1971 · Buick · United States
1971 Buick Riviera: The Boattail Arrives
The boattail Riviera: 455 rated 315 gross / 255 net, GS 330 / 265; 3,175 of 33,810 were GS.
United States · researched through 2026-09-22
The 1971 Riviera was redesigned with "boattail" styling on a GM B-body-derived platform, this record's own overview states, and its only engine was the 455 V-8, rated 315 horsepower gross (255 net) or, with the Gran Sport package, 330 gross (265 net); Max Trac traction control arrived as a new feature. Production reached 33,810 cars, including 3,175 with the GS package, a figure this record's own note describes as agreed upon by two lineages, the Owners Association's own table and Wikipedia's citation to Flory's production history.1,2
This record's own production table splits that total into two rows that partition it exactly per the Owners Association: 3,175 GS cars at the higher rating and 30,635 cars on the standard 455, summing to the full 33,810. This record's own key facts section restates the GS share the same way, 3,175 of 33,810, and its own production notes state plainly that the GS and standard rows partition the total rather than standing as independently scoped figures.2
This record's own identification section carries the year's VIN pattern, a Buick digit, 94 for Riviera, 87 for the two-door hardtop, a 1 for 1971, a plant letter from seven assembly points, and a six-digit production number. Its own engine-code entry shows a genuine disagreement this record's conflicts section documents directly: the Owners Association gives TR, the standard 455, as 315 gross horsepower and TA, the GS 455, as 330, while TeamBuick's table gives TR as 310 and TA as 335, with the net figures of 255 and 265 not in dispute either way. The same section describes 1971 GS identification as a modified 455 making 10 to 15 more horsepower, a chromed air-cleaner lid, the ride-and-handling package, a 3.42 Positive Traction axle, and a new sleeker Riviera script behind the front wheels with the red GS emblem placed below it.3,4,5
This record's own options section itemizes 53 entries, led by the A9 GS option at $199.98, covering the firm ride-and-handling suspension, performance axle, Positive Traction differential, whitewall tires, chrome-covered air cleaner, the modified four-barrel high-performance engine and specific ornamentation. Max Trac itself, code C2, is priced at $91.57. Automatic climate control, code I5 at $520.99, sits against manual air conditioning's $442.39 under code I6, and the costliest single item is the combined AM-FM stereo and tape player, code D3, at $372.59.4
This record's own paint table carries 16 colours from the Owners Association's 1971 chart, several marked Riviera-exclusive: Pearl Beige, Deep Chestnut, Copper Mist, Sunset Mist, Vintage Red and Bamboo Cream among them, alongside carryover shades like Cornet Gold and Silver Fern. Its interiors section carries 15 trims across standard vinyl bench and bucket colours and further optional bucket, cloth-notchback and vinyl-notchback choices.6
This record's own specifications section carries seven 1971 figures from the Owners Association's weights-and-measures table: a 4,435-pound curb weight, a 122.0-inch wheelbase, front and rear track of 63.6 and 64.0 inches, a 217.4-inch overall length, a 79.9-inch width, a 54.0-inch height, and an H78x15 tire size. This record's own prices section carries a single figure, $5,290 for the sport coupe, and its own unpublished-leads section is empty for the year.7,4
Fact sheet · 1971 · United States
The numbers
1971 Buick Riviera and Riviera GS (boattail) — The boattail Riviera: 455 rated 315 gross / 255 net, GS 330 / 265; 3,175 of 33,810 were GS.
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: 3,175 of 33,810.2
Production
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riviera, all2,1 Riviera incl. GS · 2-door hardtop · not stated by source Two lineages agree. | 33,810 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riviera GS (455, 330 gross / 265 net)2 Riviera GS · 2-door hardtop · 455 GS · automatic · not stated by source | 3,175 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riviera with standard 455 (315 gross / 255 net)2 Riviera · 2-door hardtop · 455 · automatic · not stated by source | 30,635 | built, model-year | Reported |
The GS and standard rows partition the total per ROA.
