1963 Buick Riviera

Survivor Car Coupe

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

7J1044925

Gasoline

1963 Buick Riviera 37K original miles Documentation from new Heavily optioned example Up for bids is this super low mile Buick, a 1963 Riviera.  The Riviera was the product of GM Styling Chief Bill Mitchell and designer Ned Nickles.  It's said that Mitchell's trip to the London Auto Show in 1959 inspired him to create a Grand Tourer that could compete with European cars.  The Riviera debuted in 1963 to rave reviews and was an instant success.  Tom McCahill of Mechanix Illustrated called it "the greatest forward stride Buick has ever made...a truly fine-handling car, as good as any made in this country today". First generation Rivieras seem to be finally getting their due in today's collector market, they represent an example of GM excellence from the early 60's and are considered by many to be an easy to live with car that has both stylish appeal and solid engineering.  The trick with Rivieras though is sorting through the junk to find the jewels, if you've been tracking them on eBay you probably know that really good ones are hard to find.  This is a genuine low mile car with all of the paperwork to prove it.  Sold new in Santa Ana, California, the car was in the care of the first owner for over 3 decades. It was sold in the 90s to an active member of the Riviera Owner's Association, and then 15 years later to another enthusiast, for a total of 3 owners. The car has had steady, albeit limited use over the years.  It is fully sorted and road ready, with no glitches or age related issues to deal with.  This car will surely rank among the finest original 'First Year' Rivieras and is sure to be a welcome entrant at any ROA club event.  Click to enlarge any of the photos below, a link to a slideshow of all the enlarged images is available to view at the bottom of the page. The car has had one repaint in its original color of Burgundy, and wears it well.  On close inspection you can see some small flaws here and there - a little orange peel, a small area of waviness, some isolated fisheyes, that type of thing.  Overall, this Riviera stands up tall, I just don't like to advertise paint jobs as being "perfect", very few are.  I happen to be the picky type, but 99 percent of the population is going to say WOW when this car rolls up.  The paint has good depth and gloss, producing the fantastic reflections you see in the photos.  The knife edge styling on the rear fenders, roof line and trunk lid are crisp and straight.  The car is super solid top to bottom with no rust issues anywhere. The car has the optional finned alloy wheel covers with the correct "early" Buick Tri-Shield centers.  The 63 differed from the 64 in this respect, as well as in using the Tri-Shield for the hood emblem and tail light centers.  Additionally, the word "BUICK" on the trunk lid was replaced by a "Riviera" script logo for 64, that's one way to tell these 2 very similar years apart.  The wheel covers are all in exceptional condition with no discernible wear.  All 4 of the wheel center emblems are in super condition, with no fading or spidering.  Reproductions are not available, these are mint originals.  The car rides on a set of nearly new Bridgestone Silvertowns from Coker Tire, still showing the sprue nubs on the sidewall. The car was optioned with E-Z-Eye tinted glass, all of them are original LOF date coded pieces in great condition, even the windshield.  The subtle blue-green tint sets off nicely against the burgundy body, as you can see in the photos above and below.   All of the trim on the car looks like new.  Bumpers are untouched originals and look terrific.  All of the body panels line up nicely, the doors click closed with a one finger push. The tail light surrounds on these cars were prone to pitting, these look like new.  All of the signal lenses are clean and without cracks or hazing.  The Tri-Shield emblem on the hood shows good clarity and color, most of these became sun baked and faded quickly, this is the best I've seen.  All of the car's trim sparkles with no pitting anywhere.  The grill is straight and crisp.  Wiper arms assemblies are original and look like new. The interior is all original and reflects the car's low miles, it's in fantastic shape.  This is a heavily optioned car, ordered extras include: Leather seats   *   Air conditioning   *   Power windows   *   Power wing windows   *   4-Way Power seat   *   AM-FM Radio   *   Tinted Glass   *   Cornering lights   *   4-Note horn   *   Deluxe wheel covers   *   Remote trunk release   *   Remote mirror   *    The interior has held up beautifully, you can tell that this has been a cherished car.  From the carpet to the headliner, it's like stepping back in time, it even smells new.  If I had to pick on something, I'd say the driver's seat shows some aging to the leather.  A new set of OEM leather seat covers are included if you wanted to make it perfect. The back seats don't appear to have seen much use.  The rear speaker grill and parcel shelf are in fine condition.  All 4 accessory floor mats are in good condition.  All interior lighting works. Steering wheel (with tilt function) is in excellent condition.  All gauges operate correctly.  Speed Minder works, the clock doesn't.  The dash pad shows no cracks, no shrinking, it's like new.  You'll also notice that the A-pillar trim is in great shape.  These chromed pieces were prone to pitting, they're perfect on this car.     All slider controls operate correctly and the AM-FM radio has good sound.  