The Riviera GS Boattail is one of the most radical designs in muscle car history – a personal luxury coupe with a 455ci V8 and swooping rear glass. Only 22,801 Boattails were built, making them rare in Europe.

Here's the EU market breakdown:

1. Price Ranges (EUR, Mid-2024)

By Condition & Rarity

Driver-Quality (Restored, Minor Flaws)

• €25,000 – €45,000 (Running, needs cosmetic work)

Show-Quality (Numbers-Matching GS)

• €45,000 – €80,000 (Factory 455ci, Stage 1 adds €20k+)

Concours-Level (Stage 1, Low Miles)

• €80,000 – €120,000+ (Under 50k km, documented)

1971 GS (First Year, Most Desirable)

• +20% Premium over 1972–73 models

2. Key Value Factors

✅ Authenticity

• GS Package: Verify "GSX" option code (includes 455ci V8, dual exhaust)
• Stage 1 Engine (1971–72): 330hp version adds €15k–€25k

✅ Rust & Body

• Check Rear Wheel Arches & Trunk Floor – prone to rot under the iconic "boattail"
• Opera Windows: Original glass (often cracked) costs €1k+ to replace

✅ Provenance

• Buick Heritage Certificate: Confirms factory specs (+€5k–€10k value)
• Celebrity Ownership: Elvis Presley owned a 1971 model

3. Where to Buy in the EU?

• Classic Dealers: Classic Trader, Oldtimer Markt
• US Importers: American Classics, Muscle Cars Europe
• Clubs: Riviera Owners Association (private sales)

4. Market Trends

📈 Growing Interest

• Stage 1 cars up 12% yearly (now €80k+ for clean examples)
• Last of the "Big Block" Buicks before emissions strangled power

⚠️ Red Flags

• Non-GS Clones: Base Rivieras with added badges (check VIN!)
• Missing "Gran Sport" Emblems: Each costs €500+ to replace

(Fun Fact: The Boattail’s rear glass was so expensive to produce that Buick lost money on every 1971 Riviera sold!)

Pro Tip:
Decode the VIN (e.g., "4J37Y1X123456" = 1971 GS with Stage 1) and cowl tag for:

• Paint code ("48" = Silver Mist)
• Trim ("A51" = Bucket Seats)

(Bonus: The 1971 GS Stage 1 could outrun a Chevelle SS 454 in magazine tests!)

(Note: 1973 models have larger bumpers and less power – least desirable year.)