant cruiser. Still a big fan of personal luxury coupes.

This was one of the most beautiful cars of the last century, certainly of the last half. I was just 14 when they came out and thought them the most beautiful cars ever. By the time I could afford one, they were all worn out or something to be collected.

My god…your summary of the 80’s was brilliant! I lived it too. You are spot-on as always. Another great review, Bill.

We’re the same age and my Mom had a Buick Park Avenue from this time. I instantly recognized the sound of that 307 as soon as you started it up. This was also the time GM just started using that multifunction turn signal stalk that went into the 2000’s. Buick was popular back then, we had two neighbors with Rivieras, one with a Regal and my Mom’s friend also had a Park Avenue. I remember the salesman taking a lot of time explaining what the “D’s” were for the gear selector and how overdrive worked. She must’ve thought it meant go fast because she drove the hell out of that car. Vividly remember that big body float on the interstate at speed.

My parents had one when i was about 14 years old. Was a beautiful cranberry red color with matching vinyl top and interior. Had the wire wheel hubcaps with white letters and looked great!! Ours had the 350 and i remember my mom melting the front tires off it many a time 😂

1984 was an awesome year. I was 7 and life was uncomplicated and wonderful, like an endless summer. And not a humid, shitty one 😆😎

For me as a european Cadillac-Lover, the Riviera everytime was the most beautiful "non-Cadillac". And at least one of the very few really good looking cars of the 80s. It's a shame, Buick doesn't continue it.

Loved this video! You seem to have rekindled an old affair with this one, and brought all of us along. While my plans to get a Riviera have mainly centered on the last generation of Riviera, I still find myself looking at these. Admittedly, I favor the T-Type and S-Type more, because with a clean roof and alloy wheels, it's a stunning car.

On the subject of overdrive, it simply means a gearing at which the transmission output is faster than the engine revolutions. It can be found on cars going back before WWII as an option. Almost all newer cars have at least one top end overdrive gear. The separate overdrive setting on transmissions of this period, especially GM, is because these transmissions had a habit of hunting between gears at lower speeds when in overdrive, so the manufacturers structed the driver to use D in city driving or in hills, and move to Overdrive at highway cruising speeds. Love this car, and can't wait to see it on the website. Wish I wash in the market.

My favorite Riviera of all time. When i was a teen in SoCal, my cousin owned a white convertible model with a red interior. It was gorgeous. Now I’m in Phoenix and i see an older gentleman drive around in a cream colored hard top and its well cared for. This car is gorgeous.

Any day with a car review from Bill is a great day.

Absolutely stunning car. Brings me back for sure. Bill obviously loves & misses the 80s as much as i do. Such great, simple times

Oh Bill, those 3 AM mission sure bring Back a lot of memories. I had a 93 Riviera E&G edition. That damn car save my life some Subaru pulled out in front of me and I T-bones him at 55 and I walked away from it. Keep up the good work can’t wait to see the next car bud congratulations on the T Bird sale!

What a step back to a great time. I’m apparently about 2 years older but Bill nails all that was the feel of these times. My first car out of HS in 1986 was a ‘78 Regal V6. Red on red velour everywhere. But the Riviera was a beast and beautiful. I have another 1985 (a BMW 635CSi ) today and thought 218 hp feels like very little haha. These really were the depth of the horsepower years.

Love your videos and your sense of humor!

Thanks Bill! I did end up buying this car from you. It will get parked in my garage next to my 72 Boatail Riv! Jay did a great job in getting this wrapped up for me. Keep them videos coming!

My mom had a 1980 Riviera in that exact color combo, what a great riding car! Thanks for bringing those memories back for me.

Bill is back! Great episode as usual…..we need to protect this man. Hilarious comment at 31:42..that transmission double-entendre “tranny-hump” always gives Bill an uncomfortable pause.

