The question is simple: Was there ever a car made that, if modified or deviated from stock for any reason other than reliability or safety, would be absolutely ruined? Normally, I’d say no. I am a fan of reverse-engineering out the problems from cars. You know where the manufacturers failed, be it weak points on the body, an engine that is a better paperweight than anything else or maybe it just needs an image boost. But some cars don’t need anything. Take this 1969 Buick Riviera: I’m sincere when I say that unless the tires are dry-rotted, I could not bring myself to change anything about it. Why would you? The 430 under the hood is a decent mill, the paint is gorgeous, the interior solid, and even the stock wheels look spot-on. If this car had roasted in the desert and needed paint, then so be it…that’s a repair in my book. But would I take a Riviera that looks like this and start preparing for an engine swap? Hell no!
Some cars are so good that they carry themselves through time. It is an individual preference as to which cars are perfect and which ones need a good work over to be something. If I found a 1979 Riviera, oh, by all means, bring on the LS swap…that Malaise turd could use the automotive equivalent of dropping Viagra. But to screw around with a beauty like this Riviera is like the failed restoration of the “Ecce Homo” mural a few years back…no matter what you do, it will look wrong.
What do you think, readers?
Other than replacing those wheels that look lost in the fender wells with similar but larger ones, this awesome beauty should be kept as is. Why modify perfection?
Mercedes W126-series.
You are correct about the Buick Riveria but wrong year. I would say the ’63-’65 Riveria are as close to perfection as you can get. Modifying them doesn’t improve them IMHO.
Yeah the early Riviera’s are some of the most beautiful cars ever built. I have seen a few customized like the Riddler winner but no not for me! I like all 3 yrs 65 the least with the hidden headlights. Bit it was avaiu with the 425 4 speed dual quad! What a car!
A few unique cars probably need to be kept as is for historical value.
But usually, it’s not that the car shouldn’t be modified as much as that it shouldn’t receive certain modifications. That Riv, for example… even if the engine and looks are fine, I’ll bet it could use better shocks and stiffer sway bars to improve the driving experience.
Rivs have giant fenderwells and fit wider tires easily, other then that would not change (prefer 66-67s)
1957-58 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham. I saw one being cut up on a car reality show recently.
Nauseating.
I agree some designs are just classics and any mods should be tasteful and, well executed: 1st Gen Rivs, Early Ferraris, E-Types. If someone has the money and the vision however they should go for it. The only cars I don’t think should be modified at all are the historic coach built mega cars like the round door RR, or early racing Bugattis. But in fairness I once considered dropping a Citroen DS on a wrecked WRX, and swapping a cummins into my 95′ Impala SS so there are few sacred cows in my area.
Needs Tru Spokes maybe but thats it.
Absolutely perfect. Just the way it is. Doesn’t need a thing
I would not do an engine swap on any old Riviera’s. I had a 64 Riviera with a 425 dual quad setup. That car was the smoothest and fast car with hug amounts of torque. There is a club Riviera Owners Association that will help you keep your Riviera running for a long time.