Do you have any pictures..?? a few things to look for....(from the little I know....) -the ribbed aluminum trim from wheelwell to wheelwell, under the doors.... -425 engine with 2x4 intake.... -door panels have handles on each side of the armrest, to allow backseat passengers to open the door easily.... (I'm pretty sure that is GS only..?) -and of course, the GranSport emblems on the glovebox door, and on the body as well.... None of those things are a guarantee, since you can find pretty much all of those things used and put them on.... I'm sure somebody else here will chime in, but if not, try looking up the Riviera Owner's Association.... they have a website, and I'm sure someone over there would know of any codes to check on the ID tags of your car.... Good luck..!! -Snacks....
[ QUOTE ] i think a Riv. and a Grand Sport are 2 different cars. [/ QUOTE ] No, :Grand Sport" is just a trim/performance option available on a myriad of different Buicks throughout the years, including the Riviera.
correct as far as i know on most, except the armrests, that is the "deluxe" interior package. probably a few minor things to look for too, but those are the obvious ones. though i'm not sure on the rocker trim either, that might not be GS specific either.
The GS model is an X code car. Check the the VIN on the block and you will find an X if it is a real GS car. Lots of these cars were faked (but then the VIN would be wrong)so be careful. I almost bought one once (had cash in hand) because it had everything correct, but then the VIN didn't check out and it ended up being a really well done clone so no deal. True
A good friend of mine in Orlando has a Grand Sport now and knows all about Riverias and how to tell them apart. He will tell you anything you need to know. Really good guy. Name is Bobby. Call him at nite 407-578-4594.His email is Bobsleds@wmconnect.com Tell him jim pullen in Coral Springs, told you to call.
Fordy ... I sent yer buddy a couple e mails and no answer ..........anybody else help me out ??What's the story on the "X" thing ?? thanks, Jersey skip
Ask these guys http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/NailHeadBuick/ or go to www.v8buick.com they will be able to tell you.
Dude, did you go to the Riviera Owners Association website..?? try this: http://www.rivowners.org/features/65gs/index.html
I think most of the items have been covered, and i am not that knowledgeable about the GS unique items or VIN identification. The dual door release is not a GS unique item, my old 63 and 64 both had that feature. A real 2 x 4 engine will also have the alum finned valve covers with BUICK cast in the side, although this is an easy swap. Here is a small technicality: Buicks are <font color="blue"> Gran Sports </font> , not Grand Sports. If you want to make a hardcore Buick guy mad call it a Grand Sport. I am not a hardcore Buick guy, just trying to straighten out some facts, and potentially prevent anyone from causing embarassment.
38...thanks man .... you're right ...it's a Gran Sport ....didn't mean to piss off any Buick guys......Just tryin' to find out if one near me a is a real deal ....I've been checkin' the sites ...... not real definitive.... seems to be on the engine number ..... but what if it's been replaced? Then what ?? Jersey Skip
your riv should have a 3:42 posi, the gs is 2"lower than a stock riv.425 2x4 glovebox emblem(price less)the exhaust is 2.25 stock is 2" most had wood steering wheel deluxe int. full power.
Most is correct, but about 6 1/2 years too late... Not all GS's had posi and full power, they did have the sport suspension and exhaust differences. Block has a LX code. It's easy to fake one, unfortunately... You can get all emblems, suspension is easy to update, exhaust too. GS or not, they are kewl cars. Mike
I don't think this is good info. I could be wrong, but I've always understood that you cannot ID a Riv GS via VIN.
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