You have the best cool era memory. Thanks BILL

Wow, what memories- I had this exact car, same color combo and everything back in those days, and like you Bill, I enjoyed every minute of driving that thing. I wish they would bring back the Riviera name, and some semblance of a personal luxury coupe like these were. I would throw away my stupid SUV, and my electronics and go back to the 80s in half a second flat!

Beautiful Buick riviera from the mid 80s gotta love it

another classic Bill. I graduated high school in 1985 and I remember the 80's so well. Thanks for bringing us back to a memory journey of that era.

WHOEVER WRITES YOUR MONOLOGUES DESERVES AN ACADEMY AWARD, BILL. FRIGGIN' BRILLIANT. I COULD LISTEN TO YOU 24/7. KEEP IT UP FOREVER, BRO!

Bill is back!!!!!!! Bring on the weather report!!!

When the 1986 downsizing had to take place, the 1989 styling at the 21:01 mark should have been approved for 1986. Unfortunately there were orders given by the higher-ups at the time after a suggestion of better styling from half a foot of body length: 'Do not add one millimeter of length to this car.'

Positively love your channel. Discovered it a few weeks back. Your reviews are awesome and I have loved seeing cars like this that aren't as remembered as a lot of other (80s) cars, so it is nice to see some of the things you saw all of the time back in the day that were around that one might have not have paid much attention to get some well earned and deserved love. Take care and keep up the great work.

I loved this vintage Riviera and Eldorado. Beautiful design and not bad with fuel consumption. I had a 1983 Eldorado and used it as my daily driver from 2001 to 2008. I wish I had not sold it. I just did not have the horsepower I needed.

This is my second of your car reviews. On this rainy Saturday I’m having a lot fun watching the ‘84 Rivera. And I’m with you that 1984 was peak America. The ‘84 Seville I have along with the ‘85 Commemorative Eldorado are wonderful links to those years-my college years. Thank you Bill for the sharing of your work and the effort is appreciated.

Your the best Bill. Love all your videos.

I really enjoyed this review. I was a teenager when this car was new. I could relate well to your comments. Well done! Plate C

Yes Bill. I was the 1984 Summer Olympics Coordinator from the California Highway Patrol in Malibu, CA. My responsibility was traffic flow and event safety for the water polo athletes at Pepperdine University. 33 CHP officers specially trained to handle any effort by any person, group or gang entity to disrupt or conduct criminal activities around or at the venue. Exciting times to say the least. Buick Motor Division reps were in close contact with CHP, LAPD and LASO officials. Olympic Sam was the mascot. I have a few 1984 collectible pins given to me as part of the Olympic Committee Safety Tesm.

Cool review as always Bill.

I remember selling a 1988 model with the cool tv screen that said RIVIERA BY BUICK in script every time you turned it on. Very futuristic.

My leasing company delivered one of these 1979 Riviera "S" Types to a physician at Kaiser Permanente in Anaheim Hills. It had already been selected as Motor Trend's Car of The Year for 1979.

Riviera probably my favorite car all time from start to finish. Always a great looking specimen

This car has always been on my old/classic car dream list. Riv/Toronado and a 85-87 v8 cutlass Supreme 2 door are some that I'd love to on some day.

I love everything about your videos, and I especially love your years-in-review! Keep 'em coming!!

My best friend's parents owned a 1983, and growing up my friend who was 15 years old, and I was 14, would take their Riviera when they weren't home and drove it all over Detroit. I remember it being the smoothest car I've ever been in, in my life. What a car!

"Old Time Rock and Roll" is by Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band. And the "overdrive" badging just looked good. Since just a few years after this car came out, OD has pretty much been standard on everything...fuel economy demanded it. Around the same time, some cars were badged "EFI" or "Fuel Injection." Same kinda story, from just a few years later everything came with EFI.

I always enjoy the last few minutes when you step on it and show what they can do. Awesome 👍

Had an 81 back in the 90s and loved it. I bought it with front end damage and bought a parts car to repair it. The first car I ever fixed up like that and I have been hooked on fixing up cars ever since. I still think about that car to this day.

