I bought a 66 Riv from Vegas from the widow of the original owner. I was 25 and drove it and cherished it for 10 years up here in Alberta Canada. She was a gorgeous original glacier white GS with red deluxe interior. On a summer afternoon, I buried the speedometer on a deserted highway to the point where the sound stopped and the front end began to lift- it was orgasmic! Unfortunately I was forced to sell her in 05 for a down payment on my first home. I really really miss that car! Your video brought back so many fond memories. Thanks

The font on the Buick's speedo looks very modern. The white over black interior looks very stylish.

I got my '67 Riviera when I was 23 and I have driven it a lot over the 22 years I owned it. Mine has most options including the GS package which consisted of a 3.42 ratio limited slip rear axle, a dual inlet fiberglass air cleaner, H 70-15 tires, HD suspension. Mine also has the fast ratio15:1 steering which was an option on the GS only, cornering lights, 4 note horn, the upgrade Custom interior trim, buckets seats with console shifter, power locks, windows, trunk and seat, Electro Cruise, AM-FM stereo with the mandatory power antenna, Bendix power disc brakes with 4 piston calipers (which are unique to 1967-69 full size Buick models and way better than the aluminum drums but harder to get parts for). The Strato bench seat which most 1966-67 Rivieras with the upgrade Custom interior had was also similar in comfort (I also had one with the strato bench). The one you drove has the base interior with cheaper door panels, the standard interior was also available with bucket seats as an option. It looks like it's in really nice condition though! One thing to avoid in those cars is the Automatic Climate Control which unlike those in Cadillac, Olds and Chevrolet had all mechanical controls and many mid-year changes from 1966 to 1970, it's quite a challenge to make them work correctly now! As much as I like automatic A/C, on a Buick, it's better not to have it before the 1971 GM standardized system was used.

The Buick just looks fabulous from any angle! Thanks.

I was showing my 80 year old mother this video. She and my father had a ‘63 Riviera that he owned when they got married, then they traded it for a ‘67. I’d kill to have either of those cars back and it’s memories for me of my father when I was 3 years old until he died suddenly in 1969. She appreciated the trip down memory lane looking at this vehicle.

Although I have no experience riding in either, the styling of the Riviera blows the Caddy away. From a lifelong Ford guy, the styling of the Buick is excellent!

I owned a 67 Riv my senior year of high school, 1984, it was one of the best cars I ever had. Platinum Mist (repainted in lacquer with my dad after graduation) with a black vinyl top, every option except center console. I still want another one, but it is hard to replace the memory of that one car that made you into a car nut. When I joined the Navy, I sold it to a neighbor in order to buy a new Mazda pickup. If I had a time machine, I would go back and punch me in the face! Thanks for your reviews and insights on the history of these fine autos. I'm a fan of all the stuff you share here.

@kayeninetwo3585

Жыл бұрын

LOL. Don't kick yourself (or punch yourself) too hard. I'm a car person, and I also remember wanting a new Mazda pickup way back then. A B-2000 I think it was called. It was the only new vehicle I could've afforded at the time, and there was a real thrill to owning a brand new vehicle. That would've been about the time I owned a 1970 Chevy Monte Carlo in good condition, and I was more enthralled with the idea of owning a new Mazda pickup!!

@rightlanehog3151

Жыл бұрын

@@kayeninetwo3585 Today I saw a genuine Mazda pickup (as opposes to a rebadged Ford Ranger) for the first time in years.

My grandfather had the 1967 Riviera ... as a 10-year-old boy, I thought it was such a great car. And, as a kid, the "hide away headlights" and the "barrel speedometer" were my two favorite features.

I bought a 66' Riviera in midnight blue with black deluxe interior about a year ago. I really love it and looking at it never gets old. Most people my age have no idea what it is but they are stunned by the lines when they see it. The AC doesn't work anymore but Buicks airflow system they used to replace the wing windows works so well you almost don't need the AC here in WI. Also nearly no wind buffeting with all 4 windows down!

Rode in a 67 Eldo in 68. I remember the ride as somewhat disappointing even back then. But, boy o boy did it look good in the garage. Dark green if I remember.

Adam, your new home and it's neighborhood are just as classy as these two incredible 1967 General Motors cars!

@bigjoe330

Жыл бұрын

Movin' on up!

