Buick Riviera -- the Boat Tail Years in 1/43-scale

[Centurion]

1/43-scale models of the 1971 and 1972 Buick Rivieras have been available for a number of years, but my collecting is just now catching up to these cars.  The cars themselves have long fascinated me, and I have often thought of them as the last genuinely distinctive large American cars.  They were somewhat controversial even when new, but the controversy has served to boost their collector interest.  I said to myself for many years that the cars were relative bargains, but the prices have been rising steadily during recent years for high quality examples.  I've enjoyed photographing the 1:1 cars, and it's time to turn my attention to the 1:43-scale examples.

 

My picks are the following:

 

1971 in Vintage Red by True Scale Miniatures

1972 in Champagne Gold by Premium X

1972 in Emerald Mist by Western Models Collector Edition

 

There may be additional boat tail Rivieras available, but these cars are all well-detailed and have a very correct appearance.  There are some small differences in scale among the three, but every one of these is a worthy addition for collectors seeking images of this kind.  The 1972 offering from Western Models Collector Edition is my favorite of the group, as it should be given its substantially higher price point.  The heavy white metal construction of the WMCE car is impressive, but the other two, both Chinese-made resin models, did not disappoint me.

 

 

 

[Centurion]

WMCE modeled its Emerald Mist car with the heavy front bumper guard option, which was a first step toward the stronger bumper standards.

 

 

 

In 1:1, the cleaner appearance of the 1971 models make them my favorite, and TSM's Vintage Red version illustrates the shapely body design.

 

[Centurion]

Premium X's '72 may wear the most convincing small scale rendition of Buick's chrome-plated road wheels.

 

 

 

All three display perfectly together.

 

[Centurion]

 

 

[Centurion]

 

 

I believe that these boat tail Rivieras benefit from the best 1:43 replicas among all of the early Rivieras that have been offered, although Neo's 1969 and 1970 models are credible offerings.  (Inexplicably, the beautiful 1966 and 1967 Rivieras have not, to my knowledge, been rendered in 1:43.)

 

[Centurion]

Appearing in the background of a few photos is the WMCE 1972 Buick Electra 225 4-door hardtop.  While WMCE's '72 Riviera seems spot-on in terms of accuracy, the Electra 225's proportions and details are a bit off, but I'm thankful to have the model and appreciate its white metal charms.

 

 

 

As a parting shot, I had the pleasure of gathering fine, original examples of the 1971 and 1972 Rivieras for some photos last year, and had a blast seeing these cars together.

 

[MrEarl]

Wow Brian, more great displays and images!!! You are quite a photographer also. Just curious, what type of camera are you using on all these, they have great resolution and clarity. Must say, here is my favorite.

 

 

As before, Thanks so much for sharing!!!