This Buick Riviera got away, but there are more like it here.

This 1963 Buick Riviera was acquired by the seller in 2009 and subsequently refurbished and modified. The car is finished in white over ivory leather and is powered by a 401ci V8 paired with a Twin Turbine Dynaflow two-speed automatic transmission. Features include a FAST fuel injection system, an aluminum radiator with dual fans, an in-tank electric fuel pump, later-model Riviera GS springs, power-assisted steering and finned drum brakes, 17″ Centerline wheels, push-button door releases, powered central locking, Buick-branded puddle lamps, power-adjustable bucket seats, a Vintage Air HVAC system, Dakota Digital gauges, and a Nardi wood-rimmed steering wheel. This Riviera is offered at no reserve with refurbishment records and a clean Nevada title in the seller’s name.

Modified 1963 Buick Riviera

Penned under GM styling chief Bill Mitchell, the Riviera debuted in 1963 and featured a body shell not used in other GM products. This example was delivered from the factory in Desert Sand (RR) and received bodywork on the left-rear quarter panel before it was repainted white under current ownership. The chrome trim is said to have been refurbished, and equipment includes quad headlamps, side-view mirrors sourced from a later-model Buick Park Avenue, puddle lamps that display the Buick logo, a retractable antenna, frameless side windows, and faux quarter panel vents. Various chips and imperfections in the finish can be seen in the gallery below.

Modified 1963 Buick Riviera

Centerline 17″ alloy wheels feature bright accents and are mounted with 235/55 Goodyear Eagle RS/A tires. The seller notes that the tires have been patched, and cracks are visible in the sidewalls. The Series 4700 Riviera rode on a 117″ wheelbase, and this example’s chassis was reportedly separated from the body and refinished with black Rustoleum paint under current ownership. The car was equipped from the factory with power-assisted steering, and a suspension overhaul performed under current ownership included installing springs sourced from a 1965 Riviera GS. Stopping power is provided by power-assisted finned drums at all four corners.

Modified 1963 Buick Riviera

The cabin features power-adjustable front bucket seats sourced from a 2004 Pontiac GTO that are trimmed in ivory leather with Riviera-embroidered backrests and woodgrain trim. Matching upholstery extends to the rear seats, while brown carpets line the floors. Additional equipment includes power windows and locks with controls relocated to the center console as well as custom door panels, push-button door releases, a Vintage Air HVAC system, a retro-style radio, three-point seatbelts, and Buick-branded floor mats. Electrical components for the instruments and fuel injection system are housed in the glovebox, and the seller states that the later-model rearview mirror requires calibration. Central locking and trunk release were added with an AutoLoc electric conversion kit. The powered window operators were converted to linear actuators and small DC motors operate the window vents.

Modified 1963 Buick Riviera

The Nardi wood-rimmed steering wheel features a Buick center cap and frames Dakota Digital instrumentation including a 160-mph speedometer and an 8k-rpm tachometer with inset auxiliary gauges as well as a center-mounted clock. The digital odometer shows 315 miles, and total mileage is unknown. The seller notes that the turn signals do not have an auto-cancel function.

Modified 1963 Buick Riviera

The 401ci V8 was overhauled in February 2017 by Vegas Machine of Las Vegas, Nevada. Features include a FAST fuel injection system, an alternator, finned valve covers, an aluminum radiator, and dual electric cooling fans.

Modified 1963 Buick Riviera

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a Twin Turbine Dynaflow two-speed automatic transmission that was overhauled in January 2017 by Bob’s Transmissions of Henderson, Nevada. A 1969 Pontiac GTO-style fuel tank with an in-tank electric fuel pump has been installed.

Modified 1963 Buick Riviera

The cowl tag decodes as follows:

  • 09A – First week of September build date
  • 63-4747– 1963 Buick Riviera Sportcoupe
  • Body FB 286– Flint, Michigan, assembly plant and sequence number
  • Trim 798J2 – Saddle leather and vinyl upholstery
  • Paint RR – Desert Sand paint
  • D – Sonomatic radio with retractable antenna
  • I6 – Soft-Ray tinted glass
  • N2 – Air conditioning
  • S – remote-adjustable exterior side mirror
  • U8 – Power windows
  • X – Guidematic
  • Z4 – Automatic trunk release

Auction Result

Winning Bid USD $39,250 by itzup2u
Auction Ended July 14, 2023 at 10:58AM PT
Bids 39
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BaT Essentials

Seller: Crapshooter1
Location: Henderson, Nevada 89011
Listing Details
  • Chassis: 7J1002878
  • 315 Miles Shown, TMU
  • 401ci V8
  • FAST Fuel Injection System
  • Two-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • White Paint
  • Ivory Leather Upholstery
  • Aluminum Radiator w/Dual Fans
  • Electric Fuel Pump
  • 1965 Buick Riviera GS Springs
  • Power-Assisted Steering
  • Finned Drum Brakes
  • 17" Centerline Wheels
  • Push-Button Door Releases
  • Central Locking
  • Buick-Branded Puddle Lamps
  • Power-Adjustable Bucket Seats
  • Vintage Air HVAC System
  • Power Windows & Locks
  • Dakota Digital Gauges
  • Nardi Wood-Rimmed Steering Wheel
  • Refurbishment Records
Private Party or Dealer: Private Party
Lot #113393