From Boat-Tail to Muscle Flanks: The Revolutionary Design of the 1971 Riviera Muscle Car – Design You Trust

From Boat-Tail to Muscle Flanks: The Revolutionary Design of the 1971 Riviera Muscle Car

1971-buick-riviera-1

The year 1971 marked a significant milestone in the history of the Buick Riviera, an iconic luxury car produced by General Motors (GM) since 1963. Under the direction of GM’s chief styling director, Bill Mitchell, the Riviera underwent a radical redesign that introduced flowing and dramatic “boat-tail” styling, which was penned by Jerry Hirshberg, the future head of design for Nissan.

h/t: vintag.es

1971-buick-riviera-2

Despite its bold and innovative design, the Riviera’s controversial styling irked automotive writers of the time. The boat-tail rear and muscular rear flanks were particularly contentious, but the fastback roof line and massive rear window were overlooked due to the spaciousness of the coupe, which could comfortably seat five people.

1971-buick-riviera-3

One of the most significant changes made to the 1971 Riviera was the installation of GM’s mightiest engine, the 455, which provided ample power to the car. However, due to EPA mandates, GM had to reduce the power to 255 hp with 265 hp in the Gran Sport by lowering compression ratio. Higher options could increase the massive V8 power to 330 while retaining the car’s quiet and smooth ride.

1971-buick-riviera-4

The 1971 Riviera also featured GM’s “Full-Flo” ventilation system and two large deck lid louvers. Soft-Ray tinted glass, all-vinyl bench seats with custom trim or front buckets (which made them a little plasticky) and tilt steering came as standard. The car’s daring lines included a thrusting, pointed grille, a 122 in wheelbase (longer than previous Rivieras), muscular rear flanks that flow into boat-tail rear, which distinguished the ’71 Rivieras.

1971-buick-riviera-5

Ultimately, the 1971 Riviera marked a bold new direction for Buick’s luxury car line, pushing the boundaries of design and establishing it as a classic American muscle car. Today, these cars remain highly sought after by collectors who appreciate their unique styling and powerful performance.

1971-buick-riviera-6
1971-buick-riviera-7
1971-buick-riviera-8
1971-buick-riviera-9
1971-buick-riviera-10
1971-buick-riviera-11
1971-buick-riviera-12
1971-buick-riviera-13
1971-buick-riviera-14
1971-buick-riviera-15
1971-buick-riviera-16
1971-buick-riviera-17

If you want more awesome content, subscribe to 'Oh, Design You Trust,' our brand new Facebook page! Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

More Inspiring Stories

50 Awesome and Colorful Photoshoots of the 1970s Fashion and Style Trends
Me My Dog And I: 30 Lovely Vintage Jack Russell Photographs
Adorable 1970s Valentine's Day Cards Featuring The McDonaldland Characters
Amazing Behind the Scenes Photos From the Making of the Sci-Fi Classic “The Incredible Shrinking Man”, 1957
Provocative Images of Young Men in Blue Jeans in Post-War Switzerland
Afro Hair On Album Covers
Candid Photographs of Canadian Teenage Girls in the 1940s
‘Ello John. Got A New Motor – Retro Porsche Posters
"False Gods": The Superb Retro Aesthetic Artworks of Fârzad Borousan
Beautiful Vintage Photos Show How Cool Moms Were in the 1960s
Palermo Viejo: Photographer Captured Abandoned Vintage Cars in Italy
Gorgeous Celestial Maps And Illustrations From A 19th Century American Atlas
Oldtimer Vintage Cars by Mirko Frank
1977 Pontiac Phantom, the Last Car Designed by Bill Mitchell, One of the Automobile Industry’s Best Known Designers
Beehive Hairdo: The Women’s Popular Hairstyle Throughout the 1960s
Cool Vintage Photographs of Young Couple Looking to Get Married at a McDonald’s in 1977
Jack London’s Extraordinary Photos of London’s East End in 1902
Adhesive Bras: The Stick-On Bra Swimsuit that Was Quite Distinctive in 1949
New York Over 35 Years Ago – 55 Color Snapshots Show The Most Populous City In The United States In 1980
People Are Sharing Pics Of Life 50-100 Years Ago And They Might Put Things In A New Perspective
Nostalgic Photos Show Fashion Styles of Young People in the 1980s
Lettering Artist Rafael Serra Creates Popular Logos in A Vintage Spirit
The Flatmobile - World’s Lowest Street Legal Car
This Is How Soviets Imagined 21st Century Will Look Like: The Soviet Eera Sci-Fi Mag That Wanted To Predict The Future