25. Buick Riviera
Back in the early ’60s, Buick had some tough times on the market. Sadly, it seemed like the combination of affordable luxury and elegant styling was not interesting to car buyers. The sales were declining so GM knew Buick needed help, but not in the engineering department as much as in the marketing department. The answer was logical. They would introduce an upscale modern luxury model that would attract attention. But most of all, it would draw people back into Buick’s showrooms. GM intended for Cadillac to introduce a flagship coupe. But since Buick needed help and Cadillac was doing well at the moment, they green-lighted Buick for the development of the Riviera. And they based it on a successful concept car they called the Silver Arrow.
The production model debuted in 1963. Immediately, it became a sales hit and one of the best cars of the early ‘60s. Buick built the Riviera on a special frame, and it didn’t share its chassis with any other GM products. It had an advanced, sophisticated design and interior with a central console, which was unheard of at the time. The power came from the Buick 425 Wildcat engine. In addition to the spectacular looks, the Rivera provided impressive performance, especially in GS trim.