1984 brought major changes to the Riviera.Though the
same chassis was used, now in it's 6th production year, the
longest period without a major chassis and body revision,
most of the changes were not on the surface.The changes
obviously met with the approval of the buying public, as
another record selling year was to come, with almost 58,000
cars being purchased.
Exterior changes were simple, but tasteful, upgrades. A new
frontal treatment gave the Riviera the appearance of being
lower and more aerodynamic.The T-Type included amber
parking light and turn signal lenses at the front, as well as
styled aluminum wheels and a blacked-out grille.
More noteworthy,was the introduction of a much improved
turbocharged V-6 engine.The T-Type was now limited to
this engine, with no V-8 option. An increase in horsepower
for this engine was brought on by the new technology of
distributorless ignition with detonation sensors and fully
computerized spark timing control, and sequential port fuel
injection.This was the most advanced engine yet in the
Riviera line, and not available in the standard model.
Instrumentation for the T-Type included a standard turbo
boost gauge, an LED tachometer, a leather-wrapped sport
steering wheel, styled black mirrors and new accent stripes.
The T-Type also included the Gran Touring Package which
had stiffer springs, recalibrated shock absorbers, and larger
diameter anti-sway bars front and rear. |
The standard Riviera still included the 4.1 litre V6 normally
aspirated engine, with the 5.0 gas V8 and 5.7 V8 diesel as
options. For the first time, the diesel was available in the
convertible. Actual production numbers were 57,863, which
included 1,153 T-Types, 500 convertibles, and 11 turbo convertibles.
Body codes for the standard coupe was 4EZ57.
The convertible code was 4EZ67, and the T-Type was 4EY57.
Prices were again on the rise, with the T-Type having the
largest increase of $1,156, now at $17,062 base price, the
standard coupe gained $541 to $15,979, and the convertible
now at $25,884, a $884 increase over the previous year.
With sales at an all time high, this showed that the popularity
of this body style was truly going to be a classic in the
making, and price was not deterring buyers from the Buick
showrooms.This group has grown to one of the largest
attendees at ROA National Meets, being well represented
by the membership.The convertible class has grown as well
with the increased popularity. Each year the improvements
though subtle, have made this one of the finest automobiles
yet to come out of General Motors. |