The song on the radio was Bob Seger not Billy Joel, not that it matters...I like your reviews of the cars you do because you really know what you are talking about. Some others on You Tube don't know a Buick from a hole in the ground but they go on anyway. If a video is going to be informative, it should be accurate. Kudos to you for that. I really enjoy your comments about the weather, the animals and Dalton's windshield cleanings. I get a real kick out of those comments. Keep 'em coming and thanks again.

Enjoy tour show Bill, always great! Thank you and Happy Holidays!

Absolute gorgeous car! My dad had one brand new. Would love to have that car today and yes I remember everything you mentioned. Thanks for the trip back in time.

My dad bought a new 1980 Riviera, the year I got my drivers license so I remember it well. It was dark blue in and out and had those same wire wheelcovers. The two points that made it nicer than the one in the video was being an 80 it had a 350 rather than the 81 307. The second point was that it didn’t have the vinyl top, not only was the car cleaner looking without it it actually had a different larger quarter windows that were better proportioned. It was a beautiful looking car, especially by 80’s standards. Also the 350 olds engine with a 4 bbl was quite gutsy by 1980’s low standards. The 307 olds that followed in 81 was a dog. Funny how the chev and olds 350’s were nice torquey engines by the standard of the day and the 307, 305 replacements were really lousy feeling engines. The biggest weak point of the car was the front drive, the 350 was strong enough to make torque steer a problem. This 80-85 platform (riv, toro and eldo) did have some rust problems, primarily the frame behind the rear wheels rotted prematurely. Another rust problem was the A pillars, they were foam filled for noise suppression reasons but the foam held moisture and rotted quickly.

Oh my God, my mother bought one of these for my fathers retirement gift. He worked for the federal government and got to retire at 55 years old after raising 6 kids. Who the hell retires at 55 now days? Anyway, my father loved this car and took very good care of it, and had it for years. Damn, I wish they and this car was still around. This brought back some great memories. Loved those days also. No cell phones, no computers. Glad I lived thru it. Great show, thank you.

He lives! Bill, please do a review on a 90-92 Olds Trofeo.

I loved these cars--all three: Buick Riviera, Cadillac Eldorado and the Oldsmobile Toronado. I had an 81 Toronado--it was my all time favorite car! It had been a converted Diesel. Beautiful, rode great! Later I had an 80 Riviera which was also nice. My favorite was truly the Toronado!

I enjoy each and every one of your nostalgic car reviews that I've seen. This Riviera especially brought back many memories for me, as I also was gifted a Riv. from my Dad many decades ago! I look forward to watching many more of your "old" car reviews!

I need to finish watching this video. I'm from New York and visited the Los Angeles area in the summer of 1984. We rented a burgundy Buick Riviera and it was the coolest car ever. What a chick magnet!! I'd love to go back to 1984. We were on the fringe of technology, times were good and it was great being 22 years old. Those were the days!

Absolutely Great Video Bill!! The Culture and the Car.. with lots a Laughs!

Bill, Thanks so much for all the great memories! Including, working at Sunshine Buick in the used car dept. in sales.. 1990-93..My 1985 Riviera. But most of all.... how fun it was back then and uncomplicated! Thanks Again...Cheers 😎

I love watching your videos. Your stories makes me travel back in time to the 80s. Your Automotive and life stories takes me back to my own. Keep em up.

8:17 “I now wait till Thursday for late night puking, and intoxicant trips” 😂

Was excited for this one cause I know Bill loved the one he had back in the day, fantastic as always, always makes my day watching!

I love love LOVED this version of the Riviera. Such a classy ride. Why would they stop making it? Gorgeous car.

Wow, thanks for taking me back to a simpler time!

I had a 84 Riviera light pinkish pearl color with Brown interior, beautiful car. 25k miles. Sold last year for 4x what I paid for it! Keep the great vids commin. You make an hour of my day at work better!

