Year: 1963
Description: A personal luxury car that was among the industry’s first to offer a touch screen in the 1980s.
Engine Specifications: Throughout its history, offered various V6 and V8 engines, including a supercharged 3.8L V6 in later models
Transmission: Originally featured 3-speed automatic transmissions, with later models offering 4-speed automatics
Fuel Economy: Fuel efficiency varied by model and engine, with the supercharged 3.8L V6 offering around 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway
Dimensions: Dimensions varied greatly over the generations, with one of the later models being 207.2 in long, 75 in wide, and 53.7 in high
Weight: Weight also varied, with later models approximately 3,800 lbs
Safety Features: Later models included features such as dual front airbags, ABS, and traction control
Performance Figures: The supercharged 3.8L V6 models could accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 7 seconds
Price: MSRP varied across different years; in its final generation, it started around $32,000
Trim Levels & Options: Offered in various trims throughout its life, with the supercharged version often being a high-performance option
Production Numbers: As a personal luxury car, production numbers were limited compared to mainstream models, reflecting its niche market
Awards & Recognition: Received acclaim for its design and performance, particularly the models from the 1960s and the supercharged versions of the 1990s
Historical Significance: The Riviera is celebrated for its distinctive styling and contribution to the personal luxury car segment, with early models being particularly collectible
Technology Innovations: Introduced features like the Max Trac traction control system in the 1970s and was among the first to offer touchscreen controls in the 1980s
Interior Features: Known for its luxurious interiors, featuring leather upholstery, wood trim, and advanced for its time electronics in later models
Exterior Design: Iconic for its stylish and often avant-garde design, with the boat tail rear of the early 70s models being particularly notable