1968 · Buick · United States
1968 Buick Riviera: Record Sales, Three Ways to Count Them
Record Riviera sales of 49,284, including 5,337 with the GS handling option.
United States · researched through 2026-09-22
The Riviera Owners Association lists a record 49,284 Rivieras for 1968, this record's own dek and overview state, including 5,337 with the GS handling option, every one of them still carrying the 430-cubic-inch V-8 rated 360 horsepower SAE gross. This record's own key facts section restates the GS figure directly, 5,337 cars, and its own production notes confirm the GS row is a subset of the total rather than a separate lineage.1
This record's own conflicts section documents two disagreements for the year. On price, the Owners Association's options-and-prices page gives $4,619, its own Evolution article gives $4,615, and OldRide's compilation gives $5,245, a figure this record's own note calls "out of line with every other 1968 figure seen" and shown only as a conflicting claim; the two ROA figures sit close together while OldRide's stands apart. On production, the Owners Association's own production table gives 49,284, its Evolution text gives 49,799, and its GS identification article gives 42,284; this record's own treatment keeps the production-table figure and treats the other two internal ROA numbers as likely transcription errors rather than independent counts.2,3,4,1,5
This record's own identification section carries the year's VIN scheme in full: a Buick digit, 94 for the Riviera series, 87 for the two-door hardtop body, an 8 for 1968, a plant letter drawn from ten assembly points, and a six-digit production number. Its own engine codes for the year are PD, the 430 at 360 horsepower with 10.25:1 compression and a single four-barrel, and PE, a low-compression 430, with a note that GS-equipped 430s differed from standard cars only by a chromed air-cleaner lid. The same section describes 1968 GS identification as block-letter RIVIERA script on the fenders paired with the slanted red GS emblem, no rear or interior emblems, that chromed air-cleaner lid, heavy-duty suspension and the 3.42 Positive Traction axle.4,6,5
This record's own options section itemizes 45 entries, again led by the A9 GS Option at $137.88. Automatic climate control, code I5, is priced this year at $499.94 against manual air conditioning's $421.28 under code I6, which the Owners Association's own Evolution article says reached almost 90 percent of 1968 Rivieras; Cruise Master, code S6 at $63.15, reached about 17 percent, and a vinyl top at $115.78, offered in black, blue, buckskin or avocado, was installed on 76.4 percent of the year's cars. Power front disc brakes, code C1 at $78.94, stayed rare, ordered on fewer than 6 percent of 1968 Rivieras per the same Evolution article.2,3
This record's own paint table carries 15 colours from the Owners Association's 1968 chart, its own note explaining that five further Buick codes, D, E, P, T and Y, are marked not available on the Riviera and are omitted; the same Evolution article separately describes the year's palette as ten standard colours plus five exclusive Riviera colours. Its interiors section carries 14 trims across standard vinyl bench and bucket colours, optional custom Strato bucket colours, and optional Strato bench choices in cloth-and-vinyl or vinyl alone.7,3
This record's own specifications section carries seven 1968 figures from the Owners Association's weights-and-measures table: a 4,222-pound curb weight, a 215.2-inch overall length, a 119.0-inch wheelbase, front and rear track of 63.4 and 63.0 inches, a 78.8-inch width, a 53.4-inch height, and an 8.45x15 tire size. This record's own unpublished-leads section is empty for the year, and its own performance and transmissions sections carry no entries either.8
Fact sheet · 1968 · United States
The numbers
1968 Buick Riviera and Riviera GS — Record Riviera sales of 49,284, including 5,337 with the GS handling option.
Coverage: Partial — researched sections are shown; missing ones are not yet sourced. Researched through 2026-09-22.
Every figure is labeled with how sure we are. Reported means a manufacturer, registry, or reference figure we cite but have not reconciled against factory records ourselves. Disputed means credible sources disagree and both are shown. Rows are separately scoped; don't add them together unless the note says they make up a total.
Key facts
- GS handling option: 5,337 cars.1
Production
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riviera, all1,9 Riviera incl. GS · 2-door hardtop · not stated by source ROA and Wikipedia agree. | 49,284 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riviera GS handling option1 Riviera GS · 2-door hardtop · 430 V-8 · automatic · not stated by source | 5,337 | built, model-year | Reported |
The GS row is a subset of the total.
Prices when new
| Model | Price | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Riviera sport coupe (9487), suggested retail (ROA list)2 | $4,619 | manufacturer's suggested retail price as transcribed by the Riviera Owners Association, 1968 |
| Riviera MSRP (ROA Evolution)3 | $4,615 | MSRP as stated in ROA's Evolution article, 1968 |
| Riviera sport coupe (49487), factory price (OldRide)4 | $5,245 | factory price as listed by secondary compilation, 1968 |
Prices are the nominal dollars of the day, not adjusted for inflation.
