1972 · Buick · United States
1972 Buick Riviera: Net Ratings Only, and an Empty Engine Table
Net ratings only for 1972: 250 hp standard, 260 GS per ROA; 2,171 of 33,728 were GS.
United States · researched through 2026-09-22
Riviera production for 1972 was 33,728, this record's own overview states, including 2,171 GS cars, with the Owners Association listing the 455 at 250 horsepower net standard and 260 net with the GS option. This record's own production table splits that total into two rows partitioning it exactly per the Owners Association: 2,171 GS cars and 31,557 on the standard 455.1,2
This record's own conflicts section documents a genuine ratings disagreement for the year: the Owners Association gives 250 horsepower standard and 260 GS, while Wikipedia's third-generation section gives 225 and 250, both net figures, shown side by side with no rating entered pending a factory specification; this record's own engine table itself is left entirely empty as a result, declining to assert either figure as authoritative. This record's own key facts section adds that the Evolution article records production falling by 82 cars to 33,728, of which 2,171 carried the GS package.1,2,3
This record's own identification section carries the year's VIN pattern with an engine letter built into it, T for the 455 four-barrel, U for the 455 four-barrel with dual exhaust, and V or W for the 455 Stage I; the same section notes that from 1972 the letter W marked the Stage 1 GS engine, though the Owners Association's own options page instead gives VIN code U for the standard WF engine and W for the GS WA engine, a scheme this record's own text does not fully reconcile against the VIN entry. Its own engine-code line gives WF as the 455 at 250 horsepower net, standard, and WA as the 455 at 260 horsepower net, GS.4,5,6
This record's own options section itemizes 54 entries, and all but two carry no price at all, each marked simply that the source gives none for the year, including the A9 GS option itself. The two exceptions, both drawn from the Evolution article rather than the options-and-prices page, are bumper protective strips at $24 and a front bumper guard at $30, the latter offered for the first time in 1972. This record's own key facts section names several popular options with their own prices from that same article: manual air conditioning at $431, six-way power seats at $205, 60/40 seats at $200, an AM/FM stereo at $233, power windows at $129, and a rare sunroof at $589.6,3
This record's own paint table carries 14 colours from the Owners Association's 1972 chart, its own note adding that the chart also lists a Hunter Green under paint number 48 with its letter printed as "1," and that no black is listed for the year at all. Its interiors section carries 14 trims: six standard vinyl bench or bucket colours and eight further optional 60/40 notchback choices split between vinyl and cloth.7
This record's own specifications section carries eight 1972 figures: a 4,502-pound curb weight, a 122.0-inch wheelbase, front and rear track of 63.6 and 64.0 inches, a 218.3-inch overall length, a 79.9-inch width, a 54.0-inch height, an H78x15 tire size, and a torque figure of 375 lb-ft at 2,800 rpm for the standard 455, with the GS peak also at 2,800 rpm; the same entry's own note restates the 250-horsepower standard and 260-horsepower GS ratings at 4,000 and 4,400 rpm SAE net. This record's own prices section carries a single figure, printed by the source as "$5,149.O5," read here as $5,149.05, and its own unpublished-leads section is empty for the year.8,3,6
Fact sheet · 1972 · United States
The numbers
1972 Buick Riviera and Riviera GS — Net ratings only for 1972: 250 hp standard, 260 GS per ROA; 2,171 of 33,728 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
- ROA Evolution: popular options were manual A/C $431, six-way power seats $205, 60/40 seats $200, AM/FM stereo $233, power windows $129 and the rare sunroof $589; production fell by 82 to 33,728, of which 2,171 had the GS package.3
Production
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riviera, all1,2 Riviera incl. GS · 2-door hardtop · not stated by source | 33,728 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riviera GS1 Riviera GS · 2-door hardtop · 455 GS · automatic · not stated by source | 2,171 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riviera, standard 4551 Riviera · 2-door hardtop · 455 · automatic · not stated by source | 31,557 | built, model-year | Reported |
GS and standard rows partition the total per ROA.
Prices when new
| Model | Price | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Riviera sport coupe (9487)6,3 | $5,149.05 | manufacturer's suggested retail price as transcribed by the Riviera Owners Association, 1972 |
Prices are the nominal dollars of the day, not adjusted for inflation.
