Vehicle Description
1964 Buick Riviera Hardtop
"The Buick Riviera may not go down in history as a highly regarded
muscle car-but it will be highly regarded, period. There's just
something about the 1963-1965s that attracts buyers and builders
from all walks of life and from all the various segments of the
automotive world. Buick Riviera in all its early incarnation beauty
and glory is much more than a go straight fast muscle car, and
that's probably because it's not typically thought of or portrayed
in that manner. With its European influenced styling, however, as
far as muscle cars go, its beauty ultimately overpowered its
beast." HotRod.com, August 2018
For consignment, a 1964 Buick Riviera hardtop showing 31,255 non
actual miles. This stunning design from Bill Mitchell was classic
on day one and arguably will be attractive 100 years from now. And
with its 340 horsepower engine, it's a debonair driver with some
potency.
Exterior
We'll start with the color, which is Marlin Blue, but you could
paint this design virtually any color and still have a great
looking car. The star of the show is the front where ribbed columns
cover the markers, leading to peaked roofs that are the fenders,
wrapped at the base by a contouring chrome bumper. Dual headlights
which exist in individual cylinders are inboard on an egg crate
grille that follows the shape of the pointed hood. In profile,
quintessentially 60's with long, narrow panels and faux fender
ducts on the back in an age when faux accents were a thing. The
tail is a counter to the elaborate front, simple rectangular tail
lights after a flat trunk lid and above a curvaceous bumper that
takes in the license plate box. It's here we find some detail trim
on the reverse lights while the Riviera "R" logo is placed on the
tail lights. On this car, twin chrome pipes protrude from
underneath. The paint shines with original like luster and is in
very good condition, as is the brightwork. Imperfections include
bubbling in several spots, cracking paint, surface rust at the
rocker panel, and some just beginning to form on a bumper wrap
around.
Interior
Striped cloth on the door panels has seen better days and might
benefit from some restoration, while the panel is intact including
the carpeted kick panels. The striped material fares better on the
bucket seats, surrounded by blue vinyl that wears a tear on the
driver's seat, but all looks well on the passenger seat and the 2+2
seating in back. A biscuit tufted pad covers the package tray
behind the seats for an added detail we rarely see. Patina lives on
the blue steering wheel with plenty of hairline cracks and faded
paint on the horn bar. Up front, the original instrument panel is
backed by ribbed metal while the center stack is basking in black,
cleanly housing an AM/FM radio and the vent controls. We follow the
textured black to the center console, home to the chrome shifter in
a metallic plate, all over blue loop carpet in good condition and
under a blue headliner where one seam is torn, and others are
stretched. The trunk is driver quality with a rubber mat that fits
nicely and a spare tire.
Drivetrain
Driver quality prevails under the hood as well where we find the
425ci Nailhead V8, rated at 340 horsepower and fueled by a 4-barrel
carburetor. The bay shows its age but the simple configuration and
extra room will make it easy to restore! An ST400 3-speed automatic
transmission is onboard that sends power to the rear axle housing
3.07 gears. Power assisted drum brakes are found at all four
corners.
Undercarriage
Surface rust dominates the coverage underneath, replacing any black
paint that the frame and components might have had. The dual
exhaust, too, is wearing a coat of the stuff and finds its way
through some stock style mufflers before exiting through chrome.
Fortunately, we do not find any apparent invasive rust and very
little oil underneath, just a film on the transmission pan which we
would classify as residual. The knuckles are clean and free of
debris, and suspension consists of coil springs in front and a 3
link with coil springs and a panhard bar out back.
Drive-Ability
We peer over the long hood, start the engine, and point the modest
"R" hood ornament towards the test loop, allowing the 215/75R15
tires and standard suspension absorb the imperfection in the road.
There's power underfoot which is slightly tempered by the 4,200
pound curb weight of this blue steel Buick. Tracking, brakes, and
functional items all check out and this sleek four seater is ready
for its next driver. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these
functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot
guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your
purchase.
Dozens of Rivieras of every vintage have come through our doors
here at Classic Auto Mall and one thing is clear, Buick paid
special attention to design detail in just about every model year.
There's something special about them, often not resting on a
particular design for too long and constantly creating outside the
box to develop unique rides that are unmistakable and
unforgettable. This '64 is one of those cars and while it is
completely functional and show worthy as is, it has room for
further refinement if that's the path you take. Before choosing a
path, you have to get to the trailhead to buy this nailhead. We
await your call!
7K1116373
7-Riviera
K-1964
1-Flint, MI Assy Plant
116373-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
