I have never had trouble picking a favorite American classic from every post-war decade…except for the 1960s. That isn’t because there were no good cars: It was because I feel spoiled for choice. I love the purity of the original pony and muscle cars, while it is impossible to ignore the Corvette in all of its forms. However, if push came to shove, I would probably park this 1963 Buick Riviera in my garage. This car is claimed to be an unmolested survivor, with the photos suggesting that it needs nothing. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beautiful Buick listed here on Craigslist in Santa Rosa, California. The seller set their price at $20,000 in their attempt to send the Riviera to a new home where it will be appreciated by its next owner.
Buick released the Riviera for the 1963 model year as its contender in the Personal Luxury Car segment. Its natural competitor was the Ford Thunderbird, and the Riviera proved a worthy adversary. The Buick received universal praise for its styling, which successfully enticed buyers into showrooms. The first owner ordered this first-year example in Arctic White, with the listing suggesting it is a genuine survivor. Its condition is particularly noteworthy if that is true. The paint shines nicely, shows no evidence of significant flaws or defects, and the panels are straight. There is no evidence or mention of rust, which is unsurprising considering it is located in an area with a reputation for preserving classic steel. The trim looks impressive for a vehicle of this vintage, with the same true of the glass.
Buick introduced the Riviera, powered by its 401ci “Nailhead” V8. It added the more potent 425ci unit later in the model year, with this car featuring the smaller motor. It sends 325hp to the rear wheels via a “Dynaflow” automatic transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes cementing the car’s luxury credentials. The Thunderbird’s entry-level 390 offered slightly less power and torque, and with the Riviera’s curb weight slightly lower, the Buick provided superior acceleration and performance. The seller states that this car’s odometer shows 33,000 miles, although they believe it has rolled over. They have been its custodian since 2018, only accumulating around 100 miles behind the wheel during that time. They say that it comes with extensive documentation, and it appears that it is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
The first owner didn’t load this Riviera with factory options like air conditioning or power windows, but there is no denying that the interior still looks luxurious and inviting. They trimmed the seats in Black leather that is free from wear and distress. The carpet is equally impressive, and there are no issues with the dash, pad, or plastic. The headliner has one small tear that might be an ideal candidate for a blind patch. Otherwise, the overall condition is acceptable for anyone seeking a survivor-grade classic.
Okay, I have a challenge that I hope our readers will accept. One of the hardest aspects of writing for Barn Finds is that many of us are confronted by classics that we long to own. That is how I feel about this 1963 Buick Riviera. There is much to like and little deserving criticism. It might lack such features as air conditioning and power windows, but it would compensate for these shortcomings by making every journey feel special as you sit cocooned in its beautiful interior. The seller’s price looks highly competitive, adding to my temptation. However, I’m not in a position to give it a new home, but I hope that you can. That way, I can rest easy, knowing that it will be driven and appreciated by a genuine enthusiast. Are you willing to accept that challenge?
Always an eye catcher, any year.
The Riv.
Uncle Howards car, from my N.Wis. escapades. To refresh, Uncle Howard was a friends uncle in N.Wis. that was single his whole life, never went to war, for some reason, and operated the “Holiday Resort”. A small 3 cottage motel/bar, and being single had quite a reputation. In 1963, he bought a brand new white Riv, I don’t think quite as fancy, but Howard was no schmoe, and knew what to buy. Howard “got around” the Northwoods, and cops were few, and he knew the rest and 100 mph was not unusual. I never actually saw the car, his health declined and rather than go through it, he shot himself about 20 years ago, and the car was found in a shed.
How Rambler got 1963 CotY award, and not this( or the GP) will remain a mystery for the ages.
Maybe GM didn’t give the rag as much advertising revenue? It’s how awards are “bought”.
Howard, as resident era encyclopedia, didn’t this car sometimes have the hidden headlights with that unusual two-way mechanism? I may have it confused with a later model or was it an option. Asking for a friend.
That was the 1965 Riviera you are thinking about. Only year for the clamshell headlights.
“Not quite as fancy”?? This car is down to the bare bones as it would have come from the factory without adding a single thing. I think probably 75% or better of the 63-65 Rivs I’ve seen (and selling old Buick parts for 50 years, I’ve seen quite a few) have had at least power windows, and probably better than 50% had factory air. I would think Uncle Howard’s car would be virtually identical to this one.
The 1963 Rambler was a car for the masses. It was reliable, affordable, had uniside construction for a rattle-free driving experience(well-built), and had an attractive design (especially the Classic). What’s not to like? We owned a brown metal flake 1961 Rambler Classic station wagon. Our family of four, from Minnesota, went to the ’62 World’s Fair in it, hauling a large tent, four sleeping bags, a Coleman stove, etc. We visited several National Parks along the way. Good times!
If there is a better example of pure US automotive art out there I’d appreciate someone posting what it is.
Can’t argue with you….
Not better, but the 53/54 Bourke/Loewy Studebaker Commander coupe is an artistic equal IMO.
High in my list also.
I hope this car runs and drives as good as it appears! I’m probably one of the very few who prefers this version of the Riviera over the later hidden-headlight version. I think the headlights make the front end look more complete. Anyway, I’m rather surprised this car didn’t come standard with power windows. But then again, I used to own a ’65 Pontiac Grand Prix that had only a bench seat and crank windows.
I think it’s missing the little hood ornament.
No standing hood ornament for 1963.
Right. The 64 had a stand-up ornament, while the 63 had the ornament laying down, “embedded” in the hood wind-split molding.
There it is. Love your car Rex. 🚗
Thanks Stan. Maybe someday they’ll write up a 67 Newport Custom, then I can post a photo of that car!
Beautiful looking car. 1963-64 is my favourite year for the Buick Riviera. It’s awesome to see an original unmolested survivor cars. Given its original survivor condition, I’d be willing to pay around the asking price.
The ’66-’67 Rivs were the only ones that could compete with the original Rivs in the looks category of great ’60s designs. Bubba Smith was a tremendous football player at Michigan State in the mid ’60s. He drove a white ’66 Riv and Hal Lucas, another great player at MSU drove a maroon Electra 225 convertible. This was in the days before NIL money and college players were not paid (yeah, I just said that). A grateful alum who happened to own a Buick dealership in Lansing somehow found a way to show appreciation for their contributions to the team.
I remember the Riviera promotional advertising arriving in my mailbox, giving a showroom-arrival date, and inviting me to go and see it. Foolishly, I tossed that ad — might have been collectible now…
I remember the Riviera promotional advertising arriving in my mailbox, giving a showroom-arrival date, and inviting me to go and see it. Foolishly, after looking it over and admiring what I saw, I tossed that ad into the trash — might have been collectible now…
Wow, I’ve never seen a ’63 this low-optioned. Pretty interesting. I had a fully optioned ’63 Rivvy as my first restoration project back in 1995 which had the uber rare power vent windows.