Options and packages
| Code | Option | Price | Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
A9order code (Buick option code) |
Riviera GS Option (includes Firm Ride and Handling Suspension, Performance Axle, Positive Traction Differential, Whitewall Tires, Chrome Plated Air Cleaner, Modified 4 bbl. High Performance Engine & Specific Ornamentation)6 | — | Not yet sourced |
B4order code (Buick option code) |
Full length Console (Bucket Seats Required)6 | — | Not yet sourced |
C2order code (Buick option code) |
Max Trac6 | — | Not yet sourced |
C4order code (Buick option code) |
Mini Console (N.A. With B4)6 | — | Not yet sourced |
D1order code (Buick option code) |
Sonomatic Radio6 | — | Not yet sourced |
D2order code (Buick option code) |
Sonomatic Radio and Stereo Tape Player Combined With Front and Rear Dual Speakers6 | — | Not yet sourced |
D3order code (Buick option code) |
AM-FM Stereophonic Radio and Stereo Tape Player Combined With Front and Rear Dual Speakers6 | — | Not yet sourced |
D4order code (Buick option code) |
AM-FM Stereophonic Radio With Front and Rear Dual Speakers)6 | — | Not yet sourced |
D5order code (Buick option code) |
AM-FM Radio6 | — | Not yet sourced |
D6order code (Buick option code) |
Rear Speaker (Single)6 | — | Not yet sourced |
E5order code (Buick option code) |
Exhaust Emission System (Required in Calif. only)6 | — | Not yet sourced |
F1order code (Buick option code) |
Whitewall Tires H78-15 (Included in A9)6 | — | Not yet sourced |
F9order code (Buick option code) |
Wide Oval Whitewall H70-156 | — | Not yet sourced |
G1order code (Buick option code) |
Performance Axle with Positive Traction (Included in A9)6 | — | Not yet sourced |
G4order code (Buick option code) |
Positive Traction Differential (Included with A9)6 | — | Not yet sourced |
H1order code (Buick option code) |
Trailer Hauling Option (Heavy Duty Suspension, Springs, and Wheels))(N.A. With A9, H2 or H3)6 | — | Not yet sourced |
H2order code (Buick option code) |
Firm Ride and Handling (Heavy Duty Suspension Springs and Wheels) (Included in A9)6 | — | Not yet sourced |
H3order code (Buick option code) |
Automatic Level Control (N.A. with A9)6 | — | Not yet sourced |
H4order code (Buick option code) |
Maintenance Free Battery6 | — | Not yet sourced |
I3order code (Buick option code) |
Heavy Duty Engine and Transmission Cooling (Heavy Duty Radiator, Thermal Control Fan Drive and 55 AMP Delcotron)6 | — | Not yet sourced |
I5order code (Buick option code) |
Automatic Climate Control Air Conditioning System6 | — | Not yet sourced |
I6order code (Buick option code) |
Air Conditioner (Manual Controls)6 | — | Not yet sourced |
J3order code (Buick option code) |
Color Coordinated Custom Front & Rear Seat Belts & Front Shoulder Belts (Standard Trims Only)6 | — | Not yet sourced |
K2order code (Buick option code) |
Cornering Lights6 | — | Not yet sourced |
K3order code (Buick option code) |
Speed Alert & Trip Odometer6 | — | Not yet sourced |
K6order code (Buick option code) |
Finger Tip Windshield Washer Control (N.A. With B4)6 | — | Not yet sourced |
L1order code (Buick option code) |
Soft-Ray Tinted Glass6 | — | Not yet sourced |
L2order code (Buick option code) |
Soft-Ray Tinted Windshield6 | — | Not yet sourced |
M7order code (Buick option code) |
Rear Window Defroster6 | — | Not yet sourced |
M8order code (Buick option code) |
Engine Block Heater6 | — | Not yet sourced |
N2order code (Buick option code) |
Four Note Horn6 | — | Not yet sourced |
N3order code (Buick option code) |
Heavy Duty Air Cleaner6 | — | Not yet sourced |
N5order code (Buick option code) |
Front Bumper Guards (N6 Required)6 | — | Not yet sourced |
O4order code (Buick option code) |
Door Guards6 | — | Not yet sourced |
P1order code (Buick option code) |
Carpet Savers and Handy Mats6 | — | Not yet sourced |
P2order code (Buick option code) |
Carpet Savers6 | — | Not yet sourced |
Q5order code (Buick option code) |
Power Bucket Seat Four Way6 | — | Not yet sourced |
Q6order code (Buick option code) |
Power Seat Six Way (Bench Only)6 | — | Not yet sourced |
Q7order code (Buick option code) |
Power Seat Six-Way (Driver Side Only 60/40 Trim)6 | — | Not yet sourced |
Q8order code (Buick option code) |
