1976 · Buick · United States
1976 Buick Riviera: The GS Becomes the S/R
The GS name gave way to an S/R package, fitted to 1,619 of 20,082 Rivieras.
United States · researched through 2026-09-22
The Riviera Owners Association lists 20,082 Rivieras for 1976, this record's own overview states, including 1,619 with the S/R option, the standard 455 listed at 205 horsepower SAE net. This record's own key facts section adds that only 80 1976 Rivieras were sold without air conditioning, and that 93.7 percent had power seats, 82 percent cruise control and 76.4 percent vinyl roofs, all drawn from the Owners Association's own Evolution article for the year.1,2,3
This record's own options section describes the year's performance-adjacent package under a name rather than a letter code, "Riviera S/R - Custom Trim W/Cloth 40-40 Front Seat with Console, Custom Seat & Shoulder Belts and Litter Container," priced at $276 for 1,619 cars, its own installs note crediting both the Owners Association's production table and its Evolution article for that count. This record's own identification section carries no separate entry for the year, and its own conflicts section is likewise empty.4,1
This record's own interiors section lists 16 trims for 1976: a standard velour cloth-and-vinyl notchback bench in Buckskin or Red, optional patterned velour-and-vinyl 60/40 notchback seating in Blue, Buckskin or Red, optional 60/40 vinyl notchback seating in a white-with-accent-colours combination, Buckskin or Red, optional 40/40 vinyl buckets with console in the same three colourways, optional 60/40 leather notchback seating repeating those same three colourways again, and two colours reserved for the S/R package's own 40/40 brushed-knit cloth buckets, Buckskin and Red. This record's own paint table carries 16 colours from the Owners Association's 1976 chart, led by Judicial Black.5
This record's own prices section carries two figures for the year: $6,795 from the Owners Association's own transcription of the August 14, 1975 price list, and $6,798 from its own separately written Evolution article, neither reconciled against the other in this record's own text. This record's own options section itemizes 93 entries in total, most of them priced individually by the Owners Association's own transcription of the 1976 order form, the costliest among them the four Astroroof colour choices at $891 apiece and the electric sunroof at $725.4,3
This record's own specifications section carries seven 1976 figures from the Owners Association's weights-and-measures table: a 4,810-pound curb weight, a 122.0-inch wheelbase, front and rear track of 63.6 and 64.0 inches, a 218.6-inch overall length, an 80.0-inch width, a 54.0-inch height, and a JR78x15 tire size, with no separate row given for the S/R package, which this record's own table treats as sharing the standard Riviera's dimensions. This record's own unpublished-leads section is empty for the year, and its own performance and transmissions sections carry no entries either.6
This record's own overview and options sections together describe 1976 as the year the GS name itself dropped from the Riviera lineup, its ride-and-handling role folded into the newly named S/R package rather than continued under its own letter code; this record's own text states the change without explaining Buick's reasoning for it, so the record leaves that reasoning unstated rather than inferring one; the S/R's own $276 price and 1,619-car install count are the only figures this record's own text ties to the renamed package.1,4
Fact sheet · 1976 · United States
The numbers
1976 Buick Riviera — The GS name gave way to an S/R package, fitted to 1,619 of 20,082 Rivieras.
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: only 80 1976 Rivieras were sold without air conditioning; 93.7% had power seats, 82% cruise control and 76.4% vinyl roofs.3
Production
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riviera, all1,2 Riviera · 2-door · not stated by source ROA and Wikipedia agree. | 20,082 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riviera S/R option1 Riviera S/R option · 2-door · 455 · automatic · not stated by source | 1,619 | built, model-year | Reported |
Package rows are subsets of the total.
