Vehicle Description
This is an authentic Gene Winfield custom one off creation. Gene,
at the age of 95, was just inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame.
Gene is one of the most prolific and famous car builders in
history.
401ci V8 Automatic with P/S, P/B and A/C.
History:
In 1963 Jim Noteboom bought a brand-new Buick Riviera. The Riviera
was cleanly-styled and elegant, and it would have been the talk of
Detroit if the new Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray hadn't stolen the
limelight. A true personal luxury car, the Riveria was a strict
four-seater, featuring bucket seats front and rear. Power came from
a 401cid "nail-head" V-8 and automatic transmission.
Young Mr. Noteboom hadn't had his elegant Riviera for long when he
took it to legendary custom builder Gene Winfield. Winfield, who is
well known for his movie and Television cars, began by removing the
grille and replacing it with flat steel bars. The hood was nosed
and peaked, and the corners rounded. The headlights came out of a
1964 Mercury. The stock taillights were removed and placed in the
rear bumper, giving the deck a smooth, clean appearance. Side trim
was eliminated, and a small scoop formed to house antenna.
On the inside, the console was given simple walnut paneling and the
bucket seats were stitched in gold and white naugahyde by Paul's
custom upholstery shop. The exterior finish was shot in pear and
candy gold lacquer at Winfield's shop in Modesto, California. Doors
and trunks operate electrically, and the car rolled on wire wheels
with chrome knockoffs. Despite all the interior and exterior work,
the engine and drivetrain were left stock. After completion, the
Noteboom Riviera was featured in Car Craft Magazine and Popular Hot
Rodding.
When Noteboom moved from southern California to the northern part
of the state in 1965, he left his custom Riviera behind, and that
was that ... or so he thought. In 1997 a fellow custom car
enthusiast learned that the Winfield-customized Riviera was on the
market and brought it to the attention of Noteboom. After 32 year,
the original owner had his old car back.
Noteboom had the interior reupholstered to its original custom
iteration and the car was repainted in the signature Winfield
fadeaway gold. To keep the car completely authentic, the Buick
still retains the RCA record player young Jim Noteboom installed
back when the car was first his.
Since restoration to its original Winfield configuration,
Notebooms' son has taken it to several events including Paso
Robles. With a new owner will come more shows and chance to own a
significant piece of Americas custom car past.
This vehicle is located at Atomic Motors Classic Car Sales and
Restorations in Henderson, NV just 20 mins from the fabulous Las
Vegas Strip. Come down and see us or call at 702-826-3811 or
702-556-0888. We are on-line at www.atomicmotors.net
It is the responsibility of the buyer to either inspect the vehicle
personally or via a 3rd party, to ensure satisfaction to the
condition and value, prior to purchase.
