Notice to Barn Finds readers: I cannot be unbiased about the 1963 Riviera. It is one of my favorite cars of all time, I own one, and mine is in similar driver condition as the one being sold here on Marketplace in Auburn, Maine. I cannot in good conscience tell you that you shouldn’t buy a Riviera of your own. You should. Perhaps this one is it. Thank you to RichardinMaine for sending this one our way!
Let’s get past the exterior for a minute: It’s gorgeous, and we all know that. To complement the Riviera’s singular styling, Buick put on a masterclass in interior design, repurposing the standard full-size Buick gauges into a consolidated dashboard/console that looks completely fresh and purposeful. This one has the optional custom interior with an interior door handle for both front and back seat passengers, in addition to wood veneer door panel inserts. Some (like mine) came with leather and vinyl upholstery. The seat covers here are showing their age, but Clark’s Corvair in Massachusetts produces high quality interior components for first-generation Rivieras.
The seller doesn’t include a picture of the engine, but most ’63 Rivieras had the 401 Nailhead with 325 horsepower channeled through “Turbine Drive,” also known to Buick people as the Dynaflow (its last year). Here’s the rub: The seller says that although the engine and transmission have been rebuilt, there is an “intermittent issue” with the transmission. He’s been driving it, but it sounds like it doesn’t always go into drive. Keep in mind that a Dynaflow doesn’t shift in the traditional sense; although there is a low range that you can choose manually, it will never shift by itself.
Aside from that, the seller has gone through the brakes, fuel system, and has even installed a new radiator and tires. I’m starting to regret that this one wasn’t around when I was looking! It even comes with a bunch of original paperwork (to be fair, so did mine).
OK, so I’m not so hot on the spotlight mounted to the driver’s fender, but the color is nice and it looks like a solid car. The ad literally says “try me, has to go.” Since the asking price is $14,500, which is already a pretty good price for a solid ’63, you could walk in with some cash and go home with an awesome Riviera. If you live in Maine, and this is just my opinion, you should probably be heading to the bank now.
This is my favorite year Riv. And in my favorite color for one too. Unfortunately Ill probably never have a chance to own one, but if I did I’d jump at this. I actually have a Johnny Lightning 63 Riv TJet slot car in this exact color. ( one of my favorites I’ll never get rid of). I know the leather interior is showing signs of age, but thats what I like about it I’d keep it as is. This is beautiful, someones going to get a great Buick here.
Driveinstile that interior reminds me of one’s favorite, well worn, brown leather jacket.
I’d try to preserve the existing interior. I like the look of the seats. It is a gorgeous car, as Aaron wrote, with a somewhat sinister front view.
If the foam is still good, the seats look welcoming indeed! The dashboard is another issue…and hopefully replaceable. The spotlight…ouch!
I am curious if the techs at AAMCO can troubleshoot and rebuild a Dynaflow (or Turbine Drive) these days!
Most of them probably have never seen one.
I sent it in so I wouldn’t have to buy it.
My two cents worth, I think Leatherique products can probably restore and redye the leather.
I prefer the ’64 because it came with a 400 transmission. I have never liked the earlier Buicks because of the sloppy trans they used.
I hear a lot of complaining about the Dynaflow transmission, but it does a perfectly fine job of moving my ’63 Riviera around. If I step on the gas, acceleration is smooth and powerful; what’s not to like?
SWEET, and I have the same engine ,tranny in my 54 Century
Power windows! Leather! Is it possible to retrofit 65 headlights and grill? And maybe a new A41 4L60E Automatic ?
Anything is possible if you’ve got enough money.
I see a stand-up ornament on the bonnet, that’s from a model year 1964 Riviera. The 1963 Riviera came with a flat ornament with the Buick Tri-Shield instead of the Riviera R on the later models.
Aaron you can always have 2 Rivieras. I have a 64 425 single carb with A/C. It’s a blast to drive, I’ve never seen a spot light on the fender before, I wonder was that an option or aftermarket? But Maine that sure is a long way from Houston, Texas. The price looks inviting though, hopefully it’s not a rust bucket underneath. Someone better grab this quick, it won’t last long.
God Bless America
I really like these old Rivs. My brother had a nice silver 63. I’m thinking the 65 is my favorite with the clamshell headlights.