Image of 1982 Buick Riviera, sourced from www.hemmings.com , Image Link.

1982 Buick Riviera: A Touch of Class and Innovation

The 1982 Buick Riviera stands as a testament to a bygone era of automotive luxury and innovation. Born from the esteemed lineage of General Motors, this model was a fresh breath in the early '80s, offering a blend of comfort and style that was hard to match. At a time when the automotive world was grappling with changing technologies and consumer demands, the Riviera sailed through with grace, marking its territory as a personal luxury car that would leave an indelible mark on the industry. A notable moment in its history includes its pioneering adoption of the touchscreen computer interface, years ahead of its widespread use in vehicles today.

Design and Innovation

The 1982 Riviera's exterior styling was a harmonious blend of classic elegance and modern lines. Its sleek profile, characterized by a long hood and a short rear deck, exuded an air of sophistication. Inside, occupants were greeted with plush seating and an array of high-quality materials that ranged from rich leathers to fine wood accents. Technology-wise, it featured the advanced Graphic Control Center, an early touchscreen system that controlled climate and radio functions—a futuristic feature for its time. The color palette included both vibrant and subdued options, with White and Dark Blue being among the popular choices. The most iconic body style was undoubtedly the convertible, which added an extra layer of allure to this already captivating vehicle.

Historical Significance

The Riviera's impact on automotive design cannot be overstated. It set a benchmark for personal luxury coupes with its unique combination of technology, comfort, and performance. At a time when fuel efficiency began to dictate market trends due to rising oil prices, the Riviera managed to maintain its stature without compromising on its core values—a feat that set it apart from many contemporaries.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the 1982 Riviera came equipped with a V6 engine as standard, offering adequate power for a smooth ride. While not designed as a sports car, it delivered respectable performance figures for its class, with acceleration from 0-60 mph in just under 13 seconds. The ride quality was plush; it absorbed bumps with ease while providing enough stability through windy roads. Drivers often praised the quietness of the engine and the overall serenity of the driving experience.

Ownership Experience

The Riviera found its niche among those seeking a daily driver with panache or as an elegant show car. Its reliability was commendable for the era, though some components—like the innovative touchscreen—could be complex to repair. Overall, maintenance was manageable for the average owner who appreciated classic American engineering.

Fun Facts

Intriguing trivia about this model includes its cameo appearances in television shows and movies of the era, often symbolizing luxury and success. While not known for breaking speed records, it certainly set sales milestones for Buick during its production years. Despite some criticisms over its size during an era moving towards downsizing, it retained a loyal following.

Collector's Information

Today's collector market sees the 1982 Buick Riviera as a desirable piece of automotive history. While production numbers were not scarce—with tens of thousands made—the convertible versions are particularly sought after due to their lower production figures. Current value ranges can vary widely based on condition and provenance but expect well-maintained models to fetch anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 or more at auction or private sale.

Conclusion

The 1982 Buick Riviera is more than just a car; it's a narrative of luxury meeting technology at a crossroads in automotive history. Its legacy is one of elegance without pretense—a true classic that continues to captivate enthusiasts around the world.

1982 Buick Riviera Front coil-spring insulator-BN 110Front coil-spring insulator. Fits '41-'60 Oldsmobile and '50-'83 GM passenger models. 5-3/8 in. OD x 3-3/4 in. ID x 3/4 in. high with 13/16 in. wide bottom flange 1/4" thick, 12 flutes. Each.

1982 Buick Riviera Trunk Seal (Imported). Made with steel cores-IS-MW00101Trunk Seal (Imported). Made with steel cores. 1-3/8" X 3/4" X 17'. Each

1982 Buick Riviera Molded Door Seals. For 2-door hardtop. Pair R&L-LM 18-QMolded Door Seals. For 2-door hardtop. Pair R&L

1982 Buick Riviera Trunk Liner. Loose weave, jet black. 50" wide-M 30Trunk Liner. Loose weave, jet black. 50" wide. Sold by the foot

1982 Buick Riviera Trunk seal-MW00101Trunk seal. Also replaces '75-'79 Buick Skylark hatchback seal. Made with steel cores. 1-3/8 in. x 3/4 in. x 17 ft. L. Each.

1982 Buick Riviera Basic Kit, for 2-Door Hardtop-RKB 2007-119Basic Kit, for 2-Door Hardtop. Door (LM 18-Q) Roof Rail (RR 5010-B) Trunk (MW00101), Seals.

1982 Buick Riviera Brake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861-RP 2-EBrake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861. 5" X 2-1/2". Each

1982 Buick Riviera Molded Roof Rail Seals, for 2-Door Hardtop. Pair R&L-RR 5010-BMolded Roof Rail Seals, for 2-Door Hardtop. Pair R&L

1982 Buick Riviera Rear Roll-Up Quarter Window Seals, for 2-Door Hardtop-VS 3-ZRear Roll-Up Quarter Window Seals, for 2-Door Hardtop. Pair

1982 Buick Riviera Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 211Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 15/16" X 3/4". Each

1982 Buick Riviera Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 213Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 7/8" X 5/8". Each

1982 Buick Riviera Lower Side Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of nylon-WF 214Lower Side Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of nylon. 1-1/4" x 3/4". Each