Chassis No. 7J1061872

Engine No. 7J1061872

The Buick Riviera emerged from General Motors' series of "experimental concepts," code-named XP-715, with GM design chief Bill Mitchell envisioning a razor-sharp, sheer profile complemented by twin vertical grilles-an homage to the La Salle brand's distinctive front-end styling of the 1930s. While Cadillac was at its production capacity and both Oldsmobile and Pontiac sought to modify Mitchell's vision, it was a struggling Buick division that secured the project by pledging to maintain the design's integrity.

Built on a 117-inch wheelbase chassis, the Riviera was powered by a standard 401 cubic inch V8, or optional the "Wildcat 465" 340 horsepower, 425 cu-in V8 capable of achieving zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. The upscale interior featured four-position bucket seating, a center console with floor-shift, wood and brushed metal accents, and array of creature comforts. This combination of power, luxury, and bold styling, priced at $4,333 to undercut the Ford Thunderbird, established the Riviera as a formidable competitor in the burgeoning "personal luxury" market.

The 1963 Buick Riviera presented here stands as a remarkable unrestored survivor from the model's inaugural year, maintaining exceptional originality throughout. It retains much of its factory-applied Regal Black exterior finish with evidence of only selective refinishing over time, complemented by factory chrome wire hubcaps that accentuate Mitchell's crisp, dramatic design.

The interior showcases its original Black leather upholstery, with both the steering wheel and dashboard presenting in exceptionally preserved condition. This extensively optioned example features a suite of desirable accessories including air conditioning, a four-way power front seat, power windows and vent windows, cruise control, Autronic Eye, a remote control driver's side mirror, and a Buick Sonomatic radio with a power antenna, along with standard luxuries such as power steering and brakes. Power comes from the matching-numbers Wildcat 465 425 cu-in V8 developing 340 horsepower, paired with the original "Twin Turbine Drive" two-speed automatic transmission. Showing just 29,629 miles on the odometer which is thought to be the true mileage since new, this highly original descendent of Bill Mitchell's forward-looking "LaSalle II" concept represents a significant survivor of 1960s American automotive design.