1963 Buick Riviera

Coupe

Wildcat V8

Automatic

Clear

Gasoline

Hello and thank you for visiting our auction. You are looking at a very solid first year of production1963 Buick Riviera. This car is one of only 2,601 fitted with the 425cu in (7.01) Wildcat engine in 1963. The production Riviera shared its bodyshell with no other model, which was unusual for a GM product. It rode a cruciform frame similar to the standard Buick frame, but shorter and narrower, with a 2.0 in (51 mm) narrower track. Its wheelbase 117 in (3,000 mm) and overall length of 208 in (5,300 mm) were 6.0 inches (150 mm) and 7.7 in (200 mm) shorter, respectively, than a Buick LeSabre, but slightly longer than a contemporary Thunderbird. At 3,998 lb (1,813 kg), it was about 390 pounds (180 kg) lighter than either. It shared the standard Buick V-8 engines, with a displacement of either 401 cu in (6.57 L) or 425 cu in (6.96 l), and the unique continuously-variable design Twin Turbine, automatic transmission. Power brakes were standard, using Buick's massive "Al-Fin" (aluminum finned) drums of 12 in (300 mm) diameter. Power Steering was standard equipment, with an overall steering ratio of 20.5:1, giving 3.5 turns lock-to-lock. The Riviera's suspension used the same basic design as standard Buicks, with double wishbones front and a live axle located by trailing arms and a lateral trac bar, but the roll centers were raised to reduce body lean. Although its coil springs were actually slightly softer than other Buicks, with the lighter overall weight, the net effect was to make the Riviera somewhat firmer. Although still biased towards understeer, contemporary testers considered it one of the most roadable American cars, with an excellent balance of comfort and agility. The Riviera was introduced on October 4, 1962 as a 1963 model, with the 325 hp (242 kW) 401 cu in (6.6 l) "Nailhead" V-8 as the only available engine, fitted with dual exhaust as standard equipment, and the Turbine Drive the only transmission, at a base price of $4,333; typical delivered prices with options ran upwards of $5,000. Buick announced in December, 1962, the availability of a 340 hp (250 kW) 425 cu in (7.0 l) version of the Nailhead as an option. Total production was deliberately limited to 40,000 vehicles (in a year that Buick sold 440,000 units overall) to emphasize its exclusivity and to increase demand; only 2,601 of them were delivered with the 425 cu in (7.0 l) engine in the 1963 model year. With the same power as the larger Buicks and less weight, the Riviera had sparkling all-around performance: Motor Trend found it capable of running 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 8 seconds or less, the standing quarter mile in about 16 seconds, and an observed top speed of 115 miles per hour (185 km/h), although 125 miles per hour (201 km/h) was feasible with a longer run. Fuel economy was a meager 13.2 miles per US gallon (17.8 L/100 km; 15.9 mpg-imp). Front leg room was 40.1 inches. Inside, the Riviera featured a four-place cabin with front bucket seats separated by a center console with floor shifter and storage compartment that was built into the instrument panel, and bucket-style seats in the rear. 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. Popular extra-cost options included a tilt steering wheel, power windows, power driver's seat, air conditioning, a remote-control side view mirror, and white sidewall tires. The first-generation Riviera is considered a styling landmark, and is quite collectible today. The 1963-1965 Riviera met with approval from all quarters, and has since earned Milestone status from the Milestone Car Society. Jaguar founder and designer Sir William Lyons said that Mitchell had done "a very wonderful job," and Sergio Pininferina declared it "one of the most beautiful American cars ever built; it has marked a very impressive return to simplicity of American car design." At its debut at the Paris Auto Show, Raymond Loewy said the Riviera was the handsomest American production car—apart from his own Studebaker Avanti, that is, the Riviera's only real competition for 1963. This car was purchased and financed with us here at Lewis Clark Credit Union. The car was show quality when our client purchased it (see pictures) but has since been used and not taken very good care of. We are selling it on a 10 day auction so that everybody has a chance to own this car and be able to restore it back to it’s original show quality. Remember this car is one of the rare 2,601 built in 1963 with the 425 Wildcat V-8. The body is very straight and 95+% rust free. The door handles and “Riviera” emblems have been “shaved” but other than that appears to be all stock. This car did run and drive before it was repossessed but we have not tried to start or drive it since. The car is being sold “as-is” and shipping arrangements will have to be made by the new owner. The car will need to be picked up within 30 days of the auctions ending or will be subject to storage fees. It is currently in Lewiston and can be viewed by appointment only. This car has been described as accurate as possible but please remember we are not in the auto business and rely on outside sources for a lot of our information. The Vin number is 7J1060891. This car decodes as follows; 7 = Riviera J = 1963 Model year 1 = Flint Michigan assembly plant Last 6 are production numbers The cowl tag decodes as follows; 02C = 2nd Week March 1963 Style 63-4747 = 1963 Riviera FB=Flint Production (21375 run #) Trim 718J2 = Blue Leather WW = Diplomat Blue Paint ACC D=? 17 = ? S = ? 17 = Power windows If you have (0) zero or (-) negative feedback please contact me before placing a bid or we reserve the right not to accept it. The car is available to be viewed Mon-Fri 8:00am to 5:00pm by appointment only. Please contact me here to make arrangements. The contact information is as follows: Tina Hoisington or Ashley Dixon Please feel free to contact us directly at: tina@lewisclarkcu.org or dixon@lewisclarkcu.org Lewis Clark Credit Union 1626 17th Street Lewiston, Id. 83501 Our contact number is 1-208-746-7233 Our hours are Mon-Fri 9:00am to 5:30pm PST.