As a classic car enthusiast, the 1960s pose a unique challenge. I have no trouble picking a classic from each post-war decade that I would park in my garage if the opportunity arose. However, so many genuinely great cars emerged during the 1960s that it is almost impossible to pick just one. A strong contender would be the First Generation Buick Riviera. It perfectly blended stunning styling, luxury motoring, and plenty of power. This 1963 example is a sad sight, but it runs and drives. Therefore, it could be an excellent project candidate for determined enthusiasts. The seller has listed the Riviera here on eBay in Albany, New York. They set their price at $7,500, and it appears they are firm on that figure.
Buick entered the Personal Luxury Car segment in 1963 with the Riviera. It had the well-established Ford Thunderbird firmly in its sights, but limited first-year production to 40,000 vehicles. This ’63 Riviera would have made a striking impression when it rolled off the lot, ordered by its first owner in Bronze Mist Metallic. Much water has passed under the bridge over the past six decades, meaning this classic requires a complete restoration. Beyond the tired paint, there is the typical rust that seems to have afflicted so many of these cars. The seller confirms that the list of new steel will include floors and a trunk pan, and there is also evidence of panel issues and deteriorating Bondo. Therefore, whipping this Buick into shape will require more than a few weekends of tinkering in a home workshop. Some trim pieces require restoration or replacement, but the tinted glass looks okay.
Buick offered 1963 Riviera buyers a choice of two engines, with this car’s first owner opting for the range-topping 425ci “Nailhead” V8, delivering 340hp and 465 ft/lbs of torque. Interestingly, this motor doesn’t rate a mention in that year’s Sales Brochure, due to delayed availability. The remaining mechanical components were standard, including the two-speed Twin Turbine automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The seller confirms that this Riviera runs and drives around the yard, with the transmission selecting gears okay. Stopping is another matter, because the brakes are inoperative. However, it appears that the new owner will receive a relatively sound mechanical package to work with.
If this Riviera’s exterior is sad, its interior continues that theme. Trimmed in Brown leather, time has marched across the trim and appears to have done so in army boots! A complete restoration is the only option, and it won’t be cheap. A trim kit will address many of the apparent shortcomings, but these retail for around $2,500. That figure doesn’t include replacing the damaged bright pieces, the cracked wheel, or the missing radio. It is possible to recapture a factory look, but the new owner’s wallet will be considerably lighter by the end of the process.
This 1963 Buick Riviera needs a lot of love to recapture its stunning original good looks, and it will require deep commitment from its new owner to make it happen. On the plus side, the steel needed to return this classic to a rust-free state is available. However, the process will also entail many hours of cutting and welding, and dismantling the car to the last nut and bolt would be the only way to ensure a high-end result. The cost could be high if the buyer hands the Buick over to a professional, so this project is best suited to someone with well-developed welding skills who can take a DIY approach. If you fit that mold, would you consider this project candidate?
While the ’63-’65 Rivieras are universally admired in the classic car space, this hasn’t necessarily translated to high valuation.
A nice respectable #3 driver car can be had for probably 25K or less, and you’d be off to the car shows that weekend. Bringing this poor car up to that #3 level would probably cost you that same 25K, but the $7500 buy-in would have you upside-down right off the bat.
It’s a shame the car wasn’t better cared for along it’s life.
I almost forgot…notice the bent lower-left corner of the glove box…they all have it! The lock fails and someone has attempted to open the door by prying on the lower left corner. On every Riviera.
I agree the buyer will probably be upside down pretty quickly with this car. Rivera was also a model in the mid fifties.
Riviera was a marketing name appellation in the 1950’s for a BODY STYLE, not a specific model.
A body style would be a couple, sedan etc. Rivera, Century and Roadmaster were different models of the same (for the most part) basic car. Riveras were a small percentage of the total production. But it wasn’t unique like the later Rivieras.
Sorry, but you apparently do NOT know Buick’s naming conventions in that era.
Riviera was the name USED IN MARKETING EFFORTS by Buick, and applied to BODY STYLES (yes, I use the word again!). I did not say “Riviera” in itself was a body style, but APPLIED to Buick body styles in the 1950’s, not to Buick models. Big difference.
There are much better examples out there for not much more money.
1963-64 has always been my favourite years for the Buick Riviera. Assuming everything is there, and there’s nothing to compromise the chassis and safety of the car, this looks like an awesome resto project, or possibly a restomod project. I’d keep what I can original, while also modifying what needs to be modified.
What. You want the car to go AND stop? What a narrow minded (but understandable) attitude! (lol) I’m not a real Riviera fan. But have always liked the body style. GLWTS
I second all of the comments. This car is a rusty mess…the fenders, the rockers, the quarters, the trunk lid, the trunk floor, probably the inside floors. The frame is probably rusted beyond repair. Years in the salty rust belt of upstate NY do that to all cars. The owner knows that there is some sucker out there who sees the dream and not the parts car that this is.
I’ve had almost a dozen of these cars over the last 30 years. Most of them were indeed parts cars, and rusty messes, just like this one (it IS a $500-$800 parts car).
Only thing I would disagree with you is that the frames seemed to hold up remarkably well, all things considered. Floorboards? Nope. Trunk floor? Nary a chance is the one in this car salvageable. Curious thing to me is that despite the popularity and ubiquitous supply of these cars, no one has ponied up to make replacement panels. Oh well. The one “keeper” I bought to restore years ago was a California rust free car – I know how to pick ’em, and this one ain’t it.
this has been on eBay for a while now. i have been watching it because i have 2 of them loaded with parts been trying for $500.00 each and can’t sell them. as stated, better examples for not much more money which is a better move
My 64 Riviera doesn’t have a bent glove box door. I bought it from the original California family with only 27,000 miles on it in 2011. I’ve only put about 1500 miles on it in the 15 years I’ve owned it. I have it insured for $35,000.00 in case the unimaginable should happen. I keep it in my garage and only show it on nice weather days.
God Bless America
I stand corrected John. There is one Riv without a bent glove box.
Rex/Rich you’re the best. Your Buick and Chrysler prove it. Thanks
John-