1963 Buick Riviera

Description

Two of the things we love most are early Rivieras and survivors, so when this almost all-original 1963 Buick Riviera showed up, everyone seemed to take the time to go check it out. With just three owners from new (two of which were father and son) and 48,527 original miles, it's a slam-dunk for preservation competition and an affordable way to get into one of the best-looking cars of the 1960s.

If not for the Corvette split-window coupe, I think everyone on earth could agree that this was the best-looking car of 1963. We won't wax rhapsodic about the beauty of Bill Mitchell's Riviera design except to say that it has withstood the test of time and still looks like a million bucks. This particular Riv still wears its factory-applied Diplomat Blue paint, which, thanks to a 3-step cut and buff looks pretty darned good. It's not perfect with 50 years of use and a few touch-ups here and there, but repainting this car would be a crime. If you want perfect, there are such cars out there, but if you're part of the growing group of enthusiasts who love original cars and preserving them, then this car delivers the goods in a big way. As a lifelong Texas car, rust is obviously a non-issue and there's no evidence of large-scale accident repair, so you know it's led a good life. There isn't a lot of chrome on the Riviera, which is a big part of its appeal, but the original brightwork is in good order with a soft shine that matches the car's personality just fine. Even the delicate chrome ribs on the big outboard parking lights shine up nicely.

The Riviera's interior was a styling tour-de-force as well, with bucket seats and a sweeping, low-profile dash trimmed in brushed metal instead of fake wood. The inviting patina on the blue upholstery is perfect for the car and again would be a shame to restore, especially since there are no major splits or tears in the material. The two-tone steering wheel is nicely preserved and the gauges are shockingly clear and crisp. Options include power seats, a tilt wheel, power windows, and factory A/C, which has been converted to R134a and just seems to need a recharge. Buick's standard Sonomatic AM radio still lives at the top of the dash and the trunk is outfitted with original mats, a full-sized spare with cover, and a complete jack assembly.

Buick's legendary 401 cubic inch "Nailhead" V8 made 325 horsepower in the '63 Riviera, and with seemingly endless reserves of torque, it is a lot quicker than you'd think. This one drives with the solid and complete feeling that only a well-loved original car can demonstrate, and if you've never experienced it, come try this car on for size. The engine bay isn't perfect, but it's remarkably clean and well-maintained, and thanks to a complete tune-up not too long ago, it runs superbly. There's a gentle V8 hum from the dual exhaust system that suggests great power barely held in check, and the Dynaflow automatic transmission works as advertised with seamless operation. Clean Texas living has resulted in a chassis that's extremely solid, and you can still see traces of the original red oxide primer on the floors themselves. Standard steel wheels with wire wheel covers are fitted and carry 215/75/15 whitewall radials.

This car hits a lot of high notes: gorgeous design, incredible survivor, and a bargain price. Early Rivs are on the move, so take this opportunity to finally put a good one in your garage. Call today!