Some would say that Bill Mitchell’s penned 1963 Riviera was Buick at its best. It’s arguable but the Riviera was a notable departure from traditional Buick two-door hardtops and captured the imagination of 40K buyers that initial year who wanted Buick renowned quality but something with a bit more flair. The goodness continued into 1964 and that’s what we have for review today. This Riv is located in Isle, Minnesota and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $6,100, reserve not yet met.
Why mess with a great thing right? Apparently, that was Buick’s thought for ’64 as the stylish, but restrained, Riviera continued in the same vein as it had the year before. It’s interesting today to look back on the things that weren’t maybe standard on other cars but were on a Riviera, items such as an automatic trunk lock, door-operated courtesy lights, dual horns, glove box light, clock, things of that nature. The times have surely changed! Sales in ’64 dropped slightly to 37K copies.
Buicks, certainly in that long-ago era, were all about refined power. For ’64, the Riviera upped its game from a 325 HP, 401 CI V8 to a 340 HP, 425 CI “Wildcat” mill. On top of that was the dual four-barrel carburetor equipped 360 HP, 425 CI “Super Wildcat” engine as installed in our subject car. The seller lists this option as being “dealer-installed” but it was clearly available via factory order. This is one of those “ran when parked” kinds of cars as the seller states that it has not been driven since the year 2000. Of note, this Riviera is equipped with GM’s first year Turbo-Hydramatic 400, three-speed automatic transmission.
Seeing that fabulous dual quad, nailhead engine reminds me of an elderly gentleman with whom I worked in the late ’70s. This maybe 60 year old had a clerical position breaking down computer fan-fold reports that launched out of a massive IBM 3800 laser printer and slotting them into “users” mailboxes for furtherance. He was a personable sort and I got to talking with him one day about cars. I had a Z28 Camaro at the time but he told me that he had a dual-quad equipped ’64 Riviera. I think I dropped my 1,000-page computer report right on the floor when he laid that gem on me, really? His persona and a dual quad Riv just didn’t align. He said, “Yeah, I love all of that hot rod stuff“, using a word other than stuff. He told me that he needed a new transverse-mounted muffler (they sit between the rear axle and the fuel tank), and at this point, probably 1978, they were no longer available from Buick, Walker, or AP – he had to actually have a new one made and I recall that it was Midas that was undertaking the job. Hardly the case today, as you can buy one online from a multitude of websites but that’s what happens when an old used car turns into a classic collectible. I only saw his car once, it had a faded mint green finish but it was still pretty presentable otherwise – it just looked like a non-remarkable, slightly worn original hardtop.
And that’s how the exterior of this Rivera appears, original and worn – though the seller states that it was repainted at some point in its past. It’s dusty so it’s difficult to make a value judgment about its physical appearance. It looks pretty straight, with only a minor body repair noted on the hood’s leading edge. There is no serious corrosion showing though the bumpers could use some help and the seller suggests that there are some small surface rust spots in places. It is further claimed that this Buick is not in need of restoration and is 90% ready to go.
The interior, in spite of the split driver’s seat, is just fantastic! Talk about days gone by, it is stylish, futuristic, and purposeful all at the same time. There are many ’60s GM styling cues (door handles, window cranks, armrests, door panels, etc.) present but it is undoubtedly Buick all the way. And, other than the noted seat upholstery problem, this reported 55K mile environment needs no other attention. And of course, always good to see, is the original Sonamatic radio.
One of the biggest surprises is the included parts trove – the seller states, take some, none or all – two pallets in totality. It’s hard to say where the seller’s reserve is set but this Riviera, and all of its associated parts, could prove to be quite the buy. If you have ever considered a first-gen Riviera, this example with its fantastic “Super Wildcat” engine must be considered, wouldn’t you agree?
The Riviera would look great as a low rider.
Cool.
FYI: “Elderly” starts at 70.
That’s the age when TV news reports “Elderly man stuck by bus”.
But we don’t have to be elderly to be struck by the Riviera cool factor. ;)
Maybe today but not when I was in my 20s :-)
JO
I would like to bid on the ’64 Buick Riviera Wildcat. How can I make arrangements to do that ?
Just click on the “here on eBay” link and follow eBay’s directions.
JO
Back in the day 60 was considered pretty old. Both my grandfathers died of heart disease in their early 60s. Carol O’Connor was only 47(!) when he started playing Archie Bunker. Watching reruns now you’d guess he was 10 years older than that.
