Phantom Turbines!

[Chimera]

The 1966 Buick Riviera just might be one of the only from-factory-classic cars with a full width phantom grill out there?

 

The one year only wheel covers bring that same elegant pattern spinning to its four corners. 

 

So cool that hence forth they should be deemed: "PHANTOM TURBINES!"

 

 

Edited September 27, 2019 by Chimera (see edit history)

[Chimera]

Im sure there are others out there, yet if so they are much more of the simple brute design. 

 

We like a Sophisticated Brute!

[Pat Curran]

6 hours ago, Chimera said:

The 1966 Buick Riviera just might be one of the only from-factory-classic cars with a full width phantom grill out there?

 

The one year only wheel covers bring that same elegant pattern spinning to its four corners. 

 

So cool that hence forth they should be deemed: "PHANTOM TURBINES!"

 

 

Classy looking all the way!  Tough to keep clean but well worth the effort.  These covers have some weight to them too.  I have a set of driver quality ones if anyone is looking for some.  PM me if so.  Thanks.

[Turbinator]

A very turbine indeed. The first cousin to the 63 /64 cast aluminum turbine with center CAP two bar spinner and emblem. Turbines have a high cool factor.

Yes, indeed.

Turbinator

[RivNut]

Headline: RIVIERA PAVES THE WAY FOR CORVETTE STYLING

 

1968

 

 

A little later

 

 

Edited September 27, 2019 by RivNut (see edit history)

[Seafoam65]

               Notice that the green Riviera in the photos has had the R I V I E R A letters removed from

 the front of the hood.....what a huge improvement! I hate those letters........they   clutter up a beautiful front end design.

[jsgun]

The vette turbines started in 64, I'd like to have a set for my 64 riv but the prices (even for repos) are insane. I was also looking at the vette gauges, same story. Really like the looks of some of the vette parts. Although the Riv turbine caps look amazing.

[Chimera]

Hollywood 1964:

 

Classic auto lore claims a ban shortly after (perhaps as late as 1968) thanks to Nader and the gang with the "unsafe at any speed," motto, yet I even found a Hemmings article showing they attempted to ban them in 2005/NY completely. Freedom prevailed!

 

https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2005/11/03/ban-on-spinner-hubcaps-rolls-to-a-halt/

[PWB]

Perhaps Buick gave the (un-ordered, pricy option) surplus deluxe covers to Chevrolet.

 

The Corvette boys wonder where their checkered flag went from mine.

 

 

[Chimera]

3 hours ago, PWB said:

Perhaps Buick gave the (un-ordered, pricy option) surplus deluxe covers to Chevrolet.

 

The Corvette boys wonder where their checkered flag went from mine.

 

 

 

Such a clean look!

 

Yeah, a Riviera is what you get when you cross a corvette and a tank...

[Chimera]

On 9/27/2019 at 9:28 AM, Seafoam65 said:

               Notice that the green Riviera in the photos has had the R I V I E R A letters removed from

 the front of the hood.....what a huge improvement! I hate those letters........they   clutter up a beautiful front end design.

 

Which do you prefer? the RIVIERA letters centered on the front hood or the script as in 67?

 

You make a good design point, yet at least they claim the Riviera name and don't put BUICK on the front. Like the Ford Raptor. It would be way more cool to see RAPTOR across the front grill than FORD, as an example. This putting the creation before the creator I think is important on some level in design and intention. 

[jsgun]

I've always liked the "Buick" script on the trunk of the 63. I'd like to do that to my 64, and remove the "Riviera" script.