General Motors entered the personal car segment of the market in 1963 with the new Buick Riviera (although you could argue that the Cadillac Eldorado of the late 1950s was one). It was immediately popular, and Buick limited first-year production in an attempt to add some exclusivity (is 40,000 copies exclusive?). And the Riviera would remain a Buick staple for the balance of the century. This first year Riviera was purchased as a project, but work has stalled due to changing priorities with the seller. It’s available near Omaha, Nebraska, and here on craigslist for $8,000 OBO. Thanks, T.J. for another neat find!
The Riviera was a from-the-ground-up design, the GM E-body platform, which would go on to later serve the Olds Toronado and Cadillac Eldorado. Unlike the subsequent cars, the Riviera employed rear-wheel-drive as was the convention of the day. Between 1963 and 1999, Buick built eight generations of the Riviera, which saw a total output of more than 1.1 million units. Not too shabby!
These cars borrowed from existing inventory for their engines and transmissions. Standard in the 1963 Riviera, which is also in the seller’s car, is the 325 hp, 401 cubic-inch “Nailhead” V8. A 425 CI version became available later in the model year, but most takers went for the 401. The cars were quick for their size, capable of 0 to 60 mph in eight seconds and the standing quarter mile in 16 seconds. But they drank gasoline like most bigger cars of the era and the Riviera was good for 13-16 mpg at best.
Since acquiring this Buick, the seller has done quite a lot of work (and put more money into it than the asking price). Some serious patchwork has been done to the floorboards and the car has a new windshield, front suspension, and brakes. It’s a running project that could also stand a rework of the carburetor. The interior has been removed and while the back seat looks okay, the fronts will require time in the shop. We assume a new carpeting set and door panels need to be ordered. The body looks fair, and it may not take a lot to get it ready for a new coat of paint.
Well, unless you’re Bill Gates with unlimited resources, you need to pick the right car if you’re going to “restore”, “revive”, or”resurrect” an old car. This poor car looks like it was really far gone when work commenced, so it’s no wonder the seller ran out of energy and money. But I still like it better than that Winfield Riviera!
I agree Rex, that Winfield car nearly had me trashing my computer. How anyone could possibly think that looks better than an original is beyond rational behavior. Now this car has potential but still a long way to go. I like that they already replaced the floor pans for the rear seat area. I’ve had my 64 for 11 years now and it still could use some tlc. When these Riviera’s came out in 63 they were more powerful, more luxurious and nimbler handling than their Thunderbird competition, but sales were limited so there’s a lot more Thunderbirds available now than Riviera’s so values should be higher for the Riviera’s but that’s not the case. Anyway I love my 64 Riviera.
God Bless America
I love your ’64 Riviera, too, and I never saw it. My favorite year.
To be fair,while i didnt like that Winfield Riviera.In it’s time of the mid 60’s,it was just another car and tastes were far different then.So it wasnt ruined in the time period,now it’s a reminder that style’s change for better or for worse.No-one saw it as a timeless collectable back then.This Riviera on the other hand is a first year for only 8k and even Hagerty has this at 16k for fair which this,as the seller has addressed the big items already.So..it’s a total steal.
There are much better projects out there for that price. I saw a 63 Riviera the other day, for same price. Seller said it had only driven 17,000 miles. Exterior was weathered but engine room looked realy clean. Interior was crunchy because it was a CA car. That i think was a better starting point. It was driving, and all electric worked.
I have owned a couple of 1963 Rivieras and driven them on long trips. I can assure you that 16 mpg is just a pipe dream for these cars. I could get 13 on the highway if I was very careful and did not exceed 65 mph. 11-12 is more likely. With their 20-gallon fuel tank, their range between gas stops is not great. I had to walk a couple of times on those trips when a gas station did not show up soon enough. To be safe, 180 miles is the maximum range on a tank of gas for a ’63 Riviera.
This would be a good buy for a backyard restorer who was willing to do most of the work and not worry if it took years, as it surely would. A great hobby project and affordable. If going on the professional restoration route, it wouldn’t make sense. Start with a better example.
Many nice ones that you can drive and enjoy for 30K out there…
OMG that is my old Riviera. I had it all painted fixed up and larked I then traded it to my brother to get my pickup painted he kept it for years then sold it to my youngest brother who drove it some then parked it . The last time I saw it was after my father passed away seems my little brother just left it to rot he sold it and I lost track of I hope it gets fixed up it was a super nice.
Patina SUCKS!
Agree! It just another way to say poor condition. Sugarcoat sucks!