🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Riviera, LeSabre, Skylark, GS

Year:

1966

Vehicle Identification Code Range:

Buick VIN system for 1966 models (typically starting with 4 for GM, followed by series, year, plant, and sequential number)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size personal luxury coupe (Riviera), Full-size sedan (LeSabre), Intermediate/compact car (Skylark/GS)

Target Audience:

Consumers seeking a premium, stylish, and powerful American automobile; the Skylark and GS offered sporty performance in a more compact package.

Direct Competitors Riviera:

Ford Thunderbird, Chrysler New Yorker, Oldsmobile Toronado (though Toronado was front-wheel drive)

Direct Competitors Lesabre:

Ford Custom 500, Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler Newport

Direct Competitors Skylark Gs:

Ford Fairlane, Chevrolet Chevelle, Plymouth Satellite, Dodge Coronet

Riviera Key Features:

Distinctive styling, powerful V8 engines, luxurious interior appointments, often front-wheel drive (though rear-wheel drive was common for the era, Riviera's distinctiveness was paramount).

Lesabre Key Features:

Spacious interior, comfortable ride, strong V8 engine options, emphasis on traditional American sedan values.

Skylark Gs Key Features:

Sporty styling cues, powerful V8 engines (especially the GS with performance upgrades), upgraded suspension and brakes for improved handling.

📋 Manual Details

Models Covered:

Buick Riviera, Buick LeSabre, Buick Skylark, Buick GS (Gran Sport)

Engine Coverage:

All factory-equipped engines for the 1966 model year

Transmission Coverage:

All factory-equipped transmissions (e.g., Turbo Hydra-Matic, manual transmissions)

Estimated Page Count:

500-700 pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual of this era)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Shop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, valve train, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, lubrication system, cooling system, timing system, engine diagnostics

Engine Performance:

Fuel system (carburetion, fuel lines, fuel pump), ignition system (distributor, coils, spark plugs), emissions control systems (if applicable for the era)

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission overhaul, clutch system, shifting mechanisms

Transmission Automatic:

Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission overhaul, hydraulic system, torque converter, shift linkage, transmission diagnostics

Chassis Suspension:

Front suspension (ball joints, control arms, springs, shock absorbers), rear suspension (leaf springs, shock absorbers), wheel bearings, alignment specifications

Brakes:

Brake system operation, front and rear brake overhaul (drum brakes likely standard, potential for early disc brakes), brake fluid specifications, hydraulic system, parking brake

Steering:

Steering gear overhaul (e.g., Saginaw recirculating ball), power steering system, steering linkage, wheel alignment

Electrical System:

Battery, starter, alternator/generator, ignition system, lighting system, dashboard instruments, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, power windows/seats (if equipped)

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, upholstery, underbody, frame inspection and repair (if applicable)

Heating And Air Conditioning:

HVAC system diagnosis and repair, heater core, ventilation, A/C system (if factory equipped)

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, tune-up procedures, fluid checks and top-offs

Troubleshooting Guides:

Diagnostic charts and procedures for common problems in engine, transmission, electrical, and other systems

Major Repair Procedures:

Complete engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake system service, suspension component replacement

Component Disassembly And Assembly:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for disassembling and reassembling all major components

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts; includes specifications, tolerances, diagnostic procedures, and repair instructions for virtually all systems

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes (assuming a well-scanned and OCR'd PDF)

Page Resolution:

High (suitable for printing clear diagrams and text)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Riviera Standard Engine:

401 cu in (6.6 L) Nailhead V8

Riviera Optional Engines:

425 cu in (7.0 L) Wildcat V8 (available in different states of tune, e.g., 340 hp, 360 hp)

Lesabre Standard Engine:

300 cu in (4.9 L) V8

Lesabre Optional Engines:

326 cu in (5.3 L) V8, 401 cu in (6.6 L) Nailhead V8, 425 cu in (7.0 L) Wildcat V8

Skylark Standard Engine:

230 cu in (3.8 L) Inline-6

Skylark Optional Engines:

300 cu in (4.9 L) V8, 326 cu in (5.3 L) V8

Gs Standard Engine:

326 cu in (5.3 L) V8

Gs Optional Engines:

401 cu in (6.6 L) Nailhead V8 (GS 401), 425 cu in (7.0 L) Wildcat V8 (GS 425)

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 155 hp (Inline-6) to 360+ hp (425 Wildcat V8)

Torque Range:

Approx. 225 lb-ft (Inline-6) to 445+ lb-ft (425 Wildcat V8)

Carburetion:

Single 2-barrel, dual 2-barrel, or single 4-barrel carburetors, depending on engine and model

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (typically premium octane for larger V8s)

🔧 Transmission

Riviera Standard Transmission:

Turbo Hydra-Matic (TH400) 3-speed automatic

Lesabre Standard Transmission:

