1973 · Buick · United States
1973 Buick Riviera: Two Packages, Not One
Stage One (260 hp net) joined a separate GS handling package; 1,234 Stage Ones and 3,933 GS cars of 34,080.
United States · researched through 2026-09-22
The Riviera Owners Association lists 34,080 Rivieras for 1973, this record's own overview states, including 3,933 with the GS handling option and 1,234 with the Stage One option, the standard 455 listed at 250 horsepower SAE net and the Stage One version at 260. This record's own production notes describe both package rows as subsets of the total rather than partitions of it, meaning a 1973 car could in principle combine the two options rather than being counted in one exclusive group or the other. This record's own key facts section adds that 87.5 percent of 1973 Rivieras had the power seat and 81.1 percent a vinyl top, and that the Stage One engine was a separate $139 option not included in the GS package.1,2,3
This record's own identification section carries the year's VIN pattern, a Buick digit, a Y series letter for Riviera, body code 87, an engine letter (T for the 455 four-barrel, U for the dual-exhaust 455, V or W for the 455 Stage I), a year digit, a plant letter from seven points including the newly added L for Van Nuys, and a production number; the Owners Association's own text says the letter W marked the Stage 1 engine for both 1973 and 1974. Its own engine-code entry carries an unresolved three-way naming disagreement the record does not reconcile: the Owners Association gives the standard 455 as code XF at 250 horsepower and the Stage I as XA at 260, while TeamBuick's table instead gives XF as a 225-horsepower single-exhaust engine, XS as a 250-260 horsepower engine, and XA as a 270-horsepower Stage I.4,5,6
This record's own identification section also describes 1973 as the year Stage 1 first carried its own grille badge, alongside a chromed air-cleaner lid and a 3.23 Positive Traction axle; the GS emblem itself changed from red to gold, the GS option became a ride-and-handling package only, and a single car could carry both the GS and Stage 1 emblems together. This record's own options section prices the two packages separately: A1, the Stage I option, at $139 for 1,234 cars, bundling the high-performance 455 with a matched Turbo Hydra-Matic 400, a performance axle with Positive Traction, a chrome-plated air cleaner and the Stage I grille badge; and A9, the GS ride-and-handling package, at $171 for 3,933 cars, bundling HR78-15 steel-belted radial whitewalls, specific springs and shocks, heavy-duty stabilizer bars and wheels, a specific insulation package and body-mount system, and GS fender nameplates.5,6,1
This record's own options section itemizes 74 entries in total, most of them priced individually by the Owners Association's own transcription of the 1973 order form. Air conditioning, code I6 at $431, reached 99.3 percent of 1973 Rivieras per the Owners Association's own Evolution article; power windows, code R1 at $129, reached 97.2 percent; and Cruise Master, code S3 at $67, reached 53.8 percent.6,3
This record's own paint table carries 17 colours from the Owners Association's 1973 chart, with its own note explaining that the Evolution article separately describes sixteen standard colours plus Black, Mediterranean Blue and Jade Green offered at extra cost. Its interiors section carries 13 trims across standard and optional vinyl 40/40 seating, cloth notchback benches and vinyl notchback 60/40 choices.7,3
This record's own specifications section carries seven 1973 figures from the Owners Association's weights-and-measures table: a 5,047-pound curb weight, a 122.0-inch wheelbase, front and rear track of 63.6 and 64.0 inches, a 223.4-inch overall length, a 79.9-inch width, a 54.0-inch height, and an HR70x15 tire size. This record's own prices section carries a single figure, $5,221.05, effective from a second price revision dated February 15, 1973, and its own conflicts and unpublished-leads sections are both empty for the year.8,6
Fact sheet · 1973 · United States
The numbers
1973 Buick Riviera — Stage One (260 hp net) joined a separate GS handling package; 1,234 Stage Ones and 3,933 GS cars of 34,080.
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: 87.5% of 1973 Rivieras had the power seat and 81.1% a vinyl top; the Stage I engine was a $139 option not included in the GS package.3
Production
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riviera, all1,2 Riviera · 2-door · not stated by source ROA and Wikipedia agree. | 34,080 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riviera GS handling option1 Riviera GS handling option · 2-door · 455 · automatic · not stated by source | 3,933 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Riviera Stage One (dual exhaust 455)1 Riviera Stage One · 2-door · 455 Stage One · automatic · not stated by source | 1,234 | built, model-year | Reported |
Package rows are subsets of the total.
