1963 | Buick Riviera Coupe

Welcome to the first generation of Buick Riviera, a true design icon. It is no accident that the car looks so beautiful even today, because what is recognized as one of General Motors' sharpest designs from the 60s, started as a tribute to La Salle - one of the trendsetters for modern car design in its time. The lines and inspiration are seen in the iconic grill in the front fenders, which is a direct design feature from La Salle. The prototype was called "La Salle II" and according to Bill Mitchell, the car's profile should envoke feelings of the "coach-built" luxury cars of the time, and be a direct counterpart to Cadillac's otherwise superior model series.

The 'Riviera' name has been used on Buick's luxury coupés since 1949, so it was only natural to carry this name on to their latest, and sportiest model. Approximately 40,000 came out of the factory in ’63, a relatively modest number (in comparison, Chevrolet made almost 833,000 Impalas in the same year), which emphasized the Riviera's exclusivity.

With a Fisher body designed in a class of its own, and boasting a very iconic design, this Riviera is quite sure to break a few necks of passers-by. It is presented in Diplomat Blue, an original Buick colour, with a heap of contrasting chrome trim. Unique to the 1963 model, there are Buick logos in the center of the rear lights, and this one also boasts the attractive Buick GS rims. The car is completely free of rust and benefits from an epoxy-painted undercarriage from a previous restoration. All chrome looks nice. The paintwork is typical American and has some orange peel.

A full leather interior in the hue Saddle, compliments the dark blue exterior of this masterpiece of a car. Both front and rear seats are in excellent condition, as are the headliner and instrument panel. The wood and steel have traces of use. The carpet is in good condition, and is further protected by extra mats with the Buick crest. Electric front and rear windows are controlled via a chrome-plated control panel, and the car's gauges - speedometer, clock and fuel gauge - are accompanied by an original tachometer which was a rare option.

Under the bonnet lurks the powerful "Wildcat 445" V8 engine. This big block is very torquey, and had a whopping 325 horsepower from the factory, which drives the 2-speed Dynaflow gearbox with ease and excess. Character and elegance are probably the words that best describe the driving characteristics of a '63 Riviera. A dual exhaust delivers a gurgling, bassy note from the 8 cylinders, not too loud, but a real complement to the car's stylish exterior. The engine retains its original appearance, with original stickers, and jet black hoses.

All in all, a fantastic "personal luxury coupe", from when America was well ahead of many others in design language and technology.

This car is ready for immediate delivery. For inspection and test drive please contact the sales department on (+45) 3333 7000.

We offer shipping within the EU. The car can be viewed by physical or digital appointment in our showroom. Do not hesitate to request a video or the digitized historical file which we will be happy to share.

You can contact us by email or by telephone for any requests.

Classic Car House is centrally located in Greater Copenhagen, only 25 km (15 miles) from Copenhagen Airport. There is a wide selection of classic sports cars on display, all in very good or excellent condition, varying from affordable sports cars to rare and valuable collectors items. Please book a viewing appointment in advance. Besides Danish, we speak English.