Engines
| Engine | Factory rating | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| 430 V-81,9 430 cu in · 4-barrel | 360 hp (SAE gross) | standard (only engine) | Not yet sourced |
Ratings are the manufacturer's advertised figures under the standard shown (SAE gross before 1972, SAE net after). They are not dyno results, and gross and net ratings can't be compared directly.
Options and packages
| Code | Option | Price | Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
A9order code (Buick option code) |
GS Option includes Heavy-Duty Suspension, High-Performance Positive Traction Differential, Whitewall Tires, Chrome Air Cleaner & Specific Ornamentation2 | $137.88 | Not yet sourced |
B4order code (Buick option code) |
Full Length Console (Bucket Seats Required)2 | $47.37 | Not yet sourced |
C1order code (Buick option code) |
Power Disc Brakes2,3 | $78.94 | Not yet sourced |
C5order code (Buick option code) |
Power Steering 15:1 Ratio (A9 Required)2 | $15.79 | Not yet sourced |
D1order code (Buick option code) |
Sonomatic Radio with Manual Antenna2 | $88.41 | Not yet sourced |
D2order code (Buick option code) |
Sonomatic Radio with Electric Antenna2 | $113.98 | Not yet sourced |
D3order code (Buick option code) |
Stereo Tape Player (Radio & Rear Speaker Required)2 | $116.83 | Not yet sourced |
D4order code (Buick option code) |
AM-FM Stereo Radio (includes Rear Speaker & Electric Antenna)2 | $266.81 | Not yet sourced |
D5order code (Buick option code) |
AM-FM Radio with Electric Antenna2 | $175.24 | Not yet sourced |
D6order code (Buick option code) |
Rear Speaker (included with D4)2 | $16.84 | Not yet sourced |
F1order code (Buick option code) |
Whitewall Tires (included with A9)2 | $42.41 | Not yet sourced |
G1order code (Buick option code) |
Performance Axle (includes Positive Traction Differential) included with2 | $47.37 | Not yet sourced |
G4order code (Buick option code) |
Positive Traction Differential (included with A9)2 | $47.37 | Not yet sourced |
H1order code (Buick option code) |
Trailer Towing Option (Specific Rear Springs & Front & Rear Shock Absorbers) N.A. with A9, H2 or H32 | $3.79 | Not yet sourced |
H2order code (Buick option code) |
Ride and Handling Option (Specific Front & Rear Springs & Shock Absorbers) Std. with A9 -NA with H1 or H32 | $3.79 | Not yet sourced |
H3order code (Buick option code) |
Automatic Level Control (Specific Rear Shock Absorbers) - N.A. with A9, H1 or H22 | $78.94 | Not yet sourced |
I5order code (Buick option code) |
Automatic Climate Control Air Conditioning System2 | $499.94 | Not yet sourced |
I6order code (Buick option code) |
Air Conditioner - Manual Controls2,3 | $421.28 | Not yet sourced |
I7order code (Buick option code) |
Heavy Duty Cooling (Fan Drive Thermo Control, 55 Amp. Delcotron, Heavy-Duty Radiator)2 | $31.58 | Not yet sourced |
J5order code (Buick option code) |
Custom Shoulder Belt - Rear Seat (2)2 | $26.32 | Not yet sourced |
K2order code (Buick option code) |
Cornering Lights2 | $33.68 | Not yet sourced |
K3order code (Buick option code) |
Speed Alert2 | $8.42 | Not yet sourced |
L1order code (Buick option code) |
Soft-Ray Tinted Glass2 | $42.10 | Not yet sourced |
L2order code (Buick option code) |
Soft-Ray Tinted Windshield2 | $28.42 | Not yet sourced |
M7order code (Buick option code) |
Rear Window Defroster2 | $21.05 | Not yet sourced |
N2order code (Buick option code) |
Four-Note Horn2 | $15.79 | Not yet sourced |
O4order code (Buick option code) |
Door guards2 | $5.27 | Not yet sourced |
O5order code (Buick option code) |
Remote Control Outside Rear View Mirror2 | $9.48 | Not yet sourced |
P1order code (Buick option code) |
Carpet Savers & Handy Mats2 | $14.53 | Not yet sourced |
P2order code (Buick option code) |
Carpet Savers2 | $6.77 | Not yet sourced |
Q4order code (Buick option code) |
Power Seat - 6-Way (Bench Seats Only)2 | $94.73 | Not yet sourced |
Q5order code (Buick option code) |
Power Seat - 4-Way Tilt Adjuster2 | $69.47 | Not yet sourced |
R1order code (Buick option code) |
Power Windows2 | $105.25 | Not yet sourced |
S6order code (Buick option code) |
Cruise Master2,3 | $63.15 | Not yet sourced |
T1order code (Buick option code) |
