The 1963 Buick Riviera was a ground-breaking car. It was one of the first of GM's personal cars designed for executives with a thirst for performance, and it broke with tradition by eliminating fender skirts, tailfins, and eschewing chrome. The result is one of the most timeless and highly acclaimed cars of the '60s.

Finished in its original code J Willow Mist paint, this handsome Riviera has been owned all its life by the same family and has a recent cosmetic restoration that looks awesome. Never rusty, with 100% OEM sheetmetal throughout, the crisply folded shape of the Riviera still looks fantastic nearly 50 years later. There are signs of quality workmanship here, too, with good panel gaps and flat panels that were probably block sanded for hours and hours before the finish was applied. The paint has a lovely soft glow that looks entirely appropriate on a car born in 1963, and you'll be hard pressed to find a blemish or signs of road use anywhere on the car. There isn't a lot of chrome on a Riviera, but the front and rear bumpers are solid, and the distinctive pods at the front edges of the fenders (which were supposed to carry the headlights from day one) are in excellent condition. Even today, the car whispers to you about performance and luxury without being obvious about it. Nice!

The gentleman's express theme continues inside, where comfortable buckets straddle one of the most beautiful center consoles ever devised. In fact, the gauges seem to have been inspired by fine watches of the era, with delicate stainless and aluminum trim and slender needles on the instruments. Eyeball vents for the A/C, the slender shifter handle, and the two-tone steering wheel add to the upscale opulence that was also cutting-edge fashion in 1963. The upholstery is in great shape, showing little wear and no damage, with the unique split rear bench looking like new. Options include A/C, power seats, power windows, and an AM radio tucked in right under the aircraft-inspired HVAC controls. This is unquestionably one of the most handsome interiors of the era.

Power comes from Buick's legendary 401 cubic inch Nailhead V8, famous for its effortless torque production. With a lifetime of clean living in a warm climate and a recent detail, the engine bay is beautifully presented. Power steering and power brakes were standard equipment in the Riviera, and the shortened chassis gave it lively handling and the fantastic road manners of a full-sized luxury car. A twin-turbine automatic transmission shifts almost imperceptibly, and the chassis is as spotless as the engine bay. A recent dual exhaust system gives it just the right tone of voice, and recent whitewall radials on the original steel wheels are as the factory intended.

This lovely Riv also includes the original owner's manual and warranty card. Take note, Buick collectors, the early Rivieras have almost doubled in value over the past 10 years, and the trend continues. Call today!

This vehicle is located in our Charlotte, NC showroom. For more information, please call (704) 598-2130 or toll free (866) 542-8392.