1963 Buick Riviera First Year Classic Very Original Runs Great Stock Complete on 2040-cars

The Riviera's suspension used the same basic design as standard Buicks, with double wishbones in front and a live axle located by trailing arms and a lateral track bar, but the roll centers were raised to reduce body lean. Although its coil springs were actually slightly softer than other Buicks, with the lighter overall weight, the net effect was to make the Riviera somewhat firmer. Although still biased towards understeer, contemporary testers considered it one of the most roadable American cars, with an excellent balance of comfort and agility.

The Riviera was introduced on October 4, 1962 as a 1963 model, with the 325 hp (242 kW) 401 cu in (6.6 l) "Nailhead" V-8 as the only available engine,^[4] fitted with dual exhaust as standard equipment, and the Turbine Drive the only transmission,^[5] at a base price of $4,333;^[6] typical delivered prices with options ran upwards of $5,000. Buick announced in December, 1962, the availability of a 340 hp (250 kW) 425 cu in (7.0 l) version of the Nailhead as an option. Total production was deliberately limited to 40,000 vehicles (in a year that Buick sold 440,000 units overall) to emphasize its exclusivity and to increase demand; only 2,601 of them were delivered with the 425 cu in (7.0 l) engine in the 1963 model year.

With the same power as the larger Buicks and less weight, the Riviera had sparkling all-around performance: Motor Trend found it capable of running 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 8 seconds or less, the standing quarter mile in about 16 seconds, and an observed top speed of 115 miles per hour (185 km/h), although 125 miles per hour (201 km/h) was feasible with a longer run. Fuel economy was a meager 13.2 miles per US gallon (17.8 L/100 km; 15.9 mpg_-imp). Front leg room was 40.1 inches.^[7]

Inside, the Riviera featured a four-place cabin with front bucket seats separated by a center console with floor shifter and storage compartment that was built into the instrument panel, and bucket-style seats in the rear. Upholstery choices included all-vinyl, cloth and vinyl, or optional leather. A deluxe interior option included real walnut inserts on the doors and below the rear side windows. Popular extra-cost options included a tilt steering wheel, power windows, power driver's seat, air conditioning, a remote-control side view mirror, and white sidewall tires.

Total sales for the three model years was a respectable 112,244. All in all, the Riviera was extremely well received and considered a great success, giving the Thunderbird its first real competition.

The first-generation Riviera is considered a styling landmark, and is quite collectible today.^[9]

The 1963-1965 Riviera met with approval from all quarters, and has since earned Milestone status from the Milestone Car Society. Jaguar founder and designer Sir William Lyons said that Mitchell had done "a very wonderful job," and Sergio Pininfarina declared it "one of the most beautiful American cars ever built; it has marked a very impressive return to simplicity of American car design." At its debut at the Paris Auto Show, Raymond Loewy said the Riviera was the handsomest American production car—apart from his own Studebaker Avanti, that is, the Riviera's only real competition for 1963.^[10]"

This example has completely stock running gear as described above. The engine compartment is wonderfully original down to the paint on the engine block (see pics). A new fuel pump, battery, starter, and alternator have been installed but the car has been sitting for extended periods on occasion and could benefit from a tune-up. It also could use an exhaust repair on the drivers side. As it is though, I've been driving it around the neighborhood recently and it's been a blast. Tires have great tread but are cracking, it steers straight and true, and brakes are strong with a slight pull to the right. It also has adjustable air shocks in the rear.

The interior is complete and original minus the radio and seats. They are electric, fit in place nicely, and would look great upholstered to a decent standard. Right now they are just resting in place with two bolts apiece. All interior trim pieces have been bead-blasted and powder-coated (see pics). They are sitting in the trunk ready for installation. Headliner has been removed but has also been included for reuse or as a pattern. This car has the deluxe interior option with the walnut inserts. Dash has cracking but is uncut and unbutchered with all hard-to-find buttons and knobs still in place. 2 of 4 electric windows operate well. Floor pan and trunk have had previous repairs; passenger floor still needs minor work (see pics). Trunk and passenger cabin floors have all been coated with heavy-duty frame enamel for further protection. Speedometer, odometer, lights, and windshield wipers work properly. And even the clock works.

The body is solid and uncut with previously repaired rust areas to the rear quarter panels that are showing their age, especially on the passenger side (see pics). The inner fender wells are rock solid all the way around. Rust protectant has been applied where necessary to prevent further issues. All exterior trim is in good shape with no pieces missing except the hood ornament. I cannot find any sign of prior accident history. It looks like it has had two ancient resprays over the original light blue; one in a darker blue and the other in red. The red is faded well and has a cool patina about it. Eventually, it should be returned to the original shade of light blue. Just my opinion.

Since this is a body-on-frame car with a great frame, the body issues are not significant; nothing comes even remotely close to jeopardizing structural integrity like you might find in an older unibody car. And all panels are readily available if you choose to go that route, but you certainly don't need to. As it is, this car is beautiful, it's complete, it's original, it drives great, etc... I'm selling it for a buddy of mine and he's heartbroken he can't keep it but he has a young family and cash is king right now.

My name is Chris and I am happy to answer your questions. Please call me at 435-669-1470. I also have tons of additional pictures that show every nook and cranny plus all the extra parts that are included. Send me a non-Ebay email address and I will send them promptly. The car is located in the dry, desert community of St. George, Utah (about 100 miles north of Las Vegas). Thank you very much for your interest,