Prices when new
| Model | Price | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Riviera sport coupe (9487)4 | $5,290 | suggested retail as obtained by ROA from Buyer's Guide Auto Annual, 1971 |
Prices are the nominal dollars of the day, not adjusted for inflation.
Engines
| Engine | Factory rating | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| 455 V-82,1 455 cu in · 4-barrel | 315 hp (SAE gross); 255 hp (SAE net) | standard | 30,6352 Reported |
| 455 V-8, Gran Sport2,1 455 cu in · 4-barrel | 330 hp (SAE gross); 265 hp (SAE net) | Gran Sport | 3,1752 Reported |
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) |
Riviera GS Option (includes firm ride and handling susp., performance axle, positive traction differential, whitewall tires, chrome covered air cleaner, modified 4 bbl. high performance engine and specific ornamentation4 | $199.98 | Not yet sourced |
B4order code (Buick option code) |
Full length Console4 | $61.05 | Not yet sourced |
C2order code (Buick option code) |
Max Trac4 | $91.57 | Not yet sourced |
D1order code (Buick option code) |
Sonomatic Radio4 | $88.41 | Not yet sourced |
D2order code (Buick option code) |
Sonomatic Radio and Stereo Tape Player Combined with Front and Rear Dual Speakers4 | $222.08 | Not yet sourced |
D3order code (Buick option code) |
AM-FM Stereo Radio and Stereo Tape Player Combined, with Front and Rear Dual Speakers4 | $372.59 | Not yet sourced |
D4order code (Buick option code) |
AM-FM Stereo Radio with Front and Rear Speakers4 | $238.92 | Not yet sourced |
D5order code (Buick option code) |
AM-FM Radio4 | $148.41 | Not yet sourced |
D6order code (Buick option code) |
Rear Speaker4 | $18.95 | Not yet sourced |
F1order code (Buick option code) |
Whitewall Tires H78-15 (included in A9)4 | $35.79 | Not yet sourced |
F8order code (Buick option code) |
Wide Oval Red Line Tires H70-15 (Available with All Only)4 | $33.68 | Not yet sourced |
F9order code (Buick option code) |
Wide Oval Whitewall H70-15 (Available with A9 Only)4 | $33.68 | Not yet sourced |
G1order code (Buick option code) |
Performance Axle with Positive Traction (included in A9)4 | $49.47 | Not yet sourced |
G4order code (Buick option code) |
Positive Traction Differential (included in A9)4 | $49.47 | Not yet sourced |
H1order code (Buick option code) |
Trailer Hauling Option (Heavy Duty Suspension and Extra Duty Springs) (N.A with A9)4 | $15.79 | Not yet sourced |
H2order code (Buick option code) |
Firm Ride & Handling (Heavy Duty Suspension and Heavy Duty Springs) (Included in A9)4 | $15.79 | Not yet sourced |
H3order code (Buick option code) |
Automatic Level Control (N.A. With All)4 | $78.94 | Not yet sourced |
I3order code (Buick option code) |
Extra Heavy Duty Radiator (I5 or I6 Required)4 | $21.05 | Not yet sourced |
I5order code (Buick option code) |
Automatic Climate Control Air Conditioning System4 | $520.99 | Not yet sourced |
I6order code (Buick option code) |
Air Conditioner (Manual Controls)4 | $442.39 | Not yet sourced |
I7order code (Buick option code) |
Heavy Duty Cooling (Heavy Duty Radiator, Thermal Control Fan Drive and 55 Amp. Delcotron) (N.A. With I5 or I6)4 | $43.16 | Not yet sourced |
J3order code (Buick option code) |
Color Coordinated Custom Front & Rear Seat Belts & Front Shoulder Belts (Standard Trims Only)4 | $0 | Not yet sourced |