Prices when new
| Model | Price | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Riviera sport coupe (4EY87)6 | $5,221.05 | manufacturer's suggested retail price as transcribed by the Riviera Owners Association, 1973 (revision no. 2, 15 February 1973) |
Prices are the nominal dollars of the day, not adjusted for inflation.
Engines
| Engine | Factory rating | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| 455 V-81,2 455 cu in · 4-barrel | 250 hp (SAE net (as listed by ROA)) | standard | Not yet sourced |
| 455 V-8, Stage One1,2 455 cu in · 4-barrel, dual exhaust | 260 hp (SAE net (as listed by ROA)) | Stage One option | 1,2341 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1973 RIVIERA SPORT COUPE 4EY87 / Manufacture's Suggested Retail Price6 | $5,221.05 | Not yet sourced |
A1order code (Buick option code) |
Stage I Option - High performance 455 cu. in. 4 bbl. V-8 engine. Matched "THM 400" Performance axle with positive traction. chrome plated air cleaner. Stage I name plate on grill.6 | $139 | 1,2341 Reported |
A9order code (Buick option code) |
Riviera GS Ride and Handling Package - HR 78-15 steel belted radial ply whitewall tires. Specific springs and shocks. H.D. stabilizer bars. H.D. wheels. Specific insulation package. Specific body mount system. GS name plates on fenders.6 | $171 | 3,9331 Reported |
|
A C A l and A 96 | — | Not yet sourced |
B4order code (Buick option code) |
Full Length Operating Console6 | $59 | Not yet sourced |
B9order code (Buick option code) |
Convenience Center (N.A. with B4)6 | $26 | Not yet sourced |
C2order code (Buick option code) |
Max Trac6 | $89 | Not yet sourced |
D1order code (Buick option code) |
Sonomatic Radio6 | $86 | Not yet sourced |
D2order code (Buick option code) |
Sonomatic Radio and Stereo Tape Player Combined with Front and Rear Dual Speakers6 | $216 | Not yet sourced |
D3order code (Buick option code) |
AM-FM Stereo Radio and Stereo Tape Player Combined, with Front and Rear Dual Speakers6 | $363 | Not yet sourced |
D4order code (Buick option code) |
AM-FM Stereo Radio with F & R Dual Speakers6 | $233 | Not yet sourced |
D5order code (Buick option code) |
AM-FM Radio6 | $145 | Not yet sourced |
D6order code (Buick option code) |
Rear Speaker (Single)6 | $18 | Not yet sourced |
D7order code (Buick option code) |
Power Antenna6 | $32 | Not yet sourced |
E5order code (Buick option code) |
California Assembly Line Emission Testing (Required in California)6 | $15 | Not yet sourced |
F1order code (Buick option code) |
Whitewall Tires H78-156 | $35 | Not yet sourced |
F2order code (Buick option code) |
Wide Oval Whitewall Tires (H78-15) (N.A. with A 9)6 | $59 | Not yet sourced |
F9order code (Buick option code) |
Steel Belted Radial Whitewall Tires (H70-15) with H.D. Wheels (Standard with A9) (H1, H3 or H4 Req.)(N.A. with H2 or H5)6 | $141 | Not yet sourced |
G2order code (Buick option code) |
Performance AxIe (included in Al)6 | $0 | Not yet sourced |
G4order code (Buick option code) |
Positive Traction Differential (incl. in A1)6 | $48 | Not yet sourced |
H1order code (Buick option code) |
Trailer Hauling Option (H.D. Suspension, Springs & Wheels) (N.A. with A1)6 | $15 | Not yet sourced |
H2order code (Buick option code) |
Firm Ride & Handling (H.D. Suspension, Springs & Wheels)(Included in A9 or F9)6 | $15 | Not yet sourced |
H3order code (Buick option code) |
Automatic Level Control (N.A. With A9)6 | $77 | Not yet sourced |
H4order code (Buick option code) |
Roadability Suspension Package (F9 required) (N.A. with A9)6 | $0 | Not yet sourced |
H5order code (Buick option code) |
Superlift Shocks6 | $41 | Not yet sourced |
H6order code (Buick option code) |
H.D. Wheels (Std. w/A9 or F9, H1 & H26 | $10 | Not yet sourced |