AC is working although it's hard to vouch for how cold it's blowing this time of year.  The car's ashtrays are unused, you'll notice in this photo the personalized nameplate given to "Florence M. Flagg", the original owner of this car.  From what I understand this nameplate was only available for the 1963 model year, Buick added this nice touch for those that special ordered a new Riviera to their own specifications.  I think Florence deserves our respect for choosing Burgundy with White leather. The 4-Way power seat is working, and all power windows work smoothly.   The driver's side power wing window needs a light push to get it going.  These power wing windows were a $54 option (on top of the cost of the other power windows), about $400 in today's dollars.  It's rare to find them on a GM car other than Cadillac. Both door panels are in super condition, showing no wear.  When the deluxe interior was ordered it included maple veneer on the door panels and those nifty door handles in reach for the back seat passengers.  All of the car's weatherstripping is original, still pliable, and in great shape. Headliner is unmarked, trunk contains the factory jacking equipment and a matching Bridgestone spare that is unused.  The trunk light and remote release mechanism both work.  Early 63 Rivieras mounted the spare tire to the right floor, later in the production year they changed the location to above the axle. Included with the car is the new OEM leather seat upholstery, some vintage GM car care products, service manuals, the original owner's manual, and a sales brochure.  Included but not shown are a car cover, and about a dozen 3 ring binders packed with back issues of the Riviera Owner's Association newsletter, 'The Riview'. Also included with the car is some dealer paperwork, as well as a folder with every service receipt from new.  These include some interesting items, such as the time Florence had the air conditioning recharged for $12.88, or the oil change that cost $4.25.  Click to enlarge the photos. You may click to enlarge any of the photos below, the one at the left is the original sales order, written up on 2-21-63.   The one on the far right is an aerial view of the classic California setting where the car lived for its first 30 years. The Wildcat 445 motor runs beautifully and provides plenty of power. This motor is also known as the 401 Nailhead, for some reason Buick chose to label the air cleaner with torque ratings (445 ft-lbs).  1963 was the only year that Buick painted engines silver, this is unique to the early Rivieras.  When you get behind the wheel of this Riviera, you'll instantly recognize that you're driving a low mile car.  This Riv still has a new car feel.  The "Twin Turbine" Dynaflow transmission operates perfectly, with the silky-smooth imperceptible shifts it is known for.  The power steering makes for easy, relaxed cruising.  The car tracks straight, brakes very well and motors down the road with no hiccups or issues or any kind.  This car performs beautifully on the freeway, it's a very comfortable, solid driving car with ample power. Being a California car, the undercarriage has no undercoating, you are looking at 47 year old bare steel floorpans.  They tell the story of this remarkable survivor car. Click here for a slideshow of all of the enlarged images. About the Reserve Price:   This car is being sold with a reserve that should be easy to meet.  Out of fairness to all bidders I won't reveal it, just bid at the level you are comfortable with.  This auction ends Saturday, NEW YEAR'S DAY, 1-1-11 at at 11 AM Pacific Time , 1 PM Central , 2 PM Eastern, 7 PM GMT. About Payment: I will contact the winning bidder via email within 3 hours of auction completion.  I would like a $500 deposit (paypal, money order or bank check) within 2 days.  Balance is due (bank check or bank wire transfer only) within 7 calendar days of auction end. The car will be securely garaged until pickup. About this auction: This auction process is a legally binding contract into which you enter when you click "confirm" on your bid.   Please have finances in order before you decide to bid and please ask all questions before you decide to bid.   Basically, please only bid if you are ready to purchase this car.  Car is sold as-is with no warranties express or implied.  License plate is for illustrative purposes only.  Any disputes regarding the sale of this vehicle shall be resolved through binding arbitration exclusively in Multnomah County, Oregon under applicable state laws.  By bidding you agree to these terms. About me: Please check my feedback, I take customer satisfaction very seriously and am a licensed, bonded and insured dealer in the State of Oregon.  I own this car outright and the pictures were taken last week.  You and/or your representative are welcome and encouraged to inspect the car in person before the close of auction. I can be reached at 503-891-7702 between the hours of 9-5.  Previously sold inventory is available to view at www.cascadiaclassic.com Post Auction details: The transport cost is the responsiblity of the winning bidder, although I can certainly help with logistics.  I have a wholesale account with a transport booking service and can help you find a reasonable shipping rate.   Overseas bidders may contact any of these international shippers for a quote: Schumacher Cargo Horizon Auto Services California Shipping Or check out www.movecars.com for a unbiased market guide to transporters and tips on moving cars. Feel free to email me with any questions: mail(at)cascadiaclassic.com Thanks for looking!