J5order code (Buick option code) |
Color Coordinated Custom Front & Rear Seat Belts & Front & Rear Shoulder Belts (Standard Trims Only)4 | $26.32 | Not yet sourced |
J5order code (Buick option code) |
Color Coordinated Custom Rear Shoulder Belts (Custom Trims Only)4 | $26.32 | Not yet sourced |
K2order code (Buick option code) |
Cornering Lights4 | $36.84 | Not yet sourced |
K3order code (Buick option code) |
Speed Alert & Trip Odometer4 | $17.90 | Not yet sourced |
K6order code (Buick option code) |
Finger Tip Windshield Washer Control (N.A. With B4)4 | $21.03 | Not yet sourced |
L1order code (Buick option code) |
Soft-Ray Tinted Glass4 | $50.52 | Not yet sourced |
L2order code (Buick option code) |
Soft-Ray Tinted Windshield4 | $35.79 | Not yet sourced |
M7order code (Buick option code) |
Rear Window Defroster4 | $31.58 | Not yet sourced |
N2order code (Buick option code) |
Four Note Horn4 | $15.79 | Not yet sourced |
N3order code (Buick option code) |
Heavy Duty Air Cleaner4 | $9.48 | Not yet sourced |
O4order code (Buick option code) |
Door Guards4 | $6.32 | Not yet sourced |
P1order code (Buick option code) |
Carpet Savers and Handy Mats4 | $15.79 | Not yet sourced |
P2order code (Buick option code) |
Carpet Savers4 | $8.42 | Not yet sourced |
Q5order code (Buick option code) |
Power Bucket Seat Four Way4 | $78.94 | Not yet sourced |
Q6order code (Buick option code) |
Power Seat Six-Way (Bench Only)4 | $105.25 | Not yet sourced |
R1order code (Buick option code) |
Power Windows4 | $132.62 | Not yet sourced |
S6order code (Buick option code) |
Cruise Master4 | $68.42 | Not yet sourced |
T1order code (Buick option code) |
Electric Trunk Release4 | $14.74 | Not yet sourced |
T2order code (Buick option code) |
Electric Door Locks4 | $47.37 | Not yet sourced |
T3order code (Buick option code) |
Electric Door and Seat Locks4 | $70.52 | Not yet sourced |
U7order code (Buick option code) |
Sun Shade Map Light4 | $6.32 | Not yet sourced |
V2order code (Buick option code) |
Chrome Plated Wheels4 | $94.73 | Not yet sourced |
V4order code (Buick option code) |
Super Deluxe Wheel Covers4 | $57.89 | Not yet sourced |
X3order code (Buick option code) |
Rim Blower Steering Wheel4 | $15.79 | Not yet sourced |
|
35 Special Car Order Paint4 | $115.78 | Not yet sourced |
|
12 Trailer Hitch (Less Ball)4 | $23.16 | Not yet sourced |
|
13 Trailer Wiring Harness and Flasher4 | $14.74 | Not yet sourced |
|
14 Heavy Duty Wheels for Trailer Towing (N.A. With V2)4 | $10.53 | Not yet sourced |
|
Custom Trim-Notchback Front Seat, Deluxe Arm Rests, Assist Handles, Rear Custom Seat Back, Front Seat Back Molding, Custom Front Shoulder Belts & Custom Front and Rear Seat Belts (Power Windows Required)4 | $187.35 | Not yet sourced |
|
Custom Trim - Vinyl Bucket Seats, Assist Handles, Front and Rear Custom Seat Backs, Front Seat Back Moldings, Custom Front Shoulder Belts & Custom Front and Rear Seat Belts (Power Windows Required)4 | $187.35 | Not yet sourced |
|
Custom Vinyl Roof Covering - Rear Quarter Belt Finish Molding4 | $128.41 | Not yet sourced |
Paint
| Code | Color | Built |
|---|---|---|
A-19 |
Regal Black6 | Not yet sourced |
C-11 |
Arctic White6 | Not yet sourced |
D-24 |
Cascade Blue6 | Not yet sourced |
E-29 |
Nocturne Blue6 | Not yet sourced |
F-70 |
Pearl Beige (Riviera exclusive)6 | Not yet sourced |
G-55 |
