I grew up in a household where Ford products dominated the garage. The mix was eclectic, including a 1957 Thunderbird. Therefore, my passion for classics wearing the Blue Oval is understandable. However, if you believe my favorite Personal Luxury Car from the 1960s is a T-Bird, you’d be wrong. I feel Buick scored a home run with the First Generation Riviera, and this stunning 1964 example ticks the boxes for me. It is a largely original survivor that features the badge’s range-topping V8 under the hood. Its most pressing need is a new home, with the seller listing the Riviera here on eBay in Cincinnati, Ohio. Bidding has raced to $12,500 in a No Reserve auction.
The Riviera was the first entry produced by a General Motors marque to compete in the Personal Luxury Car segment created by the Ford Thunderbird. The First Generation hit the showrooms in October 1962 for the 1963 model year. This Generation underwent evolutionary changes before being superseded in 1966. Our feature car rolled off the line in 1964, and there is much to like about it. The seller has listed this classic to settle an estate, revealing that this garage-kept gem is a largely original rust-free survivor. The wheels and pinstripes are later additions, but the car retains the Wedgewood Blue paint selected by its first owner. This is a subtle shade that befits a luxury car, and the deep shine makes a positive first impression. There are no visible flaws or defects, with the paint cloaking panels that are equally impressive. The trim and glass look exceptional for a car of this vintage, and while I can accept the additional pinstriping (just), the American Racing wheels don’t quite work on a vehicle of this caliber. The saving grace is that the BF Goodrich tires don’t feature white letters.
Buick’s 425ci V8 became standard fare in the Riviera for 1964, with the entry-level version producing a very healthy 340hp and 465 ft/lbs of torque. Those craving better performance could select the 425 “Super Wildcat” Dual-Quad option. This V8 lifted power to 360hp, although torque dropped marginally to 460 ft/lbs. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes cementing the Riviera’s luxury credentials. A “regular” Riviera could cover the ¼-mile in 15.3 seconds, but this car should reduce that to 15.2 seconds. Comparing the Buick to its natural competitor, the Thunderbird, reveals that with an ET of 16.7 seconds, the Riviera leaves the T-Bird eating its dust. Those figures may seem largely irrelevant in a classic with luxury leanings. However, effortless performance was one of the key selling points for both models, and that is one area where the Buick gained the upper hand. This gem is in excellent mechanical health, with a claimed 63,480 original miles on the clock. The seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence but confirms the car has been meticulously maintained throughout its life. It runs and drives perfectly, offering the option for the winning bidder to fly in and drive this classic home.
The seller describes this Riviera’s Dark Blue interior as original, and if accurate, its overall condition indicates this classic has been the deceased owner’s prized possession. There are no glaringly obvious aftermarket additions to an interior that presents exceptionally well for its age. However, I am unsure about the radio because the images aren’t detailed enough to confirm whether it might have been changed. It doesn’t rate a mention in the listing, but with the seller encouraging in-person inspections, confirmation would be easy. There are no signs of wear on the upholstered surfaces or carpet, and the woodgrain trim is immaculate. The dash and pad have avoided UV damage, and the headliner looks perfect. The original owner passed on air conditioning, but the buyer still scores power windows, a power driver’s seat, the desirable Autronic eye, a power antenna, and a tilt wheel.
The seller quotes NADA valuations within the listing for this 1964 Buick Riviera, and this is one occasion where NADA and recent market results are close. Values have dropped during the past year, but they are beginning to rebound. In an ideal world, I wouldn’t be writing about this classic but bidding, hoping to become its new owner. The world isn’t ideal, meaning that you won’t be competing against me if you choose to pursue it further. If you are successful, I am willing to be your chauffeur. I’d probably do it for nothing because I’m that kind of guy. Come on, that has to make it irresistible!
Low Rider
Never! That would be gross.
Hello………………………………………………….Neuman . . .
Leave it alone, beautiful.