I3order code (Buick option code) |
H.D. engine & Transmission Cooling (H.D. radiator, thermal control fan, 61 AMP Delcotron)6 | $21 | Not yet sourced |
I5order code (Buick option code) |
Automatic Climate Control A/C System6 | $507 | Not yet sourced |
I6order code (Buick option code) |
Air Conditioner6,3 | $431 | Not yet sourced |
J3order code (Buick option code) |
Color Coordinated Custom Front & Rear Seat Belts (3 each) & Front Shoulder Belts (2) (Standard on custom trims)6 | $0 | Not yet sourced |
K1order code (Buick option code) |
Cornering Lights6 | $36 | Not yet sourced |
K2order code (Buick option code) |
Speed Alert & Trip odometer6 | $17 | Not yet sourced |
K3order code (Buick option code) |
Finger Tip Windshield Washer Control (N.A. With B4)6 | $21 | Not yet sourced |
L1order code (Buick option code) |
Soft-Ray Tinted Glass6 | $49 | Not yet sourced |
L2order code (Buick option code) |
Soft-Ray Tinted Windshield6 | $35 | Not yet sourced |
L3order code (Buick option code) |
80 AMP. Delcotron6 | $31 | Not yet sourced |
M1order code (Buick option code) |
Engine Block Heater6 | $5 | Not yet sourced |
M3order code (Buick option code) |
Rear Window Defogger (Blower)6 | $31 | Not yet sourced |
M4order code (Buick option code) |
Four Note Horn6 | $15 | Not yet sourced |
N1order code (Buick option code) |
Heavy Duty Air Cleaner6 | $9 | Not yet sourced |
N2order code (Buick option code) |
Bumper Protective Strips (F & R)6 | $24 | Not yet sourced |
N3order code (Buick option code) |
Bumper Guards (Front and Rear) (N2 Required)6 | $31 | Not yet sourced |
O1order code (Buick option code) |
Door Guards6 | $6 | Not yet sourced |
P1order code (Buick option code) |
Carpet Savers and Handy Mats6 | $15 | Not yet sourced |
P2order code (Buick option code) |
Front Carpet Savers6 | $8 | Not yet sourced |
P3order code (Buick option code) |
Litter Pocket (Std. w/extra cost trim)6 | — | Not yet sourced |
Q1order code (Buick option code) |
Power Seat 6-Way, driver side only6 | $103 | Not yet sourced |
Q2order code (Buick option code) |
Power Seat 6-Way, driver & passenger on 60/40 seats (and 40/40 seats)6 | $205 | Not yet sourced |
Q3order code (Buick option code) |
Door Courtesy & Warning Light6 | $21 | Not yet sourced |
Q4order code (Buick option code) |
Dome Reading Light6 | — | Not yet sourced |
R1order code (Buick option code) |
Power Windows (Required with extra cost trims or electric sun roofs)6,3 | $129 | Not yet sourced |
S2order code (Buick option code) |
Maintenance Free Energizer6 | $26 | Not yet sourced |
S3order code (Buick option code) |
Cruise Master6,3 | $67 | Not yet sourced |
T1order code (Buick option code) |
Electric Trunk Release6 | $14 | Not yet sourced |
T2order code (Buick option code) |
Electric Door Locks6 | $69 | Not yet sourced |
T3order code (Buick option code) |
Electric Door and Seat locks6 | $69 | Not yet sourced |
U2order code (Buick option code) |
Chrome Plated Wheels6 | $70 | Not yet sourced |
U3order code (Buick option code) |
Sun Shade Map Light6 | $6 | Not yet sourced |
U7order code (Buick option code) |
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirror6 | $25 | Not yet sourced |
V2order code (Buick option code) |
Chrome Plated Wheels6 | $70 | Not yet sourced |
V4order code (Buick option code) |
Super Deluxe Wheel Covers6 | $34 | Not yet sourced |
V6order code (Buick option code) |
Deluxe Wire Wheel Covers6 | $60 | Not yet sourced |
X6order code (Buick option code) |
Wide rocker appearance molding & rear quarter lower moldings6 | $37 | Not yet sourced |
Y7order code (Buick option code) |
Trunk Trim Carpeting6 | $41 | Not yet sourced |
Z1order code (Buick option code) |