Cornet Gold6 | Not yet sourced |
J-68 |
Deep Chestnut (Riviera exclusive)6 | Not yet sourced |
K-42 |
Willowmist Green6 | Not yet sourced |
M-49 |
Verdemist Green6 | Not yet sourced |
P-13 |
Platinum Mist6 | Not yet sourced |
S-65 |
Copper Mist (Riviera exclusive)6 | Not yet sourced |
V-73 |
Sunset Mist (Riviera exclusive)6 | Not yet sourced |
W-61 |
Sandpiper Beige6 | Not yet sourced |
X-74 |
Vintage Red (Riviera exclusive)6 | Not yet sourced |
Y-50 |
Bamboo Cream (Riviera exclusive)6 | Not yet sourced |
Z-41 |
Silver Fern6 | 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 |
|---|---|---|
654 |
Vinyl bench (standard): Sandalwood6 | Not yet sourced |
658 |
Vinyl bench (standard): Black6 | Not yet sourced |
664 |
Vinyl buckets (standard): Sandalwood6 | Not yet sourced |
668 |
Vinyl buckets (standard): Black6 | Not yet sourced |
695 |
Vinyl buckets (optional): Pearl White6 | Not yet sourced |
697 |
Vinyl buckets (optional): Rosewood6 | Not yet sourced |
698 |
Vinyl buckets (optional): Black6 | Not yet sourced |
670 |
Cloth notchback bench (optional): Green6 | Not yet sourced |
671 |
Cloth notchback bench (optional): Blue6 | Not yet sourced |
674 |
Cloth notchback bench (optional): Sandalwood6 | Not yet sourced |
678 |
Cloth notchback bench (optional): Black6 | Not yet sourced |
680 |
Vinyl notchback (optional): Green6 | Not yet sourced |
684 |
Vinyl notchback (optional): Sandalwood6 | Not yet sourced |
686 |
Vinyl notchback (optional): Saddle6 | Not yet sourced |
688 |
Vinyl notchback (optional): Black6 | Not yet sourced |
Specifications
| Measure | Value | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Curb weight7 | 4,435 lb | Riviera |
| Wheelbase7 | 122 in | Riviera |
| Track, front / rear7 | 63.6 / 64.0 in | Riviera |
| Overall length7 | 217.4 in | Riviera |
| Width7 | 79.9 in | Riviera |
| Height7 | 54 in | Riviera |
| Tire size (standard, option)7 | H78x15 | Riviera |
Identification
- VIN
- E.g. 452691H000000 as printed: 4 = Buick; 2-3 = series (94 = Riviera); 4-5 = body (87 = 2-door hardtop); 6 = year (1); 7 = plant (C South Gate, G Framingham, H Flint, I Oshawa, X Fairfax, Y Wilmington, Z Fremont); last six = production number.3
- Engine codes
- TR: 455, standard Riviera engine; TA: 455, Riviera GS. ROA gives TR as 315 hp and TA as 330 hp (gross); TeamBuick lists TR 310 hp and TA 335 hp, 8.5:1.4,3
- GS identification
- Modified 455 (10-15 hp more), chromed air-cleaner lid, ride-and-handling package and 3.42 Positive Traction axle; new sleeker Riviera script behind the front wheels with the red GS emblem below it.5
Where the sources disagree
Identification
Read a 1971 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 1971
- AMC AMX The AMX name moves onto the redesigned Javelin as its top model. It is a derivative badge, not a continuation of the two-seater. 2,054 were built, all with the 360 or 401.
- AMC Hornet SC/360 AMC's one-year compact muscle car pitched as an insurance-friendly alternative. AMC reportedly planned 10,000, but 784 were built.
- AMC Javelin A new, flared-fender Javelin, with the AMX name as its top model. Javelin won AMC the 1971 Trans-Am manufacturers' championship.
- AMC Matador Machine The Rebel Machine's unadvertised successor, a 'Machine Go' option package for the Matador hardtop. Production is unknown; published guesses run from 43 to 68.
