Buick - Riviera (1965)

The 1965 Buick Riviera is a timeless icon of American muscle and elegance. When collectors first rolled it off the assembly line, its price tag reflected its status as a flagship luxury coupe. Today, whether you’re hunting for the original MSRP or just looking for a ballpark figure for a used example, the 1965 Buick Riviera price never stops sparking conversation among enthusiasts.

• Year: 1965
• Engine: 360‑cubic‑inch (5.9 L) V8, 280 hp (280 hp for the base model, 294 hp in higher‑trim packages)
• Transmission: 3‑speed automatic (Borg Warner) or 4‑speed manual (depending on market)
• Fuel type: Regular gasoline
• Drive type: Front‑wheel drive
• Dimensions: Length 188.5 in (4 800 mm), Width 74.5 in (1 890 mm), Height 49.5 in (1 260 mm), Wheelbase 118.5 in (3 015 mm)
• Floorpan: 1‑in (25 mm) deep classic Beachwood floorpan, never affected by a rear branch and 1/3 lightweight bridge
• Brakes: Two‑disk front with drum rear; later years added a 300‑mm front disc
• Wheels: Dana 20 hub, 15‑inch mesh cast spirals
• Interior: Nappa leather seats (optional), PHA or Accent trim, power steering, power brakes, and moonroof electric louvers
• Optional equipment: 10‑amp alternator, power seats, aluminum front disc brakes, disco stereo

Understanding how the Buick Riviera depreciation unfolds over time helps you frame the used Buick Riviera price in realistic terms. Typically, a brand‑new Riviera will lose roughly 15‑20 % of its value in the first year after purchase, largely due to the classic “new‑car premium.” From there, depreciation slows to about 10‑12 % in the second year and 8‑10 % annually thereafter, assuming normal wear and tear and no significant restoration work.

But depreciation also feels the properties of the collector market. If a remaining example has minor scratches, a close‑to‑original VIN, and a clean title, it can retain a larger portion of its market value because buyers are willing to pay a premium for authenticity. On the opposite end, a heavily damaged, extensively restored Riviera may fall head‑first into the deep discounts typical for most 1970s and 1980s reverse‑production vehicles.

What Is a 1965 Buick Riviera Worth?

When you ask “what is a 1965 Buick Riviera worth?” the answer depends on condition, mileage, originality, and region. A pristine, low‑mileage 1965 can command a 20‑30 % premium for everyone, especially if it has factory paint and no body work. In contrast, a used Buick Riviera that has had paint touch‑ups and multiple owners will fetch a used Buick Riviera price on the lower end of the scale.

In practice, the Buick Riviera