Automatic Trunk Release2 | $13.69 | Not yet sourced |
T2order code (Buick option code) |
Vacuum Operated Door Locks2 | $47.37 | Not yet sourced |
V2order code (Buick option code) |
Chrome Plated Wheels2 | $89.47 | Not yet sourced |
V4order code (Buick option code) |
Super Deluxe Wheel Covers2 | $57.89 | Not yet sourced |
W5order code (Buick option code) |
Custom Bright Exterior Moldings (Lower Body Side & Front Fender Lower)2 | $42.10 | Not yet sourced |
1Aorder code (Buick option code) |
Reclining Passenger Seat With Head Restraints For Drive & Passenger (Strato Bench Seats)2 | $84.20 | Not yet sourced |
1Border code (Buick option code) |
Reclining Passenger Seat With Head Restraints For Driver & Passenger (Bucket Seats)2 | $84.20 | Not yet sourced |
1Corder code (Buick option code) |
Head Restraints For Driver & Passenger (Conventional Bench Seats)2 | $42.10 | Not yet sourced |
1Dorder code (Buick option code) |
Head Restraints For Driver & Passenger (Strato Bench and Bucket Seats)2 | $52.63 | Not yet sourced |
|
- Vinyl Top2,3 | $115.78 | Not yet sourced |
|
* * - Custom Trim - Strato Bench Seats2 | $168.40 | Not yet sourced |
Paint
| Code | Color | Built |
|---|---|---|
A |
Regal Black7,3 | Not yet sourced |
B |
Midnight Teal (Riviera exclusive)7 | Not yet sourced |
C |
Arctic White7 | Not yet sourced |
F |
Teal Blue Mist7 | Not yet sourced |
G |
Ivory Gold Mist7 | Not yet sourced |
K |
Aqua Mist7 | Not yet sourced |
L |
Medium Teal Blue Mist7 | Not yet sourced |
M |
Burnished Saddle7 | Not yet sourced |
N |
Maroon Metallic7 | Not yet sourced |
R |
Scarlet Red7 | Not yet sourced |
S |
Olive Gold Metallic (Riviera exclusive)7 | Not yet sourced |
V |
Charcoal Metallic7 | Not yet sourced |
W |
Silver Beige Mist (Riviera exclusive)7 | Not yet sourced |
X |
Buckskin (Riviera exclusive)7 | Not yet sourced |
Z |
Inca Silver Mist (Riviera exclusive)7 | Not yet sourced |
Color names are the factory's. We don't show color swatches, because a screen color is no guide for a restoration.
Interiors
| Code | Trim | Built |
|---|---|---|
672 |
Vinyl bench (standard): Parchment7 | Not yet sourced |
675 |
Vinyl bench (standard): Black7 | Not yet sourced |
674 |
Vinyl buckets (standard): Parchment7 | Not yet sourced |
678 |
Vinyl buckets (standard): Black7 | Not yet sourced |
690 |
Vinyl Strato buckets, optional custom: Platinum7 | Not yet sourced |
691 |
Vinyl Strato buckets, optional custom: Blue7 | Not yet sourced |
693 |
Vinyl Strato buckets, optional custom: Buckskin7 | Not yet sourced |
698 |
Vinyl Strato buckets, optional custom: Black7 | Not yet sourced |
684 |
Cloth and vinyl Strato bench (optional): Champagne7 | Not yet sourced |
685 |
Cloth and vinyl Strato bench (optional): Black7 | Not yet sourced |
680 |
Vinyl Strato bench (optional): Platinum7 | Not yet sourced |
682 |
Vinyl Strato bench (optional): White7 | Not yet sourced |
683 |
Vinyl Strato bench (optional): Buckskin7 | Not yet sourced |
688 |
Vinyl Strato bench (optional): Black7 | Not yet sourced |
Specifications
| Measure | Value | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Curb weight8 | 4,222 lb | Riviera |
| Wheelbase8 | 119 in | Riviera |
| Track, front / rear8 | 63.4 / 63.0 in | Riviera |
| Overall length8 | 215.2 in | Riviera |
| Width8 | 78.8 in | Riviera |
| Height8 | 53.4 in | Riviera |
| Tire size (standard, option)8 | 8.45x15 | Riviera |
Identification
- Body number
- 49487 per ROA table.1
- VIN
- 4 = Buick; 94 = Riviera; 87 = 2-door Riviera hardtop; 8 = 1968; plant letter (B Baltimore, C South Gate, D Doraville, H Flint, I Oshawa, K Kansas City MO, V Bloomfield, X Kansas City KS, Y Wilmington, Z Fremont); six-digit production number.4,6
- Engine codes (Wildcat, Electra 225, Riviera)
- PD: 430, 360 hp, 10.25:1, 4-barrel; PE: 430 low compression. GS 430s differed only by a chromed air-cleaner lid.6,5
- GS identification
- Block-letter RIVIERA on the fenders with the slanted red GS emblem; no rear or interior emblems; chromed air-cleaner lid; heavy-duty suspension; 3.42 Positive Traction axle.5
Where the sources disagree
1968 Riviera base price
All three shown; the two ROA figures are close and the OldRide figure is an outlier.