- Buick Skylark Gran Sport, GS and GSX Compression fell to 8.5:1, the GS 350 and GS 455 were merged into one GS series of 9,170 cars, and the GSX became an appearance package on any GS.
- Chevrolet Chevelle and Malibu SS A single RPO Z15 SS package now spanned small- and big-block V8s; 9,502 of 19,293 SS cars carried the LS5 454, and Chevrolet began printing net ratings beside gross.
- Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova SS limited to the L48 350 per the source; Rally Nova (RPO YF1) offered. Enthusiast-compiled production: 194,878 cars; Super Sport 7,015.
- Chevrolet El Camino SS A single RPO Z15 SS package on the Malibu/Custom El Camino; the El Camino share of 19,293 SS cars is not separately published.
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS The last SS 454 year: RPO Z20 on 1,919 of 128,600 Monte Carlos.
- Dodge Challenger Challenger's second year lost the SE, the R/T convertible, and the T/A; a new pillared coupe joined the hardtop and convertible, and production fell to roughly a third of 1970's.
- Dodge Charger A new, shorter third-generation body absorbed the Coronet two-doors and the Super Bee; it was the last year for the R/T and for a factory Hemi Charger.
- Dodge Coronet R/T and Super Bee The end of the line for Coronet performance: the two-door Coronets were replaced by the Charger, taking the Super Bee with them.
- Dodge Dart GTS, Swinger and Demon Dodge's version of the Duster fastback arrived as the Demon, and the Demon 340 became the performance Dart: 10,098 built, plus 85 Canadian Swinger 340 Specials.
- Ford Maverick Grabber The Grabber became its own model with a dual-scoop hood, and the 210 hp 302 V8 arrived; Classic Industries counts 38,963 Grabbers.
- Ford Ranchero GT The second Torino-based Ranchero year; reference counts give 3,632 GTs, while Barn Finds rounds the GT figure to about 3,900 of 24,946 Rancheros.
- Ford Thunderbird The last fifth-generation year kept the 360-hp 429 as standard; production fell to 36,055.
- Ford Torino A carryover year for the 1970 body; the Torino Cobra now came standard with a 351 four-barrel and offered the 429 Cobra Jet-R, but only 3,054 Cobras were built.
- Mercury Comet and Cyclone The final Cyclone year: production fell to a few thousand across Cyclone, Cyclone GT and Cyclone Spoiler.
- Mercury Cougar A larger second-generation Cougar, new body codes, and the one-year 429 Cobra Jet option, fitted to 448 cars.
- Oldsmobile Cutlass, 4-4-2 and Hurst/Olds Compression fell to 8.5:1 for regular fuel, the W-31 was dropped, the sports coupe was gone, and 4-4-2 production fell to 7,589.
- Plymouth Barracuda and 'Cuda Four headlamps and a new grille marked the second E-body year; the Hemi and 440 Six Barrel stayed on the 'Cuda order form, but Barracuda-line production fell to about a third of 1970's.
- Plymouth Duster 340 and 360 The Duster 340's second year brought a new grille, a Thermo-Quad 340 rated 275 gross and 235 net hp, and a $2,703 list price, while output fell to about 12,900.
- Plymouth GTX, Belvedere and Satellite On the redesigned 1971 Satellite body the GTX fell to 2,942 cars, only 30 of them with the Hemi.
- Plymouth Road Runner Redesigned on the new Satellite body as a hardtop only, the Road Runner fell to 14,218 cars, and a 340 joined the 383, 440, and Hemi.
- Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am The 455 HO year: the Trans Am's biggest engine, 2,116 cars, and a Formula line split across three V-8s.
- Pontiac GTO Lower compression, dual gross and net ratings, the 455 HO as the top engine, and production down to 10,532.
- Pontiac Grand Prix Boat-tail styling, lower compression, and the manual transmission gone by March: 116 of 58,325 had one.
- Pontiac Tempest and LeMans The Tempest name gives way to T-37; the GT-37 option carries on and the 455 HO is available in two-door LeMans models.