@judgegixxer

Жыл бұрын

Wonder if Adam will start the "Rare Classic Houses & Real Estate History" Channel? lol

As Billy Crystal said on SNL (as Fernando Lamas) "You look maahvelous! And it's more important to look maahvelous than to feel maahvelous.". Purely for looks, I'd choose the Eldorado. For every other consideration, the Riv wins, hands down. Was the choice of the half-frame and crappy rear springs really just a cost thing? If so, it was criminal.

Nice that you don’t have to choose between the two

What a treat!

All the way up until they switched to R134a from the factory in about 1994, all the old GM air conditioners with factory R12 were beasts. My first car was a 1985 Buick Regal that my stepdad bought new, then gave to me in 1997 when I was 20. It had 130,000 miles on it, and it was a black car with dark maroon interior. But I could park it outside in the summer sun all day at college or work and get in, start the car, and set the A/C to MAX and throw the blower switch up to high and within a minute you could hang meat in that interior.

Oh man, I had a 65 Catalina and that was a smooth ride

Great comparison. My mom bought a triple black ‘70 Continental Mark III in 1970. My dad wanted her to get the Eldorado but she wouldn’t drive a Cadillac. 😂

Two of GM's best 60s designs..

Toronado, Riviera, and El Dorado of that generation should be classified as historical cars just like old houses.

@robertpolnicky7702

Жыл бұрын

Especially when compared with the designs nowadays.

The 66 & 67 Riv was and still is the most beautiful design Bill Mitchell ever created. I happen to own a 66 GS, and may just be buried in her.

Whoa! Two of my top 5 favorite cars of all time. The Riv will be mine one day

So Riviera won. Thank you for the video. Great job.

I love the Riviera and the styling

Hard choice for styling. But the better ride and the cooler speedometer makes the Rivera the winner for me.

I really like ac in the face too. The feeling of a breeze can be every bit as important as actual ac. And wow, the difference in ride quality really did come through on video. I'd definitely lean on the Riviera because of the ride alone! But yeah, the Eldorado is still awesome and way better than most stuff you're going to see out on the roads today. I bet you made some people's day driving these around, and you made my day sharing the video with us all!

You aren't the only one that like AC in your face. That is the way I like it too

We think that Riviera is a study of the art of mid-60's style and design. It would pair well in the circular drive of a fine mid-century home in Palm Springs.

I had a 67 riv. Unfortunately it got rear ended by a drunk driver. Thanks for letting me live vicariously through you…lol. Someday I’ll get another one.

Buick were torque monsters!

I liked the speedometer in the Buick. Very cool and sort of retro now. Great video, cool interesting cars from when I was too young to buy any.

Adam, always love your videos. So informative and your nature is so easy going and pleasant! Thank you.

Very nice cars. I've owned many Buicks, even bought a 70 GSX Stage 1 new when I was 16 (I'm old). Spent lots of time as a paperboy and doing yard work to be able to buy it. One thing I remember about the Buick V8's, every 10K miles, they needed a water pump. Good times.

By today's comparison ALL of the big cars rode great, IMO.

nice riviera, the most beautiful riviera is the boattail rivieras and they ride like a dream

Well, the Riveria styling is timeless. And, I have always liked Buick V8s

I like A/C in my face after leaving my Restaurant and hustling for many HOT Hours in the Kitchen. I sense you’re like me a A/C king. I love the Buick and I don’t care for many Buicks. The 60’s to me was the best for Buick Styling. The Eldorado is Beautiful to look at and FWD great here in the NE. My Favorite Style is the ‘66 Tornado which I was surprised to hear you say it had a stiffer ride. I just inside and outside styling of it. I used to think they were ugly only because when I seen them on the road they were very used and abused.

cars that make you feel like you have arrived are the best. Great looking car, saw one in a dark red on the road over here in SE Michigan

My father's boss back in the 60's and early 70's had several Rivieras. He had my father drive the car when they took business trips together. My father said the Riviera was scary at 90 mph because of no feel in the power steering.

..pedestrian is so pedestrian.....get out of the way of my windsplit.......thanks Adam....

Friends of my parents had both the '67 Eldorado and a '66 Riviera. Personal coupes were also used as family cars back then. Great video as always!

I too gotta have the AC in my face! That scrolling speedometer also seems to conserve quite a bit of space in the front of the instrument panel/bezel, unlike the other common iterations of speedometers.