Prices when new
| Model | Price | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Riviera sport coupe (4EZ87)4 | $6,795 | manufacturer's suggested retail price as transcribed by the Riviera Owners Association, 1976 (8-14-75 list) |
| Riviera price (ROA Evolution)3 | $6,798 | price as stated in ROA's Evolution article, 1976 |
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 | 205 hp (SAE net (as listed by ROA)) | standard | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
B4order code (Buick option code) |
Full Length Operating Console (40/40 Seats Req.)4 | $72 | Not yet sourced |
D1order code (Buick option code) |
AM Radio4 | $92 | Not yet sourced |
D2order code (Buick option code) |
AM Radio & Stereo Tape Player W/Front and Rear Dual Speakers4 | $228 | Not yet sourced |
D3order code (Buick option code) |
AM-FM Stereo Radio & Stereo Tape Player With Front and Rear Dual Speakers4 | $341 | Not yet sourced |
D4order code (Buick option code) |
AM-FM Stereo Radio With Front and Rear Dual Speakers4 | $236 | Not yet sourced |
D5order code (Buick option code) |
AM-FM Radio4 | $153 | Not yet sourced |
D6order code (Buick option code) |
Rear Seat Speaker (Single)4 | $20 | Not yet sourced |
D7order code (Buick option code) |
Automatic Power Antenna4 | $40 | Not yet sourced |
D8order code (Buick option code) |
Front & Rear Dual Speakers (D1 or D5 Req.)4 | $41 | Not yet sourced |
D9order code (Buick option code) |
Windshield Antenna4 | $22 | Not yet sourced |
E3order code (Buick option code) |
Fuel Usage Gauge4 | $25 | Not yet sourced |
E5order code (Buick option code) |
California Assembly Line Emission Testing (Required in Calif. only)4 | $50 | Not yet sourced |
F1order code (Buick option code) |
Steel Belted Radial Whitewall Tires (JR78-15/B)4 | $44 | Not yet sourced |
F3order code (Buick option code) |
Wide Whitewalls4 | $60 | Not yet sourced |
G4order code (Buick option code) |
Positive Traction Differential (Included with A1)4 | $54 | Not yet sourced |
H2order code (Buick option code) |
Firm Ride and Handling (H.D. Suspension, Springs & Wheels) (Recommended for trailer towing.)4 | $17 | Not yet sourced |
H3order code (Buick option code) |
Automatic Level Control4 | $93 | Not yet sourced |
H4order code (Buick option code) |
Rally Ride & Handling4 | $34 | Not yet sourced |
I3order code (Buick option code) |
Heavy Duty Engine and Transmission Cooling (H.D. Radiator)4 | $25 | Not yet sourced |
I5order code (Buick option code) |
Automatic Climate Control A/C System4 | $594 | Not yet sourced |
I6order code (Buick option code) |
Air Conditioner4 | $512 | Not yet sourced |
J3order code (Buick option code) |
Color Coordinated Custom Front & Rear Seat Belts (3 each) & Front Shoulder Belts (2) (Std. on Custom Trims)4 | $0 | Not yet sourced |
J4order code (Buick option code) |
Air cushion restraint system4 | — | Not yet sourced |
K1order code (Buick option code) |
Cornering Lights4 | $40 | Not yet sourced |
K2order code (Buick option code) |
Speed Alert & Trip Odometer4 | $19 | Not yet sourced |
K4order code (Buick option code) |
Three speed windshield wiper with low speed delay feature4 | $28 | Not yet sourced |
L1order code (Buick option code) |
Soft-Ray Tinted Glass4 | $64 | Not yet sourced |
L2order code (Buick option code) |
Soft-Ray Tinted Windshield4 | $41 | Not yet sourced |
L3order code (Buick option code) |
80 AMP Delcotron4 | $35 | Not yet sourced |
L7order code (Buick option code) |
Headlamp on Indicator4 | $7 | Not yet sourced |
M1order code (Buick option code) |
Engine Block Heater4 | $12 | Not yet sourced |
