Gas Monkey Garage’s 1972 Buick Riviera was a Fast N’ Loud project planned as a SEMA “super-build.” Discovery described the crew’s deadline to finish it for SEMA and said $300,000 had been invested, but the available sources do not confirm whether the car was completed in time or ultimately displayed at the show.
What was the Gas Monkey Garage SEMA Riviera?
The project centered on converting a 1972 Buick Riviera into a SEMA build. Discovery’s episode listing for “SEMA Dreamin’” describes that plan; its listing for “No Second Chances” frames the work as the crew’s last attempt to finish the car in time for SEMA. Those descriptions document the show’s premise and deadline, not proof of the eventual outcome.
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Warner Bros. Discovery also promoted the season as featuring a “monumental rebuild” of a ’72 Riviera. That is network promotional wording, not an independent technical assessment of the car.
What is documented about the build?
Discovery’s “No Second Chances” episode description states that $300,000 had been invested in the attempt to finish the Riviera for SEMA. This is the figure the program reported; the available research does not include an itemized budget or independent audit.
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A Roadkill Customs recap published on October 7, 2019, identifies the starting car as a 1972 Buick Riviera and reports mixed reactions to its rear diffuser. The recap does not provide a complete, independently verified build sheet.
| Question | What the sources establish |
|---|---|
| Starting vehicle | 1972 Buick Riviera |
| Stated goal | Convert it into a SEMA “super-build” |
| Reported investment | $300,000, according to Discovery’s episode description |
| Reported design reaction | Roadkill Customs says reaction to the rear diffuser was mixed |
What remains unconfirmed
The reviewed sources do not verify whether the Riviera was completed in time, appeared at SEMA, or reached a particular final specification. They also do not establish its later ownership or fate. Discovery’s deadline-focused episode description shows that finishing in time was the goal and a source of pressure; it should not be treated as confirmation that the goal was achieved.
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Likewise, the available record does not substantiate detailed claims about the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, interior, vendors, budget breakdown, or reactions from judges and builders. Without a complete attributable build record, those details should remain unresolved.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
What was the Gas Monkey Garage SEMA Riviera?
It was a Fast N’ Loud project to convert a 1972 Buick Riviera into a SEMA “super-build,” as described in Discovery’s episode listings.
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How much did the show say the Riviera build cost?
Discovery’s “No Second Chances” episode description said $300,000 had been invested. That is the program’s stated figure, not an independently audited total.
Did Gas Monkey Garage finish the Riviera in time for SEMA?
The sources reviewed here do not confirm whether the team finished it in time or whether it appeared at SEMA. Discovery described a final attempt to meet the deadline, but that wording does not settle the outcome.
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What modifications did the Riviera receive?
The sources in this research do not establish a complete final specification. Roadkill Customs reports mixed reactions to the rear diffuser, but a full, independently verified build sheet was not located.
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Sources
- Discovery UK: Fast N’ Loud episode listings
- Roadkill Customs: ’72 Buick Riviera SEMA Build by Gas Monkey Garage
- Warner Bros. Discovery Pressroom: Fast N’ Loud season announcement
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