Two stunning cars - both even look fantastic in black - menacing. This really was peak American auto styling. The Riviera just about pips it for me - but I don't really know why so don't ask!

Definitely slick for its time.

A wonderful opportunity to experience both cars -- thank you, Adam. I'm like you, mostly -- I think these cars each have their strong and weak points. However, at the end of the day, If I had to buy GM, I'd choose the Eldorado, as it has the styling edge, in my humble opinion. And who can resist that fabulous red leather interior? Not me!

You’re not weird first thing I do when I get in Is aim the vents directly at my face whether it’s the AC or the heat. I own classic international scouts and factory they came with the underdash air-conditioning unit I could never get that to blow where I wanted it to my knees were frozen

@rogersmith7396

Жыл бұрын

It dries my eyes out and I can't see. Prefer it to be on my chest and crotch then I feel cool. The climate control Eldo is more like a home HVAC, it disperses the air more. Mine has the center vents.

My '65 Riviera has the same AC issue as the Eldorado. I like having the AC blow on my face too.

The Caddy is sweet but my vote goes to the Riviera. My father had a silver 67' when I was a kid in the 70's and the side window look reminds of 1st gen F-bodies.

They are both beautiful cars in their unique styling, but if I only had to choose one it would be definitely be the Riviera hands down! I would love it in any of the other color choices of the time rather than the black though. This model year in particular, is about the only one I have ever really liked as far as the Riviera goes.

The days of real A/C really cold 🥶. I’ve owned quite a few Cadillacs over the years and miss not having one now.

I love many a 60s car especially buicks as that's all we had growing up but never been to keen on this generation. Compared to the 65 it doesn't look special to my eyes unlike the toronado which definitly does look special If had to choose 1 year of this generation the 70 is the funkiest and most unique of this series. Unlike the toronado that grew more pedestrian with each passing year until it turned into an Eldorado clone. Once almost bought a red 68 with blk vinyl top with buick mags that looked really good but i didnt pull trigger and always regretted it. Id really like the 78 anniversary edition in black/silver, basically a gussied up le sabre/electra but it just has a great look inside n out. Would love to see you aquire one!

Exactly correct! 4 wheel Drum brakes work perfectly… as long as you’re not on a race track, repeatedly stopping

Lincoln Continental on some years used the GM Harrison A/C system instead of the Ford.

2 of the best cars ever made

Hello Adam, great cars and lovely channel! I care very much when you talk about A/C and HVAC in general in your cars, for me it's something I'm very curious about. Thanks for your time and effort to this channel Adam, take care and stay well! 😊

Why is it that whenever I see one of these old Riviera's the Santana song "Oyo Como Va" comes into my head?

Riviera for me please, no hesitation.

I have coveted the Eldorado since its debut for 1967. The Eldorado has 'the look', and it's a Cadillac. They could have used a wooden bench for the seats, but it will still get a lot of admiration. Of the three 'sister' cars, I would put the Eldorado first, closely followed by the Toronado, and the Riviera in third.

You are soooo right. The road noise is shocking! I've never owned a luxury car, but this drive sounds like that in some of my 2nd (and more) owner middling cars.

I was looking at the speedometer in both cars. If they had the technology for digital gauges back then these two cars would have had them. They more than made up for it starting in 1979 -1993 in Riviera's case. In 1979-1990's for the Eldorado. The Toronado had the rolling barrel speedometer back then too. It was gone by 1971. The one thing you can say they had their own personalities. You are right about them not being able to do cars like this in 2022. The styling could work in the case of the Cadillac. Thank you Adam.

I would be hard-pressed to try to find either model in pristine condition today!

I absolutely love the collection that you got and yes I remember well I’m 66 years old that Buick did ride better than that Cadillac now when you got into the fl it was different but that Buick the ride could not be beat in the Mercury Marquise the best

I have had 2 Eldorados and both suffered from the front wheel drive blues. A design that puts all the weight on the front wheels is doomed to have ride and balance problems. The design of the Eldorado is stunning, especially the 67-70. I had a 2000 and it had a lot of the first generation styling. Beautiful car!

Our lead singer drives a 1967 Riviera GS Black exterior green interior ( deluxe interior. ) You could argue that with the GS option (handling package) and 15:1 quick steer option on the Riviera and 3.91 gear set the Riviera is a much better bang for the buck!

