Last updated on September 18, 2024
Bill L Mitchell was the head of GM styling from 1958 until 1977. His influence and originality peaked in the early sixties when both the Sting Ray Corvette and Buick Riviera debuted in 1963. The Sting Ray was introduced with all of Mitchell’s styling cues including the controversial and short-lived split rear window. The Riviera was originally intended as a Cadillac but was rejected and brought out as a Buick. The original model year was introduced without some important features that Mitchell had intended for it. It was the 1965 model that finally included the “clamshell” headlights that gave the front of the car such a unique look. A performance model, the Gran Sport, was also offered with two four-barrel carburetors on top of the nailhead V8. This is an exceptionally well-maintained Gran Sport that has had some restoration work. It has a few odds and ends for the new owner to tend to but depending on where the auction ends up, it might be able to improve the car’s condition rating without the usual excess investment.
