1963 Buick Riviera

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The production Riviera was introduced on October 4, 1962, as a 1963 model, its distinctive bodyshell was unique to the marque, unusual for a GM product. The design was substantially the same as the original, less expensively hidden headlights concealed in the fender grilles. The elegant ground-up styling sported the new Coke bottle look introduced the year before on the arresting Studebaker Avanti, with a tapered midsection surrounded by flaring fenders. There was no trace of the Sweepspear used on beltlines of earlier Buicks with the Riviera package.
It rode a cruciform frame similar to the standard Buick chassis, but shorter and narrower. It shared the standard Buick V8 engines, with a displacement 401 cu in (6.6 L) and the unique continuously variable design twin turbine automatic transmission. Power brakes were standard, using Buicks massive Al-Fin (aluminum finned) drums with a 12 diameter. Power steering was standard equipment, with an overall steering ratio of 20.5:1, giving 3.5 turns lock-to-lock.
The Rivieras suspension used Buicks standard design, with double wishbones in the front and a live axle located by trailing arms and a lateral track bar in the rear, but the roll centers were lowered to reduce body lean. Although its coil springs were actually slightly softer than other Buicks, the Rivieras lighter weight made its ride somewhat firmer. While still biased towards understeer, contemporary testers considered it one of the most driveable American cars, with an excellent balance of comfort and agility.
Buicks 325 hp 401 CID Nailhead V-8 was initially the only available engine, fitted with dual exhaust as standard equipment, and the turbine drive the only transmission.
With the same power as the bigger Buicks and less weight, the Riviera had improved all-around performance: Motor Trend recorded 0 60 miles per hour in 8 seconds or less, the standing 1 4 mile in about 16 seconds, and an observed top speed of 115 miles per hour . Fuel economy was rated at 13.2 mpg!
Inside, the Riviera featured a luxurious four-place cabin with front bucket seats and bucket-style seats in the rear. A center console with a floor shifter and storage compartment built into the instrument panel divided the front. Upholstery choices included all-vinyl, cloth and vinyl, or optional leather. A deluxe interior option included real walnut inserts on the doors and below the rear side windows. Extra-cost options included a tilt steering wheel, power windows, power drivers seat, air conditioning, a remote-controlled side-view mirror, and white sidewall tires.
New parts on this Riviera include: Alternator, Body mounts, Carburetor, Chrome, Complete interior, Disc brake conversion, Exhaust system, Fuel tank, fuel pump, Hoses, Lifters, push rods, redone heads (valves, springs, rockers, and rocker shafts), Master cylinder and booster, Motor mounts/Transmission mounts, Paint, Plugs, points, wires, rotor, Power steering hoses, Radiator and clutch fan, Radio and speakers, Rear shoes, Shocks, Tie rod ends, Trunk carpet, Upper and lower ball joints, Upper and lower control arm bushings, Vintage A/C and heat unit, Water pump, and Wheels and tires.
This vehicle is available to view by appointment only. Please call the office to make an appointment. For additional information on this and our other classic and collectible cars for sale, please visit www.Survivor-Cars.com. For assistance, please call or text the office at 941-845-4461, or email us at info@Survivor-Cars.com. If you are unable to come view the vehicle for yourself, we highly recommend you send in a third-party inspector on your behalf. We are located between Tampa and Sarasota. We are 90 minutes from Orlando and Fort Myers. Potential purchaser understands it is their responsibility to verify condition and accuracy of information when purchasing from Survivor Classic Cars. It is the sole responsibility of the potential purchaser to inspect the vehicle, or have a third-party inspection performed on the vehicle before purchasing. The potential purchaser is relying solely on their own knowledge and judgement about any vehicle purchased.