I love Cadillacs, any year, any model, so for me it’s Cadillac all the way. Both cars are beauties though.

Adam, You sold me on the Buick! Where do I sign? 😁

The Eldorado as well as the Toranado have a torssion bar front and leave spring rear suspension. The Riv has coil spring all around for suspension. Thus the better ride. The first gen of Mopar in the late '50's with the torsion bar front suspension rode like it had concrete blocks for springs. . My Dad traded in his '54 Buick for a used '59 Dodge and couldn't believe how rough the Dodge ride was.

Good Comparison! I vote for the Riviera my uncle had one back then it was a ‘65. Style and smiles for miles😀

It was clear on those expansion strips how much better the noise reduction was on the Buick. I have to say though, that my 66 Toronado still has a comfortable ride.

Damn the riviera really rode much better

Both cars are stunning!!! I am surprised that the Riviera rides so much better than the Eldorado!!! 👍👍🙂

I always found cars with "slippery seats" easier to drive with the seat adjusted further forward. Even though I'm tall enough to drive with the seat all the way back I've always adjusted it at least the equivalent of one or two manual adjustments forward of full back - just in any car actually. My parents owned a '74 a looooong time ago. I have literally no recollection of it except it was "Cranberry firemist" which you couldn't miss a mile away 🤣

Love the look of both cars very much. 🤩 Is it possible that the El Dorado had a sport suspension? My favorite is the Riviera. The look and all of it. Thanks.

Check out the July, 1969 issue of Popular Mechanics magazine where they surveyed 1,000 owners of new Eldorados. Over and over again, nearly every owner complained of a stiff ride.

@robertpolnicky7702

Жыл бұрын

I remember the 67 Eldorado did not take dips or bumps well at all. The 70 tornado my dad had was far better. So is the 96 sedan de Ville I have right now.

@dave1956

Жыл бұрын

@@robertpolnicky7702 I didn’t care. I absolutely was wild about the styling of the 1967-1970 Eldorado. I would have bought one even if it didn’t run!

A very good comparison. I agree with your conclusions. I wonder if you have ever driven a well equipped 1965 Riviera? I think it is the best looking of all the 60’s cars and will out corner most all the while providing a nice, controlled ride. Great seats, same brakes as your 66 and an absolutely fabulous interior. It has to have the deluxe interior option, but a lot of them did. If you ever get a chance to buy one I would sure suggest it.

@skinnerhound2660

Жыл бұрын

Especially a ‘65 GS Riv

I love AC in my face too !

The 67 Riviera is the most gorgeous car GM ever made. You can charge old r12 systems with isobutane (r12a / r600a) as a drop in replacement. It is an even better coolant than r12 and has zero ozone depletion characteristics.

Both cars are so special in their own unique ways. It is unusual that they are so different from each other - the Eldo is not the upgrade you'd expect being in the same category as the Riv.

I love your vids. So much so that I literally sigh, outloud. One request: Show the dash more while driving and the road less. I think that's a common mistake when folks do 'driving videos' of rare or classic cars. I think we'd rather see the details of the instruments and even the pedal action if possible. Thanks!

I own a 1966 Riviera GS 88,000 miles, bought on the night of Desert Storm, from original owner,2 years to restore has the Carter 2 four barrel carbs. all options available with the Uniroyal Tiger paw Redlines on Buick Mag wheels, resprayed in Buick Fawn Centari, since i bought the car never had to recharge the A.C. blow ice cold you'll need a sweater!! I also own I'm the original owner of a 1987 Buick Grand National 31,000 miles some engine bolt on's , T roofs , very fast, not afraid to run against the new Dodges , Mustangs. Love me some Fast Buicks

Nice. Yeah the car companys and/or brands all have their moments. The name appeals to some but some years/models are selective. Today you could say the same about many Mercedes models. The name is there, but many Japanese cars will trump a Mercedes on many levels. Actually, a modern Cadillac could trump most of the new Mercedes. The higher top end models are of course really good I would presume, but the 6 digit price is there too. Love the roll speedo. Elegant.

The drum brakes were fine in the dry but drive through a puddle and they don't work so good. My parents had a 66 Riv and that was one of my moms big complaints about the car.

They should have called it the Buick Impaler.

Watching the video you can see and here the difference in ride between the Cadillac and Buick

I understand why you like to have cold air blowing on your face. It feels like a relief on a hot day.

