Vehicle Description
1963 Buick Riviera two door hard top, AC, Power steering and
restored. This is a beautiful example with all 1963 models being
unique from the later model Riviera's with the Buick TriShield
button featuring a black background used on the wheel covers and
tail light lenses. In 1964 a stylized 'R' emblem would replace
these areas instead. 1963 was also the only year that the
heater/defroster and optional air conditioning controls would be
suspended under the center of the instrument panel pad. The design
created a somewhat confusing array of push and pull control levers
to direct air flow where desired, a simpler design appeared for
1964/5. Also it is of note that Buick pioneered another industry
first with the Riviera in 1963 - flush glass! This was a unique new
design in which the windscreen and rear window were sealed directly
to the body allowing the glass to fit flush and thereby eliminating
the bulky metal and rubber framework required on other automobiles!
The car has no signs of accidents and is rust free , the car has
always been garaged and looks extremely impressive with a very nice
re-paint in correct C code 'Arctic white' with contrasting 'Black'
vinyl interior, which is also in beautiful condition, with all
newer carpet, seats, headliner, floor mats and new deluxe wood trim
freshly replaced. All chrome work in very good condition inside as
well. Under previous ownership every major mechanical component has
reportedly either been replaced or rebuilt. Much of the exterior
chrome and stainless has also been replaced, re chromed and or
polished. New AC Compressor installed along with belts and assorted
hoses. Equipped with power steering and power windows (pwr wing
windows not working) Radio turns on but has no sound (may be a bad
speaker). A rare opportunity to own a great daily driving and
obviously never abused example of a 1963 Buick Riviera - one of the
outstanding GM designs of the sixties, reflecting the styling
supreme of Bill Mitchell with a masterful blend of curves and
razor-edges. Dubbed the anti-Thunderbird and respected by an army
of industrial designers as an architectural landmark of the U.S
industry and which has high repute amongst collectors for both it's
beautiful lines and smooth fast performance for a luxury coupe.
"One of the most beautiful cars America ever built" as stated by
none other than Sergio Pininfarina of Ferrari design fame on it's
debut at the Paris auto show in 1963. This landmark design would
continue for only two years until 1964 before a hidden headlight
change in 1965, making these two particular years of 1963/4 the
most collectible and desirable and with the original early '63
models holding the lead in collector preference amongst most
enthusiasts, but with all these 63-65 model cars boasting
'Milestone Car' status. Performance was an important consideration
in the personal luxury car market in the early sixties and the
Riviera's power source was the 401 cubic inch 'Wildcat 445' V8
engine with 325 horsepower at 4400 rpm. It developed 445 lbs of
torque at 2800 rpm, hence the '455' Wildcat script on the air
cleaner. This 1963 engine compartment is nicely detailed and tidy,
also features the correct over sized air cleaner painted in factory
correct 'Wrinkle Red'. The trunk is lined in black carpet and
includes a spare on a matching wheel. The underside is very clean
and shows nicely with no signs of rust or ware.
