1963 Buick Riviera

The Buick Riviera is a personal luxury car that was marketed by Buick from 1963 to 1999, with the exception of the 1994 model year. As General Motors’ first entry into the personal luxury car market segment, the Riviera was highly praised by automotive journalists upon its high-profile debut. It was a ground-up design on a new GM E platform debuting for the 1963 model year and was also Buick’s first unique Riviera model.

The 1963 Buick Riviera was released to the public in October of 1962. Production was limited to 40,000 units in an effort to lower risk and increase demand. Although expensive (typical optioned out cars ran $5000), the Riviera was sold out in a mere 7 months. Road & Track and MotorTrend gave the car a raving review using quotes such as: “The most roadable American car to date.”

Beneath the exquisite lines were a 425cid V8, power brakes, and a two-speed Turbine Drive tranny. Around 400 pounds lighter and shorter than other big Buicks, they had the power of up to 360 horses. The sumptuous Riv was a full four-seater, with a look alike rear seat buckets. The interior had the European car ambience, the one belonging to the aristocratic Jags and Astons.