When I think of the color white, I immediately picture a snowy winter. For car collectors, winter usually means the end of cruising in your classic and the start of winterizing it for spring. A white exterior on a classic car usually doesn’t get me too excited either, since I prefer something eye-popping or an earth tone. But while scrolling through classic car ads online, a gorgeous white beauty caught my eye like no other. This classic is a 1963 Buick Riviera from Plymouth, Massachusetts, and it’s for sale here on Facebook Marketplace for $15,500.
Having owned two Buicks over the years, I joined the local chapter of the Buick Club of America and attended plenty of all-Buick car shows. There were usually plenty of Rivieras spanning all generations, but my favorites were always the first generation from 1963-1965. The fact that the seller’s Riviera is the first year of the run is definitely a highlight for me. The Riviera’s iconic coke bottle styling, created by automotive designer Bill Mitchell, was truly a work of art. The low profile of the Riviera along with its long hood and sharp angles make it stand out from the crowd in any color. In 1963 buyers could choose from among 15 colors and the original owner of this 1963 Riviera for sale chose Arctic White. From the photos provided, the exterior of this Buick looks extremely presentable, and 15″ Rally wheels covering finned drum brakes help give it a sporty look.
Likewise, the interior of this 1963 Riviera also looks to be in great condition with a little wear showing on the driver’s seat and a separation in the headliner. The interior, decked out in Sandalwood vinyl upholstery, gives a nice slight contrast to the exterior paint. As the Riviera was built as a personal luxury car, a center console, power steering and windows are featured in this interior. Although not a selling point for a modern car, the four bucket seats in the Riviera just ooze a sense of coolness.
Under the long hood of the Riviera sits a 401 cubic inch Nailhead V8 producing 325 hp. The seller states the Riviera has 47k miles shown, whether that is original miles or once over the speedometer is up for debate. A two-speed Turbine drive automatic transmission is stated to handle the engine. The ad description notes some mechanical restoration including new brake lines, new fuel lines, exhaust and brakes. This is a car that makes me wish I had a bigger garage as it looks great, and the price seems very reasonable. What do you readers think?
An early Riv is on my bucket list for sure. This one looks great. If it is over 140,000 miles its in fantastic condition. I couldn’t help but notice there’s a belt on the AC compressor, which is always a positive. I agree with Christopher, turquoise or blue would probably be more preferred than white, but even in white, it’s a handsome car. Nice write up Christopher. Thank you. I enjoyed it.