Buick launched the Riviera as a personal luxury coupe in 1963, and it would remain a company staple through the balance of the 20th Century. The seller’s 1964 edition has the optional “Super Wildcat” version of the 425 cubic inch V8, which would be standard in the Gran Sport model when it debuted the following year. Production numbers were small relative to the total in ’64 (2,122 vs. 37,658), so the seller’s car is rarer and likely more desirable to collectors. Located in Valley, Washington, this running Buick needs some cosmetic TLC and is available here on eBay. The opening is $10,000, but there have been no takers, and the reserve is somewhere between there and a $15,000 Buy It Now selection.
The difference between the “standard” 425 and the optional one was 20 horsepower (340 vs. 360), achieved by the latter using twin 4-barrel carburetors instead of a single. The seller refers to this setup as a prototype, though I’m not sure if Buick referred to it as such. The 1963 Riviera was a sales hit, so Buick tinkered little with it for 1964. Leather upholstery became routine fare, and the automatic transmission was new (“Super Turbine 400”, aka Turbo-Hydramatic).
We’re told this big Buick is 95% original, which includes the numbers-matching under-the-hood hardware and the white paint. Though the car has 93,000 miles, it runs and drives well, so the mileage hasn’t tired it at all. New parts include the brakes and shocks, and all the fluids have been refreshed.
Rust is minimal with the usual surface variety, except for one smaller hole. There likely wasn’t much that the original buyer didn’t check on the order form, as the auto is fully equipped. Aftermarket gauges have replaced the ashtray lid, and a tachometer resides where the clock once lived. This should be one cool cat to cruise around in, with or without any restoration.
Shame no interest, yet, just think, in the “Niagara Falls down the intake wars”,,Buick wasn’t about to take a back seat. Had some healthy competition, as multiple carbs were the solution. While not quite a hemi or R code, like all motors of the time, grossly under rated, and this motor was over 400 HP easy. But not in a drag racing way, more of a subtle approach. Power to pass, and none did it better than a Buick. 0 bids? On this? and a ’round and ’round it goes,,,,
Last and the most powerful, of the “nail heads”. They became obsolete when the Dynaflow went away because the nail head was designed to work exclusively with that transmission. They used small valves enabling the engine to produce, not so much horsepower, but a lot of torque at low RPM. Too bad this car is not a ’65 with the more-attractive hidden headlights. It’s a good starter for a restoration project.
this is 1 bad Buick for sure. it may not have the 65 lights but deserves the same respect packing this motor. not many of these built from the factory and i am sur not many left. this needs work for sure but a very good starting point. better than a lot of the s*** buckets that come across these pages for sure. i have 2 63 parts cars. i will be watching to see where this ends up.
I drove a 401 Wildcat 1965 model with 2x4s off a 425 that was absolutely wild.
At 100 it wanted to toss you in the backseat if you put it to the floor.
These things do go but would go much better if the trans was traded for a 400.
What cool car! Seems to be reasonably priced and not in bad shape. Somebody is going to get a true “diamond in the rough”.
I can.t believe no one has jumped on this car, miner rust and a little dent here and there new paint and this car is a true survivor. But sales are slow across the board right now 15k is a reasonable price this car was one of the nicest modals out for 1964 I just might have to buy this great deal.
checked and the listing just got pulled for an “error”, would be interesting to see if it comes back at a higher price
Beautiful car. My favourite has always been the 1963-64 Buick Riviera.
It looks great for over 60 years old! The best car I ever owned was a 65 Wildcat, it was the most comfortable and easy driving car I’ve ever had. It was a great cruiser, once you got on the freeway you better get in the inside lane because she drove better and got better mileage at 80 than at 65.
Local lore about a guy who owned one of these back in the day. Was said that you could travel between our town and the next, a little over 4 miles village limit to village limit, in two minutes. The stopwatch didn’t lie but the turn onto the crossroad was a bit hairy.
Listing has ended
These were underrated. Ahead of their time.
Lovin (& missing) Buick Rivieras.
I’ve always been a big fan of Buicks my first car when I started driving at the age of 16 was a metallic mint green 1964 Buick LeSabre custom Coupe with a white vinyl top I really like this white Rivera it has the rare engine and the mileage is just right it has a lot of life left in it does anyone know how I can bid on this car
Believe the seller musta sold it off ebay . Gone now .
“This listing was ended by the seller on Fri, Mar 6 at 9:04 AM because there was an error in the listing.”
My favourite years for the Buick Riviera are the 1963, 1964, 1966. I hope this 64 Riv goes to a good owner, one who will enjoy it and take care of it.