I used to own a 1980 Riviera I absolutely loved it

Memories don't lie, the most emotional review so far, kinda well preserved car. Thanks for the video.

Loved every minute!

Best car reviews I could watch these all day.

I like how you put all the history in your videos about the car and the history of that time it's awesome.

The walk down 1984 memories was great, and the history of the car is very well done and informative Thank you !

Brings back tons of memories!

First off I'd like to say I love your videos I find your voice so proper and bulletproof! I find it funny how this car shared a platform with the Cadillac Eldorado of the period. However, they gave the better engines to Buick meanwhile Cadillac is supposedly their luxury brand. Anyway keep on keepin on Love you videos thanks.

Love your history on these cars. I always learn something

Bill I've been waiting for this review. I still have the car I fell in love with back in 89, I was only 17. It was sitting there on a grocery store parking lot with a for sale sign, talk about love at first sight. It just so happens that my parents were looking to buy a car. I used all the excitement I could to get them to buy it and they did. One year later it was mine - 1980 Buick Riv - never gave it up again, still have it parked in my garage. Been though a lot my Riv and I we're still making good ol memories oh good memories. Not only do I love driving it, I love looking at it just as much if not more than that first day I laid eyes on it back in 89. Now were both getting old, so we cruise and take it easy. I only drive her on weekends. Love to see people come up and share their stories with me. Thank you for this video, didn't know we shared the same passion and history for this particular car. Love it!!

What a great review. Really felt your nostalgia.

Gorgeous colour. I loved 84 too thank you for taking me back

Bill literally tapped into my mind and awoken forgotten memories from the 80s during that brief summary. It's amazing how Bill remembers this stuff and takes you back.

Love this! Great job as usual!

Thank you bill. I had an 1984 Riv. I loved that car. This brings back so many good memories

That is the hardest looking beautifulest Buick I've ever seen.. I'm a sucker for 80s luxury coupes

Another gem 💎 Bill, thanks 👍

When I turned 16, in 1996, my dad bought an 83 exactly like this one. It had 27k miles, and I too used to drive over parking blocks in it! When you said that I about died. I'd drive over them with my friends in the car and we'd just laugh our asses off. I remember the engine wasn't particularly powerful, but it drank gas. I can still smell that interior.

one of my favorite Buicks

It’s a real shame I don’t have a place for another car at the moment. Just as soon as I do, I will be in the market for a Riviera of this generation. It’s been my favorite car since my dad had an ‘84 Riviera. Light Sand Gray with this identical interior except the steering wheel. That wheel was an option. The option list for these Rivieras was incredible. As I recall the difference between chrome mirrors and body colored mirrors was heated vs non heated mirrors. If I recall correctly, chrome were the heated ones.

My Grandma bought a new 1984 Buick riviera it was so nice car an comfortable

Somehow Bill keeps showing up with every single car I wish I could have afforded when I was young

What a great video. I bought a 1984 Riviera in 1988 that was white with the white padded top and a sunroof. Grey velour interior. I drove that car all through college and grad school. These were sharp sharp cars. Thanks for all of the info and bringing back memories!

You are terrific, Bill. Thank you!

Hey! Thanks for keeping your video so short. I’ve always loved the riviera’s all years seem beautiful.

Just LOVE YOUR REVIEWS 😘

I just love this car. One of my all time faves!

The most beautiful automobile manufactured in the 1980’s!

That is one quiet car on the highway!! At 85 MPH, you could hear Bill breathing. That is amazing wind / engine / road noise attenuation.

First video I've watched on your channel and I was amazed. Love your style particularly how you integrate culture at the time the car was released.

Holy 💩! I remember this car like it was yesterday because when I was a kid, a parent used to pick up the neighborhood kids across the street from me and carpool them to school. It wasn’t even the look of the car I remember the most, it was the sound of the horn. You totally triggered some deeply buried PTSD in me! Another reason why your videos are otherworldly good!