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Evolution
of the Riviera - 1968
by Ray Knott #1
Originally published in The Riview Vol. 19, No. 1 Nov./Dec.
2002
The front bumper was enlarged to incorporate the hidden headlights
and large parking lights
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The 1968 Riviera received a major face-lift. Most noticeable was the
huge one-piece front bumper, which incorporated hidden headlights and
square parking lamps. The parking lights remained on at night and were
located at the outer edge of the bumper to define the actual width of
the car, since the headlights were located within the grille. The headlights
flipped up as they did in 66 & 67, however they were now vacuum
operated, rather than the electric motor used in earlier years. The
plastic egg crate designed grille was split in two sections by the bumper.
The rear lip of the hood was extended upwards to hide the wipers. Due
to government regulations side markers were installed for the first
time in the front and rear. The rear side markers were circular with
a Buick Tri-Shield logo. |
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The rear bumper was also enlarged with long narrow taillights. The
backup lights were also in the bumper, but located lower in the bumper.
The gas filler door was moved from behind the license plate to a plain
chrome door located in the top center of the rear bumper. A broad
chrome rocker panel was optional. Buick offered ten standard paint
choices with 5 "Exclusive Riviera colors." A vinyl top,
which was installed on 76.4% of the Rivieras, was offered in black,
blue, buckskin or avocado.
Due to new Federal regulations regarding safety the newly designed
dash was heavily padded, and the controls were rounded off some were
even a roller style. The lower portion of the dash was brushed aluminum,
except under the instrument cluster, where a black film was applied.
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The dash was redesigned with heavy padding, while keeping the same
console and steering wheel. |
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The three-spoke steering wheel and the console were carried over
from the 67. The standard seats were available as either bench or
buckets in either black or parchment vinyl. There were three optional
styles. A bench with folding armrest was available in either black
or champagne fabric with vinyl trim. An all vinyl bench with folding
armrest was available in platinum, buckskin, black or white. The optional
bucket seat was offered in platinum, blue, buckskin or black vinyl.
Headrests were optional.
The 430ci engine continued as the only engine offered including the
GS package, which for only $132, added a chrome lid to the air cleaner
and a stiffer handling package. However handling was improved in all
'68's by lowering the rear-trailing bar for a better center of gravity.
An altitude compensator was added to the transmission to adjust for
various altitudes and a controlled combustion system was added to
the carburetor to assist with cold weather starting.
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The rear bumper had had backup lights installed below the taillights.
Take note of the side marker lights and rocker molding. |
Although the same body shell was used the car grew four inches to
215.5, while the wheelbase remained at 119 inches. The MSRP continued
to increase, but the $4,615 price tag did not hinder the sales, which
rose to 49,799, an increase of almost 6,400 units over the 67 models.
Almost 90% had air conditioning, while only 17% had cruise and less
than 6% of the buyers order the optional front disc brakes. |
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(Thanks to Ed Gunyo # 101, of Minneapolis MN
for assistance with the 68-69 research.)
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| Year |
Body |
Total Production |
|
|
Engine Size |
HP |
Carbs |
Produced |
1968 |
49487 |
49,284 (Includes 5,337 GS Handling Option) |
Standard: |
|
430 cu. in. V8 |
360 |
1x4bbl |
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| Year
|
Curb Weight |
Wheelbase
|
Track |
Length
|
Width
|
Height
|
Tire |
| Front |
Rear |
Size |
1968 |
4222 |
119 |
63.5 |
63 |
212.2 |
78.8 |
53.4 |
8.45X15 |
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