Identification
Read a 1968 Buick VIN
The VIN decoder runs in your browser and never sends the VIN anywhere. How the factory numbered this year's cars:
Same model year
Also in 1968
- AMC AMX AMC's two-seat AMX arrived mid-year on a 97-inch wheelbase. The enthusiast production table counts 6,725 cars, two-thirds of them with the 390.
- AMC Javelin AMC's first pony car, launched in September 1967 as base and SST hardtops. Production of the two combined was about 55,000.
- AMC Rebel and Rebel Machine Now badged AMC, the Rebel came in 550, 770 and SST trims and could be ordered with the 315-hp 390. It is host-car context for the 1970 Machine.
- Buick Skylark Gran Sport, GS and GSX On the new 112 in two-door body the GS 400 was joined by a GS 350 hardtop, and a dealer-installed Stage 1 package arrived for the 400.
- Buick Wildcat 73,561 Wildcats with the 430 V-8.
- Chevrolet Chevelle and Malibu SS The restyled Chevelle kept SS 396 as its own series and added an SS 396 El Camino: 62,785 SS 396s in three bodies.
- Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova SS engines per the source: L48 350, L34 396 and L78 396. Enthusiast-compiled production: 183,552 cars; Super Sport 5,571.
- Chevrolet El Camino SS The first factory Super Sport El Camino: a separate SS 396 model, 13880, built 5,190 times.
- Chevrolet Impala SS Super Sport becomes an option again (RPO Z03): 36,432, plus 1,778 SS427 (RPO Z24).
- Dodge Charger The redesigned 'Coke bottle' Charger and the new R/T multiplied sales roughly sixfold over 1967.
- Dodge Coronet R/T and Super Bee The redesigned Coronet kept the 440-powered R/T and added the budget Super Bee coupe, a 383 car with an optional Hemi.
- Dodge Dart GTS, Swinger and Demon The new Dart GTS brought a 275 hp 340 or a 300 hp 383, and in February Dodge released 80 Hurst-completed LO23 Hemi Darts for Super Stock drag racing; GTS production was not reported separately.
- Ford Fairlane The restyled intermediate split into Fairlane, Fairlane 500 and the new Torino series; the Fairlane 500 fastback shared the Torino GT body and the 428 Cobra Jet arrived on April 1, 1968.
- Ford Ranchero GT The Ranchero GT carried Torino GT trim; 1,669 GTs were built, per reference-site counts in the Standard Catalog lineage.
- Ford Thunderbird The new 429 Thunder Jet V-8 arrived as the Thunderbird's optional engine at 360 hp.
- Ford Torino Torino arrived as the new top series of the restyled Fairlane line, the Torino GT fastback became its volume performance car, and the 428 Cobra Jet was added on April 1, 1968.
- Mercury Comet and Cyclone The Cyclone moved to the new Montego-based intermediate; the fastback outsold the notchback hardtop by about ten to one, and the 428 Cobra Jet arrived mid-year.
- Mercury Cougar The year of the 427 GT-E, the mid-year 428 Cobra Jet, and the XR7-G, with production down to 113,741.
- Mercury Marauder and S-55 Neither the S-55 nor the Marauder model appears in the sources for 1968; no performance full-size Mercury production figure was found.
- Oldsmobile Cutlass, 4-4-2 and Hurst/Olds The restyled 4-4-2 became its own series, the W-31 small-block arrived, and Hurst built the first 455 Hurst/Olds: 515 cars in the tabulation.
- Plymouth Barracuda and 'Cuda The new 340 arrived in the Formula S alongside the 383, and Plymouth issued a competition-only Hemi Barracuda under order code BO29.
- Plymouth GTX, Belvedere and Satellite The GTX became its own model on the restyled 1968 intermediate body, still with the 375-hp 440 standard and the Hemi at $605, and outsold its first year.
- Plymouth Road Runner Plymouth added a stripped Belvedere-based coupe and hardtop with a special 335-hp 383 as standard and the 426 Hemi as the only engine option, and sold 44,599 of them.
- Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am The first full season: the six grew to 250 cu in, the 326 gave way to a 350, and output rose to 107,112.
- Pontiac GTO A new 112-inch-wheelbase body with an Endura nose, the sport coupe dropped, and 87,684 built.
- Pontiac Grand Prix The last full-size Grand Prix: 31,711 hardtops, with a 390 hp 428 HO at the top.
- Pontiac Tempest and LeMans The new two-door body arrives, and a 350 HO replaces the 326 HO.