Power Seat 6-Way (Driver & Passenger 60/40 Trim)6 | — | Not yet sourced |
R1order code (Buick option code) |
Power Windows (Required on Custom Trims and Z8)6 | — | Not yet sourced |
S6order code (Buick option code) |
Cruise Master6 | — | Not yet sourced |
T1order code (Buick option code) |
Electric Trunk Release6 | — | Not yet sourced |
T2order code (Buick option code) |
Electric Door Locks6 | — | Not yet sourced |
T3order code (Buick option code) |
Electric Door and Seat Locks6 | — | Not yet sourced |
U5order code (Buick option code) |
Sun Shade Map Light (N.A. With Z8)6 | — | Not yet sourced |
V2order code (Buick option code) |
Chrome Plated wheels6 | — | Not yet sourced |
V4order code (Buick option code) |
Super Deluxe Wheel Covers6 | — | Not yet sourced |
X5order code (Buick option code) |
Wide Rocker Appearance Molding6 | — | Not yet sourced |
Y7order code (Buick option code) |
Short Vinyl Top6 | — | Not yet sourced |
Z8order code (Buick option code) |
Sun roof, electric (R1 required)6 | — | Not yet sourced |
35order code |
Special car order paint6 | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Bumper protective strips, front and rear3 | $24 | Not yet sourced |
|
Front bumper guard (pointed front bumper)3 | $30 | Not yet sourced |
Paint
| Code | Color | Built |
|---|---|---|
C-11 |
Arctic White7 | Not yet sourced |
D-21 |
Crystal Blue7 | Not yet sourced |
E-28 |
Royal Blue7 | Not yet sourced |
J-50 |
Sandalwood7 | Not yet sourced |
L-62 |
Sierra Tan7 | Not yet sourced |
N-69 |
Nutmeg7 | Not yet sourced |
S-54 |
Champagne Gold7 | Not yet sourced |
U-57 |
Antique Gold7 | Not yet sourced |
V-14 |
Silver Mist7 | Not yet sourced |
W-18 |
Charcoal Mist7 | Not yet sourced |
G-45 |
Emerald Mist (Riviera exclusive)7 | Not yet sourced |
K-67 |
Deep Chestnut (Riviera exclusive)7 | Not yet sourced |
P-77 |
Burnished Bronze (Riviera exclusive)7 | Not yet sourced |
X-73 |
Vintage Red (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 |
|---|---|---|
824 |
Vinyl bench (standard): Sandalwood7 | Not yet sourced |
828 |
Vinyl bench (standard): Black7 | Not yet sourced |
864 |
Vinyl buckets (standard, no extra charge): Sandalwood7 | Not yet sourced |
965 |
Vinyl buckets (standard, no extra charge): White7 | Not yet sourced |
966 |
Vinyl buckets (standard, no extra charge): Saddle7 | Not yet sourced |
968 |
Vinyl buckets (standard, no extra charge): Black7 | Not yet sourced |
980 |
Vinyl notchback 60/40 (optional): Green7 | Not yet sourced |
984 |
Vinyl notchback 60/40 (optional): Sandalwood7 | Not yet sourced |
986 |
Vinyl notchback 60/40 (optional): Saddle7 | Not yet sourced |
988 |
Vinyl notchback 60/40 (optional): Black7 | Not yet sourced |
970 |
Cloth notchback 60/40 (optional): Green7 | Not yet sourced |
971 |
Cloth notchback 60/40 (optional): Blue7 | Not yet sourced |
974 |
Cloth notchback 60/40 (optional): Sandalwood7 | Not yet sourced |
976 |
Cloth notchback 60/40 (optional): Saddle7 | Not yet sourced |
Specifications
| Measure | Value | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Curb weight8 | 4,502 lb | Riviera |
| Wheelbase8 | 122 in | Riviera |
| Track, front / rear8 | 63.6 / 64.0 in | Riviera |
| Overall length8 | 218.3 in | Riviera |
| Width8 | 79.9 in | Riviera |
| Height8 | 54 in | Riviera |
| Tire size (standard, option)8 | H78x15 | Riviera |
| Torque, standard 455 (WF) / GS 455 (WA)3 | 375 lb-ft at 2800 rpm (standard); GS peak also at 2800 rpm | Riviera 455 |
Identification
- VIN
- E.g. 4L39H2H000001 as printed: 4 = Buick; series letter (Y = Riviera); body (87 = 2-door hardtop); engine letter (T = 455 4-bbl, U = 455 4-bbl dual exhaust, V/W = 455 Stage I); year (2); plant (C, G, H, X, Y, Z); production number. ROA: from 1972 the VIN letter W marked the Stage 1 (GS) engine; ROA's options page gives VIN code U for the standard WF engine and W for the GS WA engine.4,5,6
- Engine codes
- WF: 455, 250 hp net (standard); WA: 455, 260 hp net (GS Riviera).4,6
Where the sources disagree
Identification
Read a 1972 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 1972
- AMC AMX The first year of SAE net ratings and Chrysler-built TorqueFlite automatics. Javelin AMX production rose to 3,220, and the 304 V8 became available.
