1971 Buick "Boattail" Riviera 

The 1971 Buick Riviera design was one that people either loved or hated, and that still happens today. It was an attempt to capture the classic flavor of the old 1930s Boattail Roadsters, but there are those who argue that it just didn’t come off correctly ,while others insist it did. Either way, it's never been clear as to who exactly was responsible for styling the “Boattail” Riviera of 1971-1973. The original concept was the Buick “Y-Job,” an experimental show car styled by Harley Earl, that was built in 1938. 

The original idea was for the 1971 Riviera to be a smaller car based on the General Motors A-body. Instead, the wheelbase of the Riviera grew to 122 inches. Overall length was also increased, bringing it to 217.4 inches, which was nearly 9 1/2 inches longer than the original 1963 Riviera. The 1971 Riviera became a highway cruiser, almost identical in overall dimensions as the same year Chevrolet Impala. 

Despite its size, performance was decent. The upside was the 455 cu in V8 was kept from the prior year, but the downside was that dropped from 370 to 315 horsepower. It recorded a 0-60 time of 9.7 seconds. For those who wanted more punch, the desired option was the Gran Sport package which gave you a high-performance engine, specially calibrated Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission, a 3.42:1 posi-traction rear, heavy-duty suspension, and H78-15-bias-belted white sidewall tires. (That set you back an additional $200.) Upgrades for the GS mill included larger valves, and a high-lift camshaft boosting horsepower from 315 to 330. (Not as high as years gone by, but well worth it...in my humble opinion.)

Other mods included a perimeter frame, replacing the cruciform type from the earlier Rivieras. That not only gave you side impact protection, but made it possible for the Riviera to share the Buick Electra’s four-link rear axle suspension system. Also, the Riviera had "Max Trac", a device designed to regulate wheelspin for greater traction. This optional computerized gizmo interrupted the ignition any time the rear wheels got to going 10 percent faster than the front wheels. Other options were goodies like air-conditioning, power seats, windows, and door locks.

True, it was big, and the design was controversial, but still to this day, many have called it one of the most beautiful automobiles to come along in many years. Some nice examples remain on the road today. I think she's a beauty.