Writing for Classic Driver, Simon de Burton set the scene: "A few hours' sleep were sufficient, and then we were ready to begin partying all over again - and at the moorings, always a Riva ready to welcome us." Those were the words of legendary '60s playboy and actor Gigi Rizzi, for whom a Riva was as much a gentleman's essential as a beautiful blonde, a convertible Ferrari, wristwatches by Piaget and Patek Philippe, a clifftop home with a garden down to the sea and a richly stocked walk-in wardrobe.

Although the smaller Ariston model always lived in the shadow of the range-topping Aquarama, it still has its legion of fans. It's made of wood, it's fast and it has more than ample space for lolling in the Southern European sunshine.

Photos: Auto Storica