The ’65 model year had the best look with the vertical hidden headlights.(imo)
That being said…the 63-65 body style was the best look for the Riv’ overall. The car takes well to a restomod…which is what I would do here with a suspension/wheel/braking upgrade. Give it a slightly lower more aggressive stance.Freshen the paint and patch up the interior.
A restomod is my exact thought too. The 1st gen Riv has an extremely high survival rate, doesn’t really sell for massive $ and IMO just looks even better sitting lower to the ground and with larger wheels. Many are probably drawn to it due to the 2×4 engine, but even the base 1×4 mill offers some impressive numbers on its own and is likely a lot more user-friendly setup
A killer Riv seldom seen mostly tail lights.
Correction. Transmission was a Twin Turbine 400. Predecessor to the Turbo 400. Two speed torque converter activated thru switch on throttle linkage. Launches the car at 5 mph or 75mph.
Well, no, not according to the sales brochure, it’s referred to as a Super Turbine 400.
Thanks to Curb Side Classic – here is the December 1963 Car and Driver “Road Research Report – The Longest, Most Comprehensive Car Review Ever?” A little hyperbole there from the Car and Driver team:
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/vintage-reviews/vintage-test-car-and-driver-road-research-report-1964-buick-riviera-the-longest-most-comprehensive-car-review-ever/
They spec the Super Turbine 400..three speed and the Power (SAE) of 340 bhp @ 4400 rpm. Performance results are zero to 60 mph 8.2 seconds, the 1/4 mile in 16.6 seconds with 83 mph trap speed. Zero to 100 mph requires 25.5 seconds and they “estimate” a top speed of 125 mph.
Worthwhile to read the text as it is mostly positive unless you override the power steering by diving hard into a turn and find uh-oh a momentary demand of muscle power.
Concur with Detroit Land Yacht and local-sheriff. This car is one of the best looking cars built up to this day and the recommended mild modifications will just enhance that.
No Car Looks Good As A Low Rider and Even Less Look Good With BIGGER Wheels. Leave It Ride The Way It Is. Got ENOUGH GHETTO TRASH ON THE ROAD.
Low Riders are true innovators of the hot rod culture
😄
Does THIS look like something you would regularly see in your local ghetto…?
https://www.nsclassics.com/1963-buick-riviera–luxury-classic-on-air-ride-c-4363.htm
FYI real gangstas have little interest in 60s GM lowriders – they don’t want the hassle with buffing chrome or laying frame/exhaust/trans pan at every speed bump. They either drive high $ exotics – to show off their wealth; or ,more common, mundane everyday beaters – so they don’t draw unneccessary attention
1963 – 1965 Buick Riviera Low Rider Images:
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=1963+-+1965+Buick+Riviera+Low+Riders&atb=v154-1&iar=images&iax=images&ia=images
I love this generation of Rivs despite the fact that they were big, fat, pigs. What pisses me off is it took 3 years to put the headlights where they belonged instead of where those stupid oversized parking lights were. Only car I can recall that had four bucket seats. A T-Bird for people with taste.
I was the kid washing and cleaning cars at the gas station in 1967. These cars were beautiful and in a class of their own. I could have had one but I fell in love with Mustangs. The interiors of the Buicks were in a class of their own also. My favorite Buick was the 1967 Grand Sports nailhead 4-speed cars, I have a friend who owned 3 of them all silver with black vinyl tops.
I had a 64 Riv with the single 4 barrel Carter AFB. Posi rear end. Ran great. Even for a big car. At 120 mph it floated down the highway. My first car. Paid $400 for it in 1975.
Timing is everything ! What a time to be “financially embarrassed “ I have been looking for one like this, and now I can’t do it !
Agree with low riders being ghetto trash. Same with souped up rice burners, etc. but to each their own. Different generations but I still prefer bone stock cars and trucks. Maybe vintage Cragers and a set of Jensen mind blower speakers but thats it.
Hate to bring it up but the initial suggestions said “slightly lower” not “low rider”. I don’t think this car should be modified any more than suggested by DETROIT LAND YACHT overall. Lot of hot air blowing for nothing here.
As in the song “In Crowd” from the Mamas and the Papas, “The original is still the greatest”. Word.
Great overview, thanks for the memories. I bought a ’64 in 1978 and completely restored it, first engine I ever rebuilt. The 401 was solid and fast with a 140 mph speedometer. Put 5k into it back then and only let it go when I fell in love with a ’69 Eldorado.