The early days of October brought an exciting invitation to Quattrolegende, an event where my Audi Avant joined esteemed company, including Sport Quattro Group B cars and a Pikes Peak S1 E2 replica amidst the stunning Austrian Alps. Little did I know, this was just the prelude to another adventure. A call from my friend Lionel beckoned me to the French Riviera’s picturesque backcountry for the second edition of the Boucle Historique de Saint-Paul de Vence a couple of weeks later.
The concept was simple yet irresistible: a gathering of exquisite classic GT, sports, and luxury cars, all built before 1995, embarking on a scenic 90-km loop around the enchanting Saint-Paul de Vence. The day would culminate with lunch at the legendary La Colombe d’Or, a favorite haunt of Yves Montand. While the image of a Ferrari F50 gracing the French Riviera evokes ultimate luxury, this event was far from an exclusive affair. Its heart was in the right place, with proceeds dedicated to supporting children battling cancer.
For navigating the narrow, winding backcountry roads, an Alpine A110 seemed like the quintessential choice, and indeed, event patron Pierre Lartigue, a three-time Rally Dakar champion, opted for just that. However, our approach was decidedly different.
My friend and driving partner for the event, Lionel, associated with On American Roads garage, introduced a stark contrast to the predominantly European lineup: a magnificent 1972 Buick Riviera Car. Stretching nearly 20 feet in length and powered by a massive 7.5L V8 engine, our “land yacht” promised an authentic experience of American open-road luxury, even in a setting where straight roads were a rarity. This vintage Buick Riviera was ready to redefine the Riviera drive.
The Buick Riviera: An American Icon on the Côte d’Azur
The Buick Riviera car’s exterior possessed a certain understated cool, reminiscent of something Batman might choose for incognito travel (though our metallic copper finish might require a stealthy black respray for true anonymity). Inside, it was akin to a plush, rolling sofa. On several occasions, bathed in sunlight filtering through the windows and with a gentle breeze wafting through, I found myself on the verge of succumbing to an afternoon nap. Only the captivating scenery kept me awake throughout our journey. The sheer comfort of the Riviera car was almost hypnotic.
Arriving among the first at the automotive museum in Vence, the rally’s starting point, we enjoyed coffee with David, President of the Saint-Paul Car Club, the event organizers. We watched as a remarkable array of cars filled the parking area, each a testament to automotive history. A Jaguar E-Type, Ferrari 512 BB, 360 Modena, Testarossa, F50, 348 GTB, Daytona, Opel Kadett GT/E, De Tomaso Pantera, Porsche 993 Carrera RS Clubsport, Aston Martin V8, BMW 507, and my friend Alain’s Mustang Fastback GT 350 – a truly diverse and stunning collection. The Buick Riviera car fit right into this eclectic mix, albeit with its own distinct American flavor.
Navigating the charmingly tight streets and the parking area by the pétanque court in front of the Café de la Place, our Riviera car felt a bit like a friendly orange giant. A helpful crew member directed us to park directly next to La Colombe d’Or’s entrance. This was a moment of immense pride for Lionel, who was already thoroughly enjoying piloting his ultimate cruiser through the route. The Buick Riviera car, despite its size, was making its presence known.
Image: The long and elegant profile of the Buick Riviera car emphasized as it is parked in the charming setting of Saint-Paul de Vence.
A Sentimental Journey in a Riviera Car
Returning home to Monaco, I received the somber news of Eddie Van Halen’s passing. Lionel, the Buick’s owner, was a huge admirer and a talented guitarist himself. Lionel had already faced profound loss earlier in the year with the passing of his father, Daniel, in May. I fondly recalled an AC/DC concert we attended together in the rain in Nice a decade prior, a moment made all the more precious by its near cancellation. Daniel held a special affection for Rivieras and similar American classics, a passion that Lionel inherited, fostering his appreciation for these pieces of Americana far from their native roads. Driving the Riviera car in this event was more than just a joyride; it was a heartfelt tribute.
Image: The rear of the Buick Riviera car, showcasing its wide stance and classic taillights, parked in the scenic French Riviera.
Image: A side view of the copper-colored Buick Riviera car, emphasizing its long lines and hardtop styling, a classic American luxury car.
Image: The Buick Riviera car’s iconic boat-tail rear design, a signature feature of this classic American luxury vehicle.
Image: Lionel, the owner, standing proudly next to his 1972 Buick Riviera car at the Boucle Historique de Saint-Paul de Vence, showcasing his passion for American classic cars.
Image: The Buick Riviera car emblem, a symbol of American automotive luxury and design, reflecting the car’s heritage and prestige.
Image: A wide shot capturing the diverse range of classic cars participating in the Boucle Historique de Saint-Paul de Vence, with the Buick Riviera car prominently featured.
