A VERY CLEAN SURVIVOR RIV, PERIOD CORRECT 401 NAILHEAD V8, AUTO, A/C, RUNS GREAT

1963 Buick Riviera Description

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 D Silver Cloud paint, this handsome Riviera shows you why these cars are quickly growing in popularity among collectors. 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 are as dramatic today as they were back in the early '60s. The paint has a lovely soft glow that looks entirely appropriate on a car born in 1963, and there are few demerits besides some age-related patina, but even that might vanish with a professional cut and buff. There isn't a lot of chrome on a Riviera, but the front and rear bumpers are excellent, 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 red vinyl 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 good original condition, showing a little wear that's entirely in line with its age and somehow, it's even more appealing with a few character flaws. Even the unique split rear bench looks inviting for a quick cruise. Options include functional A/C, power windows, a tilt steering column, and an AM/FM radio tucked in right under the aircraft-inspired HVAC controls. This is unquestionably one of the most handsome interiors of the era, and you can't argue with the great color combination! Even the trunk is nicely finished with gray carpets and a full-sized spare and jack assembly.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 nicely presented and everything functions properly, although it's not detailed for show. The '445' on the bright red air cleaner denotes the torque output of the engine, and it's no joke because this sucker steps off with authority! 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 (think: DynaFlow) shifts imperceptibly, and the chassis is as tidy as the engine bay. A recent dual exhaust system gives it just the right tone of voice, and recent 215/70/15 whitewall radials on the original steel wheels with wire wheel covers are just as the factory intended.Take note, Buick collectors, the early Rivieras have almost doubled in value over the past 10 years, and the trend continues. This car offers a brilliant color combination, great options, and ready-to-enjoy functionality. Call today!