Few custom-built American grand tourers demonstrate the level of craftsmanship, engineering, and attention to detail found in this extraordinary 1965 Buick Riviera GS. Created by the renowned specialists at Detroit Speed & Engineering, this one-off Pro Touring masterpiece transforms one of Buick’s most elegant designs into a modern high-performance machine without sacrificing its unmistakable character.
With a documented build cost exceeding $1.25 million, this Riviera represents the absolute pinnacle of custom automotive engineering.
Reimagining a Design Legend
The 1965 Buick Riviera is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful American automobiles ever produced.
Its long hood, clean proportions, and distinctive body lines have earned it icon status among collectors and enthusiasts alike. Detroit Speed approached this project with enormous respect for the original design, carefully enhancing every surface while preserving the Riviera’s timeless presence.
Finished in stunning Rosso Mugello Red, the bodywork incorporates countless custom-fabricated elements, including hand-built bumpers, bespoke trim pieces, and unique billet components created exclusively for this build.
The result is immediately recognizable as a Riviera, yet unlike any Riviera ever produced.
Detroit Speed Engineering Excellence
While the exterior remains faithful to Buick’s design heritage, the engineering underneath is entirely modern.
Detroit Speed equipped the car with its proprietary hydroformed front suspension system, paired with a sophisticated three-link Swivel-Link rear suspension and JRi hydraulically adjustable coilovers.
This advanced chassis setup transforms the driving experience, delivering handling, ride quality, and stability that rival modern performance grand tourers.
The build also benefits from:
- Detroit Speed hydroformed front subframe
- Three-link Swivel-Link rear suspension
- JRi adjustable coilover suspension
- Carbon-ceramic Brembo braking system
- Bosch ABS
- Forgeline performance wheels
- Michelin high-performance tires
Together, these components elevate the Riviera far beyond traditional restomod standards.
730 Horsepower with Vintage Character
Power comes from a Mast Motorsports Black Label LSX V8 producing approximately 730 horsepower.
In a remarkable tribute to Buick heritage, the engine has been visually disguised to resemble the legendary Buick Nailhead V8, preserving the period-correct appearance while delivering supercar-level performance.
A modern six-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift capability ensures effortless power delivery, creating a unique blend of classic American muscle and contemporary drivability.
A Bespoke Interior
Inside, the cabin reflects the same obsessive attention to detail evident throughout the build.
Custom brown leather upholstery combines with handcrafted bloodwood veneers, billet aluminum details, and modern instrumentation to create an environment that feels both luxurious and purposeful.
Every component has been individually considered, from the redesigned dashboard controls to the custom steering wheel and interior trim pieces.
Highlights include:
- Handcrafted brown leather interior
- Bloodwood wood veneers
- Custom billet interior components
- Paddle-shift controls
- Classic Instruments gauges
- Fully bespoke dashboard and switchgear
The result is a cabin that feels entirely unique while remaining faithful to the Riviera’s original spirit.
A SEMA-Level Showpiece
This exceptional Riviera was built to the highest standards of the custom automotive world and gained recognition as a featured SEMA show car.
Widely regarded as one of the finest modern Pro Touring builds ever created, it has also been featured by respected automotive publications and enthusiasts who recognize the extraordinary level of craftsmanship involved.
Vehicles of this caliber rarely reach the public market, making this a significant opportunity for collectors seeking something truly unique.
The Cost of Perfection
According to Detroit Speed and industry experts, recreating a build of this complexity and quality today would comfortably exceed one million dollars.
The extraordinary fabrication work, engineering development, custom-machined components, and concours-level finishing place this Riviera among the most expensive and sophisticated Pro Touring builds ever completed.
More importantly, it represents thousands of hours of craftsmanship that simply cannot be replicated quickly or economically.
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This Detroit Speed Buick Riviera combines classic American styling, modern supercar-level engineering, and bespoke craftsmanship in a truly one-of-one creation.
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Vehicle Specifications
- Model: Buick Riviera GS
- Year: 1965
- Builder: Detroit Speed & Engineering
- Engine: Mast Motorsports Black Label LSX V8
- Power: 730 HP
- Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shift
- Exterior Color: Rosso Mugello Red
- Interior: Custom Brown Leather
- Suspension: Detroit Speed Front & Rear
- Brakes: Brembo Carbon-Ceramic
- Wheels: Forgeline
- Tires: Michelin Performance
- Build Cost: Over $1.25 Million
- Status: One-Off Custom Build
Dealer Information
This 1965 Buick Riviera GS is offered by Legendary Motorcar Company, one of North America’s most respected specialists in collector vehicles, custom builds, muscle cars, and investment-grade automobiles.