In the early seventies, my uncle had a beautiful ’65 Wildcat 2 dr. ht. Red W/ black interior and the Buick chrome and black mag wheels. We found one of these in a JY completely undamaged with the dual quad set-up. I tried every way I could to get him to buy the carbs. and the valve covers for his car but, no go. Gas had just jumped up to .79 cents/gallon. Even though he was a “car guy” the extra cost for driving wasn’t worth the chrome air cleaner w/ two thirsty 4 barrels and shinny valve covers. That ’65 was one sweet ride though .
I really like the Rivieras too.
Wow what a beauty!
This is one of those rare listings that you wish you would just be able to step up and buy it. I can see no down side, other than how high the final bid might be? These cars have been on a steady increase in value and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. This will be a great buy for the new owner
My mother had a ’64, metallic blue, with this same interior, owned it from new and drove it 30 miles to work and back 5 days a week for 4 years and then traded it on a roadmaster. I really loved the way this car effortlessly ate up the road, and of course, the gas. These were really classy, well made cars, that defined Buicks of this era.
My mother had a ’64, metallic blue, with this same interior, owned it from new and drove it 30 miles to work and back 5 days a week for 4 years and then traded it on a roadmaster. I really loved the way this car effortlessly ate up the road, and of course, the gas. These were really classy, well made cars, that defined Buicks of this era.
Beautiful piece of automotive history!
Ah, the 1964 Riviera. I was transported by one of these in a critical bleed out
from a plunge thru a shower door in Mar/1964. 362 stitiches, 6 years old. As there was no time for an ambulance, my neighbor threw me in his brand new , 1 week old car. we travelled at 100 mph to the hospital. The blood ruined his interior. He returned to the dealer and was told there was no way to clean it. They would have to replace the interior. They did tell him he may want to consider another car they had on the lot. He left that lot driving a 1963 split window Corvette.
Helluva save they pulled off Cruickshank 🚿🙌👍
Beautiful Riviera (but I like a 67 just a little bit more).
I can’t show a picture of my 64 riviera because I let my membership lapse some time ago. These are beautiful cars and drive wonderfully. Mine is also a 425 cubic inch version with factory a/c, power windows and seat, tilt wheel etc. I’ve owned it since 2011 when I bought it from the nephew of the original owner from Gardena, California. These cars will spin the rear tires on take off with a push of the gas pedal. They ride like on air, with cushion like coil spring suspension. Brakes are 12′ aluminum drums on all 4 corners but 3 1/2″ wide at front and 3″ wide at rear. I have never had a problem stopping this heavy car. Gas mileage is only about 15 mpg city driving. They still had vent windows on these cars which I really like. Wipers are electric so no problems there.
Hope this one finds a great new home.
God Bless America
Designers, got it right on this one . Perfect in every way!
The seller appears to be working on an estate sale. He also has a VW Thing and a VW Cabriolet for sale.
I love the first generation Rivieras. I’ve owned 2 ’63s, 2 ’64s, one with dual quads, and a ’65 with dual quads. I totally smoked a mid ‘2000s Corvette with the ’65. He pulled up to an old car with and equally old man and kept blipping his throttle. I couldn’t stand it, when the light changed I stood on it and manually shifted the Riv until the Corvette was far behind.
Of the three originals I think the ’65 looks the meanest and is the cleanest design.
Never should have sold the ’65. I bought it from the son of the “Little Old Lady” original owner with only 28,000 miles on it.
Did the guy in the Corvette know you were racing?
It was a 2000 Vette, so yea probably. He was probably swearing out loud too!
A late model vette could never catch that Buick since it could do the quarter mile in 15 seconds?
Vette was probably going in reverse if it got beat. Looks like a case of road rage instead of race glory.
Still that Riviera looks like a neat car from that time, nice color too.
Yah right!
This would be another good custom for Ian Rousel and Victor Cacho to do on their YouTube channel
I always wanted one of these but never found a good one
I did buy a 64 Electra 4ht with this same engine. That car rolls for a giant barge. Looks strange to see the big chrome air breather and finned valve covers on a big black four door. A real beauty here.
I was sorry to read the sellers description upgrade, where he disclosed the engine not actually being numbers matching. To me, that makes a huge difference in the cars value. I was about to make a bid and add that gorgeous Buick to my small collection, until I read that..
