The 1965 Buick Riviera Gran Sport
"Out of 34,586 Rivieras built in 1965, only 3,354 were ordered with option code A9. Sweeney cautions prospective Riviera Gran Sport buyers that there is little to identify a true Gran Sport car, so it's best to find one that has all its Gran Sport equipment intact. There is no Gran Sport identifier in the vehicle identification number." "“1965 Buick Riviera Gran Sport.” Hemmings.com. Accessed August 28, 2023. https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/1965-buick-riviera-gran-sport.""
"In 1965, the stylists under the tutelage of Bill Mitchell pulled out all the stops and designed headlamps hidden behind clamshell doors, which covered the headlamps in this one-year-only offering. This design was originally to be introduced in 1963, but GM body engineers axed the idea, citing cost and the time required to develop it. Other than the covered headlamps, the 1965 version had a mild update on the grille, the rear quarter trim, the rear end, and a new rear bumper wheel now housed the taillamps." "“1965 Buick Riviera Gran Sport.” Hemmings.com. Accessed August 28, 2023. https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/1965-buick-riviera-gran-sport.""
"In 1965 the "Gran Sport" version made its debut, powered by the Super Wildcat V8, a 360 hp engine equipped with two Carter 625 CFM carburetors. It offered a quicker ratio steering box and firmer rated springs. The Super Turbine 400 transmission now had a variable pitch torque converter. The Gran Sport stock dual exhaust pipes were increased to 2.25 inches inside diameter and had fewer turns to reduce backpressure. Externally, the headlamps, now vertically arranged, were hidden behind clamshell doors in the leading edges of each fender. The tilt steering wheel was standard GS equipment." “Buick Riviera.” Wikipedia, August 1, 2023. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_Riviera.
| Feature | Description | Additional Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gran Sport | Option Package | First Year for the Riviera |
| Super Wildcat Engine | Dual-Quad 425ci V8 | Second Year of the Dual-Quad Offering |
| Suspension | 3.42 Axle Ratio | Heavy Duty Suspension |
| Exhaust | Stock Dual Exhaust | 2-Inch Exhaust |
| Clamshell Headlights | Electrically Operated | 1965 ONLY Feature |
- Clamshell Headlights
- Hardtop Body
- Dual Exhaust
- Heavy Duty Suspension
- Super Wildcat 425ci V8 Engine
- Gran Sport Badging