M2order code (Buick option code) |
Electric Rear Window Defogger4 | $78 | Not yet sourced |
M3order code (Buick option code) |
Rear Window Defogger (Blower)4 | $43 | Not yet sourced |
M4order code (Buick option code) |
Four Note Horn4 | $17 | Not yet sourced |
N1order code (Buick option code) |
Heavy Duty Air Cleaner4 | $11 | Not yet sourced |
N5order code (Buick option code) |
Bumper Guards (Rear)4 | $18 | Not yet sourced |
N9order code (Buick option code) |
Chrome Air Cleaner4 | $17 | Not yet sourced |
O1order code (Buick option code) |
Door Guards4 | $8 | Not yet sourced |
O4order code (Buick option code) |
Remote Control Outside Rear View Mirror-Right4 | $29 | Not yet sourced |
O5order code (Buick option code) |
Outside Rear View Sport Mirrors (Left & Right Remote)4 | $36 | Not yet sourced |
O6order code (Buick option code) |
Remote Control Outside Rear View Mirror w/Thermometer - Left4 | $19 | Not yet sourced |
P1order code (Buick option code) |
Carpet Savers and Handy Mats4 | $17 | Not yet sourced |
P2order code (Buick option code) |
Front Carpet Savers4 | $9.50 | Not yet sourced |
P3order code (Buick option code) |
Litter Pocket (Std. w/Extra Cost Trim)4 | $6 | Not yet sourced |
Q1order code (Buick option code) |
Power Seat 6-Way, Bench or Driver Side Only on 60/40 & 40/40 Seats4 | $126 | Not yet sourced |
Q2order code (Buick option code) |
Power Seat 6-Way, Driver & Passenger or 60/40 Seats & 40/40 Seats4 | $247 | Not yet sourced |
Q3order code (Buick option code) |
Door Courtesy & Warning Light4 | $30 | Not yet sourced |
Q4order code (Buick option code) |
Dome Reading Light4 | $15 | Not yet sourced |
R1order code (Buick option code) |
Power Windows Standard4 | $0 | Not yet sourced |
R3order code (Buick option code) |
Front & Rear Light Monitors4 | $48 | Not yet sourced |
S2order code (Buick option code) |
Freedom Battery4 | $29 | Not yet sourced |
S3order code (Buick option code) |
Cruise Master4 | $79 | Not yet sourced |
S6order code (Buick option code) |
Tilt & Telescoping Steering Column4 | $42 | Not yet sourced |
T1order code (Buick option code) |
Electric Trunk Release4 | $17 | Not yet sourced |
T2order code (Buick option code) |
Electric Door Locks4 | $63 | Not yet sourced |
T3order code (Buick option code) |
Electric Door and Seat Back Locks4 | $90 | Not yet sourced |
T5order code (Buick option code) |
Automatic Electric Door Locks4 | $93 | Not yet sourced |
U2order code (Buick option code) |
Low Fuel Indicator4 | $11 | Not yet sourced |
U3order code (Buick option code) |
Sunshade Map Light4 | $10 | Not yet sourced |
U7order code (Buick option code) |
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirror4 | $40 | Not yet sourced |
V2order code (Buick option code) |
Chrome Plated Wheels4 | $117 | Not yet sourced |
V4order code (Buick option code) |
Super Deluxe Wheel Covers4 | $40 | Not yet sourced |
V6order code (Buick option code) |
Deluxe Wire Wheel Covers4 | $70 | Not yet sourced |
V7order code (Buick option code) |
Styled Wheel Covers4 | $32 | Not yet sourced |
V9order code (Buick option code) |
Heavy Duty Wheels4 | $12 | Not yet sourced |
W4order code (Buick option code) |
Protective Body Side Molding (Front Fender & Body Side)4 | $52 | Not yet sourced |
W7order code (Buick option code) |
Body Side Stripe4 | $31 | Not yet sourced |
Y1order code (Buick option code) |
Riviera Two-Tone - Blue W/Silver4 | $135 | Not yet sourced |
Y2order code (Buick option code) |
- Black W/Silver4 | $135 | Not yet sourced |
Y3order code (Buick option code) |
