Buick Riviera. 1971–3 (prod. 101,618 sold). 2-door coupé. F/R, 455 in³ (V8 OHV). Distinctive boat-tail Riviera, styled under Jerry Hirshberg, who set out to make a future classic. Long hood, fuselage body side, and Sweepspear reinterpreted in belt line and side mouldings. Shortened Electra platform (122 in wheelbase) with two- or four-barrel V8s, and hefty running costs. Sales dropped despite the dramatic redesign; final year saw a blunted boat tail, more formal grille and federal front bumpers, but sales’ figures barely shifted.

Manufacturing location: Flint, Michigan, USA

Marque: Buick | Model: Buick Riviera | Predecessor: Buick Riviera (1966–70) | Successor: Buick Riviera (1974–6)