Chrome factory rally wheels with whitewall tires would turn that Riviera into a show car
Absurd. These are not high dollar cars whether original or not. Can you tell the difference between an original 425 and a replacement from the driver’s seat? Nope, you can’t. It makes no difference whatsoever on a $20-25k car.
May not matter to you, but it does to me. The part that is absurd is that you place no value on numbers matching, as long as the vehicle is 20 to 25 grand. You obviously value cars a lot differently than I do.
I didn’t say no value.. I said not buying a reasonably priced, nice condition car on account of the engine not being original is just absurd. This “numbers matching” craze was started by sellers who want to maximize their profit when selling a car, but the problem is now that buyers are way too hung up on it as a result. There’s no logic to it. Are you buying a car to drive and enjoy, or are you buying it to show off and brag about how original it is? It’s an absurd stance on a car like this. From the driver’s seat it means NOTHING.
I agree with you, especially when you’re spending your money, get exactly what you want.
My father sold cars for years after USAF retirement and I saw a bunch from the 60’s and 70’s because of him.
Lots of nicer used cars were only nice after the shop swapped in a real running engine or a tranny that could engage.
Numbers matching parts are available in a salvage yard where broken parts belong.
I agree. If “value” out of it and there were 5 identical Rivieras sitting next to each other and only one had a non original engine, that car would be the last to be sold and most likely at the lowest price of the 5.
Let me know when you find five identical Rivieras for sale today in identical condition. Not happening. These hypotheticals are just absurd. People stuck in the ‘70s when Rivieras were plentiful. Comparing that to today is absolutely ridiculous.
A REAL, I guess you’re just a REAL angry guy. Calm down, man. You calling people absurd is the real absurdity of all of this. You might not agree with someone but to cast shade on them for a preference, well, we all know where that leads . . .
A “preference” based on nothing logical or tangible is easily and rightfully dismissed as absurd. You aren’t in it for the enjoyment of the automobile if the numbers stamped on the block make or break it for you. I stand by my assertion that this numbers matching business has been taken to an irrational extreme. You’re doing it wrong if you’re deciding whether or not to buy a driver condition Riviera for modest money based on engine originality.
As a former ’63 Riviera owner, the radio appears original.
LUVIN DEM BUICKS BUT still lookin for that mid 50’s Roadmaster Wagon for my 92nd year.
My parents had a 1963 Riviera. First year, if I remember correctly. Hunter Green. I remember on the top of the air cleaner cover. It said 445 Wildcat. Amazing car. Swift like a gazelle.
Hunter green was always my favorite. Really wanted a 63. Dad had a 63 Chev, brother at 63 Olds, neighbors had a 63 Caddy and Pontiac. I figgered at Rivvy would round it out nicely. Oh well..
Always liked these early to mid Riviera’s… I bet this is a sweet ride whether it’s engine is original or time period correct.
It is indeed sweet … but the ultimate Riv is the boat tail. IMHO
At least it’s a period correct motor. Not some newer swap. Worth every penny they’re asking but I’m personally not a fan of the powder blue look. Someone is going to get a good car at a good price.
I would like to know why the engine was replaced and if there is documents for the swap. The change obviously wasn’t done in someones garage
To me, it is more important to know everything about the replacement motor. Did it come out of a wrecking yard parts car, has it had any work done to it, any idea how many miles are actually on it, has anyone checked to verify that it is in fact a real 425 and not a smaller displacement V8. There are numerous Nail heads in smaller cubic inch versions that would bolt right into that car. Of course my other question is, where is the motor that came out of the car, could it be rebuilt.
Absurd seems to be the theme of a certain commenter. It’s truly absurd to get your blood pressure up over numbers matching engines. We all have our preferences. Let’s respect each other’s opinions. Love the car. I think bidding goes to 25K.
1965 Caddys and Pontiac got the stacked headlights. This here Riv seems to have the stacked and side-by-side headlights. Are there any lights behind the stacks to the left and right of the headlights and were all Rivieras like this? I seen pics with lights stacked.
Parking lights.
63 and 64 had these headlights. 65 they moved them to where the parking lights are and hid them behind retractable doors.