- Red W/Silver4 | $135 | Not yet sourced |
Y4order code (Buick option code) |
- Gray W/Dark Gray4 | $135 | Not yet sourced |
Y7order code (Buick option code) |
Trunk Trim Carpeting4 | $50 | Not yet sourced |
Z2order code (Buick option code) |
Sun Roof-Electric Operation (R1 Req.)4 | $725 | Not yet sourced |
Z3order code (Buick option code) |
Astroroof - Silver4 | $891 | Not yet sourced |
Z4order code (Buick option code) |
Astroroof - Gold4 | $891 | Not yet sourced |
Z5order code (Buick option code) |
Astroroof - Shadow Light4 | $891 | Not yet sourced |
Z6order code (Buick option code) |
Astroroof - Rose4 | $891 | Not yet sourced |
|
1 2 Trailer Tow Flasher & Harness (5 wire)4 | $16 | Not yet sourced |
|
1 3 Trailer Tow Flasher & Harness (7 wire)4 | $27 | Not yet sourced |
|
31 Special Car Order Paint4 | $126 | Not yet sourced |
|
41 Body Side Accent Stripes - Blue4 | $33 | Not yet sourced |
|
45 Body Side Accent Stripes - White4 | $33 | Not yet sourced |
|
46 Body Side Accent Stripes - Gold4 | $33 | Not yet sourced |
|
48 Body Side Accent Stripes - Black4 | $33 | Not yet sourced |
|
49 Body Side Accent Stripes - Red4 | $33 | Not yet sourced |
Border code (Buick option code) |
Two-tone paint with rear quarter belt finish molding4 | $48 | Not yet sourced |
Dorder code (Buick option code) |
Custom vinyl roof and molding4 | $139 | Not yet sourced |
Lorder code (Buick option code) |
Landau custom vinyl roof4 | $399 | Not yet sourced |
Norder code (Buick option code) |
Landau top with crown molding4 | $499 | Not yet sourced |
|
* * Leather Upholstery Group-Leather4 | $302 | Not yet sourced |
|
* * Custom Trim W/60-40 Notchback Front Seat, Custom Seat & Shoulder Belts, Litter Container & Spare Wheel Cover. Vinyl and cloth.4 | $123 | Not yet sourced |
|
* * Custom Trim W/60-40 Front Seat, Custom Seat and Shoulder Belts, Litter Container and Spare Wheel Cover4 | $97 | Not yet sourced |
|
Riviera S/R - Custom Trim W/Cloth 40-40 Front Seat with Console, Custom Seat & Shoulder Belts and Litter Container4 | $276 | 1,6191,3 Reported |
Paint
| Code | Color | Built |
|---|---|---|
A |
Judicial Black5 | Not yet sourced |
C |
Liberty White5 | Not yet sourced |
D |
Pewter Gray5 | Not yet sourced |
G |
Potomac Blue5 | Not yet sourced |
H |
Continental Blue5 | Not yet sourced |
I |
Concord Green5 | Not yet sourced |
L |
Constitution Green5 | Not yet sourced |
M |
Mt. Vernon Cream5 | Not yet sourced |
N |
Colonial Yellow5 | Not yet sourced |
P |
Congressional Cream5 | Not yet sourced |
Q |
Buckskin Tan5 | Not yet sourced |
R |
Musket Brown5 | Not yet sourced |
U |
Firecracker Orange5 | Not yet sourced |
V |
Boston Red5 | Not yet sourced |
W |
Independence Red5 | Not yet sourced |
X |
Revere Red5 | 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 |
|---|---|---|
156 |
Velour cloth and vinyl notchback bench (standard): Buckskin5 | Not yet sourced |
159 |
Velour cloth and vinyl notchback bench (standard): Red5 | Not yet sourced |
561 |
Patterned velour and vinyl 60/40 notchback (optional): Blue5 | Not yet sourced |
566 |
Patterned velour and vinyl 60/40 notchback (optional): Buckskin5 | Not yet sourced |
569 |
Patterned velour and vinyl 60/40 notchback (optional): Red5 | Not yet sourced |
665 |
60/40 vinyl notchback (optional): White with accent colours5 | Not yet sourced |
666 |
60/40 vinyl notchback (optional): Buckskin5 | Not yet sourced |
669 |
60/40 vinyl notchback (optional): Red5 | Not yet sourced |
675 |
40/40 vinyl buckets with console (optional): White with accent colours5 | Not yet sourced |
676 |