Id have to disagree as to which one I’d have chosen In the day… The Buick looks great, and perhaps is superior by a number of measures…but spectacular looks matters!! ELDORADO !

You are not weird, I want the a/c blowing in my face too. I burn up if it doesn’t.

That’s incredible, the Buick still has R12. How many cars do you have , Adam ? 100? Do you use Stabil in the gas while they’re sitting ?

Hi Adam. I live down in Toledo, OH. Where do you go to get your exhaust systems put on? Do you think they have the capabilities to create a stock exhaust on a 1970 Pontiac Catalina? Someone put dual exhaust on my 1970 but I'd like to go back to the original setup. Thanks!

@RareClassicCars

Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately the place I used to use can no longer do them. Owner is physically unable to do them as he’s up in age now. So I’m searching for a new place.

Cad definitely not as quiet as the Marquis. I guess that center AC vent was intended to give some breeze to the rear passengers - i.e. wife chiller. Riv speedo is really nice. "if you hit a pedestrian",, just don't do that, mkay. You could get every thing you wanted with the Buick, EXCEPT for the snob appeal pulling into Lochmoor Club for you tee time.

suspension on the Riviera GS is notable much better than that of the standard Riviera.

I find it difficult to believe that a well functioning 1967 Cadillac doesn't ride like a flying carpet. Are your rear air shocks working?

@GTRxMan

Жыл бұрын

The Eldorado had rear leaf springs vs. coils all around on the Riviera.

@rogersmith7396

Жыл бұрын

They had air shocks in back as optional. I have put maybe 20,000 miles on a 70 Eldo. I was always struck by the road shock from in front. I always blamed the FWD. I did'nt find the rear objectionable, most cars then had leaf springs. Even European cars. But the Eldo cruises like a land yacht. The magazines of the day were surprised by the cornering. It was really billed as a performance car and I am sure the 500 high compression engine would blow the Buick off the road. My grandmother had the boat Lincolns and Cadillacs. They would wallow down the road like sitting in a Barco lounger. The Eldo was tight with quicker steering which I heard was from the Corvette. Crack the throttle and the front tires spin. I believe it was Cadillacs muscle car as it was'nt that heavy and had published quarter mile times comparable to the other muscle cars of the period. They are quite a bit shorter than a standard Cadillac although every bit as wide. The width amazes me. Like RV/School bus width. I was always happy driving it especially since my dad bought the gas.

@mcy1122

Жыл бұрын

We had the same impression of the ride of our 68 El Dorado. Part of it may have been weight distribution/ front wheel drive / and shortness of rear? For whatever reason, the El Dorado while ok in town, on the highway it felt squirrelly compared to the Imperial or Lincoln. I don’t have experience with the sedan Caddy’s of that year, but speculate that ride was closer to the Imperial or Lincoln. But the El Dorado styling of that Generation beats hands down the Imperial or Lincoln. Just drop-dead gorgeous looking…

I’m guessing the Riv’s oil pressure gauge is electric? I noticed in the other video it was sitting at the 85% position with the engine off, and it’s also sitting at the 85% position for this drive.

One of the nicest interiors of the time was the big Thunderbird. My friends mom had one with white leather and I always thought that car was the equal of our Eldo. It was a 429 or 460, don't know which. Probably 429. Overall it was smaller than the Eldo but the same proportions. I think it had one of those Rolls grills.

The drums in my 68 Riviera worked great, until it rained buckets in LA one day, brakes went from great to zero on the first soaking...

Did riviera have leather seats option? The Buick seems to be rock solid like old mercedes.

The front wheel drive Eldorado could COMFORTABLY fit 6 adults because there wasn't a transmission tunnel hump. And, gave the driver better traction.

@rogersmith7396

Жыл бұрын

The back seat is actually smallish with some leg room limitation. It is kind of clam shell shaped. You can't see much outside you sit so low. Its great but not that big.

I’d be curious as to braking distance with drum. Drums have far more braking surface than disc .

It's interesting how your perspective of cars from this era is different from mine. What I liked best was manual steering, manual brakes, manual transmissions, no a/c, good floor vents, vent windows, exposed wipers and headlights, bench seats. Those are the things we will never get back.

Was that a Casio calculator watch on your wrist????

What about acceleration? FWD versus RWD. The styling of the Eldorado with the red interior is just over the top.