Sun Roof - Manual Operation6 | $539 | Not yet sourced |
Z2order code (Buick option code) |
Sun Roof - Electric Operation6 | $589 | Not yet sourced |
|
1 1 Trailer Hitch (Class 1)6 | $23 | Not yet sourced |
|
1 2 Trailer Tow Flasher & Harness6 | $14 | Not yet sourced |
|
1 3 Trailer Tow Flasher & Harness6 | $23 | Not yet sourced |
|
1 4 Rear Stabilizer Bar6 | $15 | Not yet sourced |
|
31 Special Car Order Paint6 | $113 | Not yet sourced |
|
* Short Custom Vinyl Roof Covering, Molding & Wrap Over Stripe6 | $125 | Not yet sourced |
|
* Custom Trim 60/40 Notchback seat, includes seat & shoulder belts, rear compartment lighter & litter container6 | $200 | Not yet sourced |
|
* Custom Trim with Vinyl 40/40 front vinyl seat, seat & shoulder belts, rear compartment lighter & litter container6 | $182 | Not yet sourced |
Paint
| Code | Color | Built |
|---|---|---|
A-19 |
Regal Black7,3 | Not yet sourced |
C-11 |
Arctic White7 | Not yet sourced |
D-24 |
Medium Blue Metallic7 | Not yet sourced |
E-28 |
Mediterranean Blue7 | Not yet sourced |
F-29 |
Midnight Blue7 | Not yet sourced |
G-42 |
Jade Green7 | Not yet sourced |
J-48 |
Dark Green7 | Not yet sourced |
K-54 |
Autumn Gold7 | Not yet sourced |
L-56 |
Colonial Yellow7 | Not yet sourced |
M-60 |
Harvest Gold7 | Not yet sourced |
N-64 |
Silver Cloud7 | Not yet sourced |
P-65 |
Burnt Coral7 | Not yet sourced |
Q-66 |
Taupe Metallic7 | Not yet sourced |
R-67 |
Midnight Gray7 | Not yet sourced |
S-68 |
Brown Metallic7 | Not yet sourced |
T-74 |
Burgundy7 | Not yet sourced |
U-81 |
Yellow Beige7 | 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 |
|---|---|---|
274 |
Vinyl 40/40 (standard): Sandalwood7 | Not yet sourced |
278 |
Vinyl 40/40 (standard): Black7 | Not yet sourced |
361 |
Cloth notchback bench (optional): Blue7 | Not yet sourced |
364 |
Cloth notchback bench (optional): Sandalwood7 | Not yet sourced |
366 |
Cloth notchback bench (optional): Saddle7 | Not yet sourced |
460 |
Vinyl notchback 60/40 (optional): Green7 | Not yet sourced |
464 |
Vinyl notchback 60/40 (optional): Sandalwood7 | Not yet sourced |
466 |
Vinyl notchback 60/40 (optional): Saddle7 | Not yet sourced |
468 |
Vinyl notchback 60/40 (optional): Black7 | Not yet sourced |
469 |
Vinyl notchback 60/40 (optional): Burgundy7 | Not yet sourced |
475 |
Vinyl 40/40 (optional): White7 | Not yet sourced |
476 |
Vinyl 40/40 (optional): Saddle7 | Not yet sourced |
478 |
Vinyl 40/40 (optional): Black7 | Not yet sourced |
Specifications
| Measure | Value | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Curb weight8 | 5,047 lb | Riviera |
| Wheelbase8 | 122 in | Riviera |
| Track, front / rear8 | 63.6 / 64.0 in | Riviera |
| Overall length8 | 223.4 in | Riviera |
| Width8 | 79.9 in | Riviera |
| Height8 | 54 in | Riviera |
| Tire size (standard, option)8 | HR70x15 | Riviera |
Identification
- VIN
- E.g. 4V57J3H446727 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 (3); plant (C, G, H, L Van Nuys, X, Y, Z); production number. ROA: the letter W marks the Stage 1 engine in 1973-74.4,5
- Engine codes
- ROA: standard 455 code XF (250 hp); Stage I XA (260 hp). TeamBuick: XF 455 225 hp single exhaust; XS 455 250/260 hp; XA Stage I 270 hp.6,5,4
- GS / Stage 1 identification
- Stage 1 badge in the grille for the first time; chromed air-cleaner lid; 3.23 Positive Traction axle; GS emblems changed from red to gold and the GS option became a ride-and-handling package only; cars could carry both emblems.5,3
Identification
Read a 1973 Buick VIN
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Same model year
Also in 1973
- AMC AMX The Javelin AMX's best year. 5,707 were built, a quarter of them with the 401, alongside the Trans Am Victory decal and the Pierre Cardin interior.
