Does front-wheel-drive automatically equal run away as fast as you can? No, it doesn’t…the Cadillac Eldorado and Oldsmobile Toronado from the late 1960s are cool regardless of what wheels are being driven, aren’t they? We will admit that most of the time front-wheel-drive can pretty much be limited to the daily driver and nothing more, but every now and then someone puts together a package that really makes you reconsider the stance. Case in point is this 1980 Buick Riviera. I’ve spent decades overlooking these things…I always thought that the Riviera and it’s E-body twin, the Cadillac Eldorado, had something just a bit off about them, just enough that I didn’t like them. Then I see this one…and I can’t explain why, but I’m liking the look. It looks classy but not Brougham-stuffy, sporty without being juvenile, and yet…it’s front wheel drive. Dammit.
Ok, the trunk full of goodies does help sway the decision a little bit, doesn’t it? Raybestos brake rotors are the first clue as to what’s going on here, and it’s not just all brakes. The 350 Oldsmobile mill that came with the car from the factory has been treated to a bit of tweaking, the interior is super-clean with an upgraded sound system, and I don’t even hate the wheels…it’s nice to not see wire hubcaps on one of these. If it wasn’t for the front-wheel-drive, I’d be all over this thing without a second thought. I have no doubt that those seats are the most comfortable thing going and that this Rivi would be amazing for burning miles on end. And if this thing has any kind of exhaust note going, the front-wheel-drive might be THE only thing holding me back.
eBay Link: 1980 Buick Riviera Type S
When I worked on cars for a living, I drove a bunch of these. Seats as comfy as a couch, no torque steer, and rode great.
Inocrrect. Front Wheel Drive = Grumpy Cat No.
Had a friend who had the Eldorado Touring package. It was no different than my mother’s 80 Eldo I first took my drivers license test in with the exception that it had the standard gas engine, no Olds diesel, no 8-6-4. It did have the sporty wheels instead of hubcaps and a stiffer suspension set up to improve handling. It also had some of the chrome bling blacked out. The big crested hood ornament that stood straight up was replaced with a medallion that laid flat. I believe the interior got that thin console with pseudo buckets.
GM did what they could on these cars without completely starting from scratch designing a whole new model. They also represented the times of low performance in the name of emissions and improved gas mileage.
I actually want the Eldo version . But no I can’t stand the v
front drive layout . I seems every week try to wreck my 92 Vette. And if that happens , the suspension is going under one . Man I miss my back seat .
THIS CAR HAS BRIAN (MR BUICK) LOHNES WRITTEN ALL OVER IT.
NO DOUBT IT’S ALREADY ON IT’S WAY TO THE SOUTH SHORE AS WE SPEAK
NOW HE HAS THE PERFECT COMPANION FOR HIS WRECKER.
Anything front wheel drive kills the vibe.
Sometimes I think of buiding a cool looking Toronado like this one or a Caddy Eldo , then I remember it `s front wheel drive …too bad .
For a tiny fraction of what they’re probably asking for this one, you can get an L67 Riviera that would smoke this thing factory stock, is more reliable, and has dual airbags and heated seats