Looks Stock…Until You Look Closer | $1.3 Million 1965 Buick Riviera Restomod!

This week, we have Peter Klutt present a not so ordinary 1965 Buick Riviera. At first glance, this Riviera Gran Sport looks almost stock — lightly lowered, bigger wheels, clean and elegant. But the deeper you look, the more you realize this is one of the most extreme restomods ever built. With $1.3 million invested, nearly every part of this Riviera has been re-engineered or hand-built to look factory. Subtle body modifications, flush-mounted glass, custom bumpers, rocker-exit exhaust, and hand-crafted lighting details all blend seamlessly into the original design. Under the hood, it appears to be a classic Buick Nailhead — but it’s actually a modern LSX drivetrain, paired with a custom Detroit Speed chassis, independent suspension, carbon brakes, and Bosch ABS, ensuring it drives like a modern car while preserving its classic character. Inside, what looks like a stock Riviera interior is entirely hand-built, featuring a paddle-shifted 6L90 transmission, custom switchgear, and luxury materials finished to OEM-plus perfection. Once known as the gentleman’s muscle car, this Riviera is that idea fully realized — elegant, powerful, and incredibly subtle. A true passion project and a perfect example of how extreme craftsmanship can hide in plain sight. Auction listing: https://www.mecum.com/lots/1163507/19... All restoration footage and photos are by Detroit Speed and Engineering: https://detroitspeed.com/blog/jeff-mo... Visit us at https://legendarymotorcar.com to see our inventory, services & more!

1965 Buick Riviera Gran Sport GS 1 of 1 in Bronze & Engine Sound on My Car Story with Lou Costabile
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1965 Buick Riviera Gran Sport GS 1 of 1 in Bronze & Engine Sound on My Car Story with Lou Costabile

The 1961 Lincoln That Terrified Cadillac By Doing Less
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The 1961 Lincoln That Terrified Cadillac By Doing Less

This vs that 1964 Buick Riviera versus 1965 Buick Riviera gran sport, which one tickles your fancy?
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This vs that 1964 Buick Riviera versus 1965 Buick Riviera gran sport, which one tickles your fancy?

Vídeo Completo: 180 Dias de uma Jovem Mecânica Genial Restaurando Ônibus Hyundai Abandonados 🛠️🛠️
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Vídeo Completo: 180 Dias de uma Jovem Mecânica Genial Restaurando Ônibus Hyundai Abandonados 🛠️🛠️

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Why GM Never Admitted THIS Was Wrong (1965 Impala)

$900,000 RestoMod Corvettes?! Jeff Hayes Redefines Classic American Icons at Barrett-Jackson!
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$900,000 RestoMod Corvettes?! Jeff Hayes Redefines Classic American Icons at Barrett-Jackson!

1963-65 Buick Riviera: Strange Facts, Features, Quirks & Idiosyncrasies of Buick's 4-Place Coupe!
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1963-65 Buick Riviera: Strange Facts, Features, Quirks & Idiosyncrasies of Buick's 4-Place Coupe!

Instant Regret on Wheels 😂 | Worst Fails of 2026
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Instant Regret on Wheels 😂 | Worst Fails of 2026

The MOST ELEGANT American LAND YACHTS of the 1960s: Pure Size, Luxury and Class
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The MOST ELEGANT American LAND YACHTS of the 1960s: Pure Size, Luxury and Class

1965 Buick Riviera: 20 Weird Facts That Still Amaze Collectors
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1965 Buick Riviera: 20 Weird Facts That Still Amaze Collectors

6 UK Car Brands Collapsing in 2026 — And You Won't Guess Number One
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6 UK Car Brands Collapsing in 2026 — And You Won't Guess Number One

'65 Buick Riviera Gran Sport | Style Personified
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'65 Buick Riviera Gran Sport | Style Personified

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10 Fastest American Cars of 1954 (Before It Got Crazy)

Get A Closer Look At The Detroit Speed-Built 1965 Buick Riviera Gran Sport
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Get A Closer Look At The Detroit Speed-Built 1965 Buick Riviera Gran Sport

The 1971 Buick Riviera Boattail That BROKE All The RULES
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The 1971 Buick Riviera Boattail That BROKE All The RULES

The Strange Football Shaped Lincoln That Terrified Mercedes
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The Strange Football Shaped Lincoln That Terrified Mercedes

"Octavia" a 1000hp+ 1971 Aston Martin DBS from Ringbrothers and Ragle Design
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"Octavia" a 1000hp+ 1971 Aston Martin DBS from Ringbrothers and Ragle Design

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How Wheel Rims are Made in Small Factories - Complete Manufacturing Documentary 🇵🇰

S Class 3.5 W111 - Last Hand-Built Mercedes - Drive Review at Motor Classic Hungary
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S Class 3.5 W111 - Last Hand-Built Mercedes - Drive Review at Motor Classic Hungary

1965 Buick Riviera Restomod - built by Smithy Customs
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1965 Buick Riviera Restomod - built by Smithy Customs