Make: | Buick |
Model: | Riviera |
SubModel: | 401/325HP V8 COUPE |
Type: | Coupe |
Trim: | RARE SILVER CLOUD WITH SILVER INTERIOR! |
Year: | 1963 |
Mileage: | 53,200 |
VIN: | 7J1039393 |
Color: | Silver Cloud |
Engine: | 401 325HP V8 |
Cylinders: | 8 |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Drive type: | 2WD |
Interior color: | Silver |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Item location: | Santa Monica, California, United States |
West Coast Classics are proud to present an exceptional example of this mostly all original and completely rust free 1963 Buick Riviera coupe with the highly desirable 401/325HP 4 barrel 'JT' code 'Wildcat' engine finished in its original and very striking 'Silver Cloud Metallic' color (D Code) paint with a matching deluxe silver interior (Trim code 728) front and rear bucket seats with a center console and console mounted transmission with a super turbine 400 automatic transmission, heater and defroster, smoking set with rear seat ashtrays, power steering, power brakes, electric clock, map light, automatic trunk light, lined luggage compartment, deep pile carpeting, dual exhausts, dual speed wipers with washers, deluxe steering wheel, deluxe wheel covers, backup lights, with upgraded and distinctive appointments such as full length armrests and door latches for rear passengers, soft-ray tinted glass, tilt wheel, power windows, power drivers seat and AM radio with power antenna!
This is a beautiful example of a rare all 'Silver' color model with all 1963 models being unique from the later model Riviera's with the Buick TriShield button featuring a black background used as a hood ornament and also on the wheel covers and tail light lenses too, in 1964 a stylized 'R' emblem would replace these areas instead. 1963 was also the only year that the heater/defroster and optional air conditioning controls would be suspended under the center of the instrument panel pad. The design created a somewhat confusing array of push and pull control levers to direct air flow where desired and a simpler design appeared for 1964/5. Also it is of note that Buick pioneered another industry first with the Riviera in 1963 - flush glass! This was a unique new design in which the windscreen and rear window were sealed directly to the body allowing the glass to fit flush and thereby eliminating the bulky metal and rubber framework required on other automobiles!
The floor boards, trunk and all the typical rust-prone areas are completely solid and rust-free and the car has no signs of any accidents or previous rust of any kind. The car car has obviously always been garaged and looks extremely impressive with one very decent re-paint in it's original factory 'Silver Cloud Metallic' color paint and the matching Silver interior is also beautiful and all the chromework is also in very good condition.
The 401/325HP JT code 'Wildcat' engine is extremely strong and powerful and this particular car drives absolutely magnificently - drives straight as an arrow with no strange road wobbles, shakes or rattles - a great daily driver that will give any modern day sports car a run for it's money! The transmission shifts smoothly through all the gears, there are no noticeable oil leaks and the temperature always remains cool!
This is a rare opportunity to own a great daily driving and obviously never abused example of an always rust free 1963 Buick Riviera - one highly desirable and very collectible example of one of the outstanding GM designs of the sixties, reflecting the styling supremo of Bill Mitchell with a masterful blend of curves and razor-edges, dubbed the anti-Thunderbird and respected by an army of industrial designers as an architectural landmark of the U.S industry and which has high repute amongst collectors for both it's beautiful lines and smooth fast performance for a luxury coupe. ""One of the most beautiful cars America ever built"" as stated by none other than Sergio Pininfarina of Ferrari design fame at it's debut at the Paris auto show in 1963. This landmark design would continue for only two years until 1964 before a hidden headlight change in 1965, making these two particular years of 1963/4 the most collectible and desirable and with the original early '63 models holding the lead in collector preference amongst most enthusiasts, but with all these 63-65 model cars boasting 'Milestone Car' status.
Performance was an important consideration in the personal luxury car market in the early sixties and the Riviera's power source was the 401 cubic inch 'Wildcat 445' V8 engine with 325 horsepower at 4400 rpm. It developed 445 lbs of torque at 2800 rpm, hence the '455' Wildcat script on the air cleaner. An optional engine bored out 425 cubic inch 'Wildcat 465' produced an impressive 340 horses at 4400 rpm and 465 lbs ft of torque at 2800 rpm. The 1963 engines were painted silver, the only time this color would be used by Buick and they featured an over sized air cleaner painted in 'Wrinkle Red'!
In summary, this is one great very collectible and very rare all American classic car in turn-key ready to enjoy today condition - a mostly all original car with no rust ever and obviously always garaged since new - perfect for the Buick enthusiast and a sure-fire investment that's sure to appreciate over the years for any classic American sixties car collector!
For further information contact West Coast Classics through EBay or on 310-399-3990 during regular California business hours.