The 1965 Buick Riviera has long stood out for its bold design, but this example has been taken in a completely new direction. Refurbished and modified by Hot Rod Garage of Sand Springs, Oklahoma in 2019, the car now combines the sharp lines of a mid-1960s Buick with a set of contemporary upgrades that change both its look and performance.
Exterior of the 1965 Buick Riviera
The body was smoothed and refinished in black, with details removed for a cleaner appearance. The front cowl was filled, the antenna and emblems deleted, and the rocker trim stripped away. Even the grille received attention, with vertical members refinished in black to sharpen the front-end presentation. Schott billet wheels in titanium with polished accents complete the stance, staggered in size with 18-inch fronts and 20-inch rears wrapped in Nitto NT555 G2 tires.
Interior Craftsmanship of the 1965 Buick Riviera
The cabin was reimagined with a bold color choice. Power-adjustable bucket seats were reupholstered in Southern Vine green Relicate Napali leather, joined by matching door panels and dashboard trim. The headliner, carpeting, and velour details contrast with the green finish, giving the car a modern but tailored feel. Features such as Bluetooth audio, climate control, and a Kicker stereo system add usability, while the original Sonomatic AM radio remains for its period look.
Engine and Performance of the 1965 Buick Riviera
Under the hood, the transformation becomes even more dramatic. The car is powered by a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 equipped with an LSA supercharger. Supporting hardware includes Holley Terminator X management, a Walbro fuel pump, and a Billet Specialties water pump. A custom stainless-steel exhaust with 2.5-inch headers and Stainless Works mufflers completes the package. Power routes through a 4L70E four-speed automatic transmission to a rear axle with 3.23:1 gears. To manage the output, the car rides on RideTech air suspension and is fitted with Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes featuring drilled and slotted rotors.
Details and Awards
This Riviera also carries a set of finishing touches that emphasize its custom status. A walnut-rimmed Gran Sport steering wheel fronts custom gauges, while the trunk holds a matching four-piece luggage set trimmed in green leather. Since completion, the car has traveled just 1,600 miles and has already collected awards at events including the Goodguys Lone Star Nationals, Keels & Wheels Concours, and the Triple Crown of Rodding. It was also featured in Modern Rodding magazine in 2025.
Summary
The 1965 Buick Riviera shown here merges its iconic bodywork with contemporary engineering. With a supercharged LS3 V8, RideTech air suspension, and a carefully detailed interior, it demonstrates how a restomod can retain vintage presence while embracing modern performance and refinement.
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Source & Details: bringatrailer.com