3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic (TH400) automatic or 2-speed Dynaflow (later in the model year or optional)

Skylark Standard Transmission:

3-speed Manual (column shift) or 2-speed Powerglide automatic

Gs Standard Transmission:

3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic (TH400) automatic or 3-speed manual

Optional Transmissions:

3-speed manual transmission available on some models (Skylark, GS); Dynaflow (2-speed automatic) may have been an option on certain LeSabre configurations

Torque Converter Stall Speed:

Refer to specific engine/transmission combination in manual

📐 Dimensions

Riviera Wheelbase:

119 inches

Lesabre Wheelbase:

123 inches

Skylark Wheelbase:

115 inches

Gs Wheelbase:

115 inches

Riviera Overall Length:

Approx. 208-212 inches

Lesabre Overall Length:

Approx. 219-220 inches

Skylark Overall Length:

Approx. 195-199 inches

Riviera Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,200-4,600 lbs

Lesabre Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,000-4,300 lbs

Skylark Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,200-3,600 lbs

Gs Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,500-3,900 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

N/A (Crash testing as we know it today was not standardized or widely reported in 1966)

Brakes:

Hydraulic drum brakes all around (front disc brakes may have been an option on some higher trims or specific models, check manual)

Steering:

Recirculating ball steering system (power steering optional/standard on higher trims)

Seat Belts:

Front seat belts standard, rear seat belts optional or not available depending on model and body style

Structural Integrity:

Body-on-frame construction typical for this era

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

AM radio standard, FM/AM or Multiplex FM stereo radios optional

Speakers:

Typically 1 or 2 speakers; premium sound systems may have more.

Cruise Control:

Optional, often referred to as 'Auto-Temp' or 'Comfortron' on higher-end models like the Riviera.

Climate Control:

Manual heating and ventilation standard; optional air conditioning and automatic climate control (Comfortron) available on some models.

Phone Integration:

N/A (No factory connectivity features as we understand them today).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-4,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions, consult manual for specifics)

Tune Up Interval:

Typically every 12,000-24,000 miles or annually; includes spark plugs, points, condenser, distributor timing

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 20,000-30,000 miles or as specified in the manual

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 for general use, may specify heavier weights like SAE 20W-50 for older engines or severe service. Check manual for API service classification (e.g., MS - Motor Service).

Transmission Fluid Type:

DEXRON®-III (or equivalent) for Turbo Hydra-Matic; consult manual for Dynaflow (likely specific GM fluid).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze (green color) mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio recommended for most climates).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for exact specification, historically DOT 3 was common).

Engine Oil Leaks:

Common with age due to hardened seals and gaskets (e.g., valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets).

Cooling System Overheating:

Can occur due to clogged radiators, worn water pumps, or faulty thermostats. The larger V8s can generate significant heat.

Automatic Transmission Slipping:

Can indicate low fluid levels, internal wear, or issues with the valve body or clutch packs.

Electrical Component Failure:

Original wiring, switches, and regulators can degrade over time, leading to intermittent issues or component failure.

Suspension Wear:

Ball joints, bushings, and shock absorbers are common wear items that affect ride and handling.

Oil Filter Example:

AC PF2 (common for V8 engines, check manual for exact application)

Spark Plug Example:

AC Delco 447 (typical for larger V8s, confirm with manual)

📚 Vehicle History

Buick Legacy:

Buick, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing reliable, comfortable, and well-appointed automobiles known for their smooth ride and powerful engines, often positioned as a premium offering within GM's lineup.

Riviera Introduction:

The Buick Riviera was introduced for the 1963 model year as a unique personal luxury coupe, distinguished by its sharp, European-inspired styling and innovative features. It was a significant departure from traditional Buick designs.

Lesabre Evolution:

The LeSabre was Buick's full-size offering, evolving through various styling iterations. In 1966, it represented a continuation of Buick's tradition of comfortable, large sedans and coupes.

Skylark Evolution:

The Skylark, originally a trim level of the full-size models, became an intermediate-sized car in the early 1960s. The 1966 model continued this positioning, offering a balance of size and style.

Gs Introduction:

The 'GS' (Gran Sport) designation was introduced to offer a more performance-oriented version of the Skylark, typically featuring larger engines and sportier trim.

Riviera Production 1966:

Approx. 45,600 units

Lesabre Production 1966:

Approx. 160,000+ units (across all body styles)

Skylark Production 1966:

Approx. 130,000+ units (across all body styles)

Gs Production 1966:

Included within Skylark production figures (GS was a sub-model)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Riviera Design Acclaim:

The first-generation Riviera (including the 1966 model) is widely regarded as a design icon and was praised for its sleek, sophisticated styling, influencing automotive design for years to come.

Overall Reputation:

Buick vehicles of this era were known for their comfortable ride, quiet cabins, and powerful engines, making them popular choices for cruising and touring.