$72,500
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Category
Coupe
Mileage
85200
Posted Over 1 Month
Up for sale is my 1968 Buick Riviera GS.I have owned this car nearly 30 years. I purchased it in Jan 1986 from a friend's family who ordered it after returning home from the service. It was delivered in May of 1968 to Jim Kelley Buick in Fort Wayne, IN.When I bought the car, it had 69,600 original miles and now has 85,200. That is part of the reason for selling, I don't drive it much and have other projects that I'd like to do.In Jan 2007 my son and I started a restoration project on the car that we had no idea the direction it was going to go. It started as a quick engine refresh and paint job, but turned out as a complete frame off nut and bolt restoration after finding rotted frame bushings. The frame was taken out and we decided it should be sand blasted and powder coated in black. Naturally, the rest of the chassis could not be put back together until everything was completely powder coated. After 3 1/2 years we found ourselves with a concourse museum quality Riviera that has been to many shows including the 2012 BCA Nationals in Charlotte, NC where it took the Senior Gold award after entering the concourse class. It was judged in the concourse class again at the 2014 BPG Natl's in Columbus,OH where it scored a 398 of 400 and won another Gold Class award.Earlier in 2014 it was shown at the Autorama Piston Powered show at the huge indoor IX Arena in Cleveland, OH and received a 2nd place in Best Restored 68-72 class.Needless to say, this car is virtually perfect in every way and has been declared "The nicest 68 Riviera on the planet" by other Buick fanatics within the Buick community. It is an actual 68 Riviera GS w 85,200 original miles. The original paint color ( S2 Olive Gold Metallic ) was retained and was only available in '68 and exclusive to the Rivieras. The black vinyl top was also kept and compliments the dark green paint nicely. It is a very low option car and believed to be the only one built in this combination. It has no air conditioning, no power windows or locks. No cruise control. cornering lights or rear defrost. It is a true GS though and was built to go fast with its 430 engine, TH 400 transmission and a factory 12 bolt 3:42 posi- traction rear end. This car flys! The GS option also included a stiffer suspension package, bucket seats and console, a chrome air cleaner lid and GS badges.The other few options it does have is a tilt steering wheel, AM-FM radio, exterior body moldings, chrome road wheels w radial whitewall tires, carpet saver mats, tinted windows, and power trunk release. See the reproduction window sticker that is shown in picture along with original owners manual, protect-o-plate and the build sheet. There was nothing that was left untouched on this car with the exception of the headliner. It was in such nice condition that special attention was made to keep it intact. This list is very long but I will attempt to describe a lot of the things done. Engine rebuilt with forged aluminum pistons, crankshaft balanced and a stage 1 cam was installed .Original Rochester 4bbl carburetor rebuilt and works flawlessly. Transmission was rebuilt. Rear end was disassembled, housing powder coated, new bearings and seals reinstalled. Complete brake system is brand new including all stainless steel brake lines front and back .Radiator was rebuilt and is a factory 4 core. Heater core rebuilt and heater door's foam seals replaced. Fuel tank blasted inside and out and coated by Renewz-it. All fuel lines replaced with stainless steel. Clock rebuilt with quartz movement.Seats front and back recovered. New carpet. Front and rear speakers re-coned. New Delco Energizer factory appearing battery along with factory correct battery cables. Original T3 hideaway headlights that are vacuum operated and work perfectly thanks to new vacuum canisters and new vacuum lines run throughout. All chrome re-plated including ash trays, exterior mirror, bumpers, front end trim, and tail light bezels.As you can tell from reading, special attention was paid to the smallest details such as the factory correct belts and hoses. Every nut and bolt on car was either plated or painted. I have all receipts and hundreds of pictures from the restoration. Yes, this restoration was probably taken too far but this car is better than new in every way and can only be truly appreciated by few. Only serious inquiries accepted.More pictures available on request and I will also take video if requested. I live in northeast Indiana. Buyer responsible for pick up, transportation and any costs incurred.
Trim GS