- AMC Gremlin X and Spirit AMX The V8 Gremlin X continued, with new stripes and an available Levi's denim-look interior. No production split has been found.
- AMC Javelin The SST name dropped away and new twin 'TV-screen' taillights arrived. Javelin production reached 25,195, alongside the Trans Am Victory decal package.
- Buick Skylark Gran Sport, GS and GSX On the new Colonnade A-body the GS became a Century Gran Sport package; 6,637 were built, 728 with the 455 Stage 1.
- Chevrolet Chevelle and Malibu SS The Colonnade Chevelle's only SS year: RPO Z15 on the Malibu coupe and, for the first and only time, the station wagon, with a 245 net hp 454 available.
- Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova Hatchback appears in the source body table; SS offered with any engine per the source. Enthusiast-compiled production: 369,509 cars; Super Sport 35,542.
- Chevrolet El Camino SS The new Colonnade El Camino could still be ordered with RPO Z15 SS equipment; no El Camino SS count was found.
- Dodge Challenger The six was gone: every 1973 Challenger hardtop had a V8, the 318 standard and the 340 optional, with the Rallye now sold as a package.
- Dodge Charger The Charger's best-selling year of the original era, 119,318 cars, came as the 440 lost its Magnum name and the car moved toward personal luxury.
- Dodge Dart GTS, Swinger and Demon Renamed Dart Sport, the fastback's 340 model sold 11,315 in the 340's final year.
- Ford Maverick Grabber The 200 six became standard as the 170 was dropped; Classic Industries counts 32,350 Grabbers.
- Ford Ranchero GT The Ranchero GT continued on the 1972-76 Ranchero; 15,320 GTs were built, per reference-site counts in the Standard Catalog lineage.
- Ford Thunderbird The 429 4V was standard and the 460 4V optional in the sixth generation's best-selling year.
- Ford Torino The 1973 Torino kept the 1972 body behind a heavier bumper; the Gran Torino Sport fell to 51,853 SportsRoofs and 17,090 hardtops while the 351 Cobra Jet remained the performance engine.
- Mercury Cougar The last Cougar convertible and the last 351 Cobra Jet year, with production up to 60,629 as buyers shifted to the XR-7.
- Mercury Montego GT The Montego GT fastback's second and last year; a vehicle profile reports 4,464 built.
- Oldsmobile Cutlass, 4-4-2 and Hurst/Olds On the new Colonnade Cutlass the 4-4-2 was a W-29 appearance and handling option, and the Hurst/Olds came in white or, for the first time, black: 1,097 built.
- Plymouth Barracuda and 'Cuda V8 only: the 318 became standard on both Barracuda and 'Cuda, the 340 moved to the option list, and production rose for the only time after 1970.
- Plymouth Duster 340 and 360 The 340's last year in the Duster produced 15,731 cars with power front disc brakes now standard, and the Spacemaker Pak fold-down rear seat joined the line.
- Plymouth GTX, Belvedere and Satellite For 1973 the GTX name survived only through the Road Runner's optional 440 four-barrel, which came with TorqueFlite only; Mueller's Muscle Car Source Book counts 749 of them.
- Plymouth Road Runner A secondary count puts production back up to 19,056, the highest of the 1971-1974 Satellite-based years.
- Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am The Super Duty year: 4,802 Trans Ams, 252 of them SD-455s.
- Pontiac GTO A GTO option on the new Colonnade LeMans, with the 400 standard and a 455 optional; 4,806 built.
- Pontiac Grand Am Pontiac's Colonnade GT with an Endura nose and a 400 or 455; 43,137 built, the Grand Am's best year, with 1,058 four-speeds.
- Pontiac Grand Prix The Colonnade-body Grand Prix arrives, with the 400 standard and the 455 in the SJ.
- Pontiac Tempest and LeMans The Colonnade LeMans arrives, with GTO and GT options for the two-door models and a Super Duty 455 listed for the LeMans in Pontiac's dealer book.