- AMC Gremlin X and Spirit AMX The first V8 Gremlin: the 304 (150 hp SAE net) in AMC's subcompact. Gremlin X production is not published in any source found.
- AMC Javelin The base model was dropped, so every non-AMX Javelin was an SST. This was the first year of the Pierre Cardin interior and of Chrysler-built automatics.
- Buick Skylark Gran Sport, GS and GSX The last A-body GS year before the Colonnade Century; the GSX package, now in many colours, was invoiced on only 44 cars, most of them outside the lower 48 states.
- Chevrolet Chevelle and Malibu SS The last Z15 Chevelle SS of the first generation: net-rated engines, an LS5 454 at 270 net hp, and 5,333 SS 454s.
- Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova The source engine table switches to net ratings; SS and Rally Nova offered. Enthusiast-compiled production: 349,733 cars; Super Sport 12,309.
- Chevrolet El Camino SS Last year of the Chevelle-bodied El Camino SS; 50,359 V8 Malibu El Caminos were built, and the SS share is not separately published.
- Dodge Challenger Hardtop only, with a new grille: the R/T gave way to the Challenger Rallye package, and the most powerful engine listed was the 340 four-barrel.
- Dodge Charger The R/T and Super Bee were dropped; the new Rallye package became the performance Charger, and the 440 Six Pack was cancelled after a handful of cars.
- Dodge Dart GTS, Swinger and Demon The Demon's second and final year under that name: 8,773 Demon 340s, with small Canadian and Swiss-market 340 runs counted separately.
- Ford Maverick Grabber The dual-scoop-hood Grabber in its second year as a model; Classic Industries counts 35,347.
- Ford Ranchero GT The Ranchero GT continued on the 1972-76 Ranchero; 12,620 GTs were built, per reference-site counts in the Standard Catalog lineage.
- Ford Thunderbird First year of the sixth-generation Thunderbird; only the whole-line production total was found.
- Ford Torino The new body-on-frame Torino sold 496,645 in 1972; the performance models were the Gran Torino Sport SportsRoof (60,794) and hardtop (31,239), with the 351 Cobra Jet and a Rallye Equipment Group on the option list.
- Mercury Cougar Net ratings arrived, the 429 was gone, and the 351 Cobra Jet became the performance Cougar engine, fitted to 3,560 cars.
- Mercury Montego GT The first year of the fastback-only Montego GT on the new split-wheelbase intermediate, with the Cyclone name reduced to a performance option that only a few dozen buyers took.
- Oldsmobile Cutlass, 4-4-2 and Hurst/Olds The 4-4-2 became a Cutlass option again, engines were rated in SAE net (W-30: 300 hp), and a Hurst/Olds paced the Indianapolis 500.
- Plymouth Barracuda and 'Cuda Hardtops only, single headlamps, four round taillamps, and a 340 four-barrel as the top engine: the 'Cuda carried it as standard.
- Plymouth Duster 340 and 360 In the first net-rating year the Duster 340's 8.5:1 340 was rated 240 net hp with electronic ignition, the Twister became order code A51, and output rose to 15,681 in both compilations.
- Plymouth GTX, Belvedere and Satellite For 1972 the GTX existed only as the 440 four-barrel option on the Road Runner hardtop; Mueller's Muscle Car Source Book counts 672 of them.
- Plymouth Road Runner The hardtop-only Road Runner took a 400 four-barrel as its advertised standard engine, and production fell again.
- Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am A strike-shortened year: 29,951 Firebirds and 1,286 Trans Ams, every one a 455 HO.
- Pontiac GTO The GTO goes back to being an option on the LeMans, with net ratings only; 5,807 were built.
- Pontiac Grand Prix A carryover year with the SJ still offered; production recovered to 91,961.
- Pontiac Tempest and LeMans The GTO becomes a LeMans option, and the LeMans gets WW4 and WW5 performance packages.