40/40 vinyl buckets with console (optional): Buckskin5 | Not yet sourced |
679 |
40/40 vinyl buckets with console (optional): Red5 | Not yet sourced |
965 |
60/40 leather notchback (optional): White with accent colours5 | Not yet sourced |
966 |
60/40 leather notchback (optional): Buckskin5 | Not yet sourced |
969 |
60/40 leather notchback (optional): Red5 | Not yet sourced |
576 |
40/40 brushed-knit cloth buckets (S/R): Buckskin5 | Not yet sourced |
579 |
40/40 brushed-knit cloth buckets (S/R): Red5 | Not yet sourced |
Specifications
| Measure | Value | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Curb weight6 | 4,810 lb | Riviera |
| Wheelbase6 | 122 in | Riviera |
| Track, front / rear6 | 63.6 / 64.0 in | Riviera |
| Overall length6 | 218.6 in | Riviera |
| Width6 | 80 in | Riviera |
| Height6 | 54 in | Riviera |
| Tire size (standard, option)6 | JR78x15 | Riviera |
Identification
Read a 1976 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 1976
- AMC AMX No AMX was sold in the United States for 1976. The Javelin ended after 1974, and the badge returned on the 1977 Hornet.
- AMC Gremlin X and Spirit AMX The last year of the V8 Gremlin. The 304 was cancelled at midyear after 826 installations, and the X package moved to Custom models only.
- Chevrolet Chevelle and Malibu SS The final Laguna Type S-3 year; the 454 no longer appears on the compiled engine list.
- Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova Last Nova SS year in the source production table. Enthusiast-compiled production: 334,728 cars; Super Sport 7,416.
- Chevrolet El Camino SS Colonnade-era El Camino; Chevrolet's 1976 data pages define the RPO Z15 SS option for the El Camino Classic. Team Chevelle's production totals give 44,890 El Caminos built, 5,163 of them with SS equipment.
- Dodge Dart GTS, Swinger and Demon The final year of the approved Dart chronology; MuscleCarClub reports 13,642 Dart Sports of all engines, and Flory says the Dart Sport 360 was dropped.
- Ford Maverick Grabber The Grabber was dropped and a Stallion paint-and-trim package took its place; no Stallion count was found.
- Ford Ranchero GT The Ranchero GT continued on the 1972-76 Ranchero; 4,942 GTs were built, per reference-site counts in the Standard Catalog lineage.
- Ford Thunderbird Sixth-generation personal-luxury Thunderbird; the record holds the production total and the luxury-group option prices only.
- Ford Torino The last Torino year: 193,096 built with no Sport model left, and Ford's 1,000 white-striped red 'Starsky and Hutch' Gran Torino replicas were the only performance-styled edition.
- Mercury Cougar Outside the muscle focus: 83,765 Cougars for 1976 per Wikipedia's table.
- Oldsmobile Cutlass, 4-4-2 and Hurst/Olds An appearance and handling option in this period; no Hurst/Olds was offered and no production figure was found.
- Plymouth Duster 340 and 360 The Duster's last year offered the 360 only with TorqueFlite and not in California, beside the new Feather Duster economy and Silver Duster decor packages; reference books disagree on production (26,688 or 34,681).
- Plymouth Road Runner The Road Runner became a Volare option package.
- Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am The first black-and-gold Trans Am, the last Trans Am 455, and a Firebird line past 110,000.
- Pontiac Grand Prix Quad headlamps and a 50th-anniversary year for Pontiac; the last Grand Prix 455.
- Pontiac Tempest and LeMans The 455 returns to the LeMans options list, a 260 V8 with a five-speed arrives for the Sport Coupe, and a Rally RTS Handling Package replaces the GT.