1971-73 Buick Riviera Values Rise as Second Generation
Hagerty reports median values for the third-generation 'Boat Tail' Buick Riviera are appreciating, while comparable second-generation models are falling.
Median values for the third-generation 'Boat Tail' Buick Riviera are rising while those for the second generation are declining, according to a market report from Hagerty. A 1971 Riviera in good #3 condition now commands a median price of $20,200, which is 6.3% higher than three years ago.
Styled by Jerry Hirshberg, the 1971-73 Riviera was an attempt to inject Corvette Sting Ray flair into the personal luxury car segment. Its dramatic, tapered 'boat tail' rear end gave it an unforgettable presence. The car moved to GM's larger B-body platform for this generation, gaining three inches of wheelbase to accommodate features like the optional MaxTrac traction control system.
Market Performance and Comparative Values
Hagerty's data shows a clear divergence in value trends between the second and third-generation Rivieras over a three-year period.
| Model Year | Generation | Condition #3 Median Value | 3-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Second | $18,700 | -2.6% |
| 1971 | Third (Boat Tail) | $20,200 | +6.3% |
| 1970 | Second | $14,800 | Not Specified |
| 1973 | Third (Boat Tail) | $19,400 | Not Specified |
The report notes that quoted values for Boat Tail models are up 6% in the last year alone.
Buyer Demographics and Options
Generation X collectors show the strongest interest in the Boat Tail Riviera, accounting for 41% of quotes and policies for this model. Boomers represent 36%, while Millennials make up 13%. The Gran Sport (GS) performance package significantly affects value, adding approximately $3,600 to the price of a 1971 model. For 1966 models, the GS option adds about $4,400.
Technical Innovations and Context
The car's optional MaxTrac system was a notable technological feature. It used speed sensors and a computer to manage engine timing for better traction, providing a counterpoint to Ford's Sure-Track braking system in the Thunderbird. However, the early 1970s also ushered in challenges. New bumper regulations and emissions controls led to larger bumpers and reduced power from the standard 455 cubic-inch V8 engine in subsequent years.
Despite a sales slump at the time-with under 34,000 units sold in 1971 compared to nearly 46,000 for the all-new 1966 model-the Boat Tail's bold design left a legacy. Hagerty suggests its styling may have influenced other GM designs, including the Vauxhall Victor. The appreciation is not limited to the third generation; first-generation and even the boxier fourth-generation Rivieras have also seen values rise, with the 1974-76 model appreciating 28.6% over three years to a median of $10,800.
