West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptional example of this mostly all original and completely rust free 1963 Buick Riviera coupe with its original and highly desirable matching #'s 425/340HP 4 barrel 'JW' code 'Wildcat' engine finished in its original and very striking 'Silver Cloud' color (D Code) paint with a deluxe and supremely striking interior of it's original 'Red' color (Trim code 778 ) front and rear bucket seats, with a center console and console mounted transmission with a twin turbine Dynaflow automatic transmission, heater and defroster, smoking set with rear seat ashtrays, power steering, power brakes, electric clock, map light, automatic trunk light, lined luggage compartment, deep pile carpeting, dual exhausts, dual speed wipers with washers, deluxe steering wheel, backup lights, distinctive appointments such as full length armrests and door latches for rear passengers, a wood veneer panel running the length of the door and quarter trim panels and with both front door panels featuring a round ornament with black background mounted in the center of the wood veneer with the name 'Riviera' appearing in script, soft-ray tinted glass, tilt wheel, power windows & very rare factory AM radio with power antenna!
All 1963 models were also unique from later models with the Buick TriShield button featuring a black background used as a hood ornament and also on the wheel covers and tail light lenses too, in 1964 a stylized 'R' emblem would replace these areas instead. 1963 was also the only year that the heater/defroster and optional air conditioning controls would be suspended under the center of the instrument panel pad. The design created a somewhat confusing array of push and pull control levers to direct air flow where desired and a simpler design appeared for 1964/5. Also it is of note that Buick pioneered another industry first with the Riviera in 1963 - flush glass! This was a unique new design in which the windscreen and rear window were sealed directly to the body allowing the glass to fit flush and thereby eliminating the bulky metal and rubber framework required on other automobiles!
As previously stated, this particular example also boasts its original matching numbers upgraded option of the 425/340HP JW code engine - the largest permutation of the Buick nailhead V8 occured in 1963 with the release of this 425 cid engine. The single four barrel version was rated at 340HP. The highest output version, with two dealer installed four barrel carburetors and manifold was rated at 360HP in 1965-66. As with earlier Buick engines, the 425 cid V8 used a forged steel crankshaft, forged steel connecting rods, hydraulic camshaft and the same cylinder heads as the 401 cid engine.
Performance was an important consideration in the personal luxury car market in the early sixties and the Riviera's power source was the 401 cubic inch 'Wildcat 445' V8 engine with 325 horsepower at 4400 rpm. It developed 445 lbs of torque at 2800 rpm, hence the '455' Wildcat script on the air cleaner. This car boasts the optional engine bored out 425 cubic inch 'Wildcat 465' which produces an impressive 340 horses at 4400 rpm and 465 lbs ft of torque at 2800 rpm. The 1963 engines were painted silver, the only time this color would be used by Buick and they featured an over sized air cleaner painted in 'Wrinkle Red'!
The floor boards, trunk and all the typical rust-prone areas are completely solid and rust-free and the car has no signs of any accidents or previous rust of any kind. The car car has obviously always been garaged and looks extremely impressive with one very decent re-paint in it's original factory 'Silver Cloud' color paint and the'Red' interior is also absolutely gorgeous and extremely striking. All the chromework is also in exceptional condition, as is the weather stripping and seals and the car's spare wheel and jack is located in its correct place in the trunk.
The original matching #'s 425/340HP JW code 'Wildcat' engine is extremely strong and powerful and this particular car drives absolutely magnificently - must be driven to be believed - drives straight as an arrow with no strange road wobbles, shakes or rattles - a truly remarkable daily driver that will give any modern day sports car a run for it's money! The transmission shifts smoothly through all the gears and the temperature always remains cool!
This is a rare opportunity to own a beautiful and great daily driving and obviously never abused example of an always rust free 1963 Buick Riviera in exceptional condition throughout and one highly desirable and very collectible example of one of the outstanding GM designs of the sixties, reflecting the styling supremo of Bill Mitchell with a masterful blend of curves and razor-edges, dubbed the anti-Thunderbird and respected by an army of industrial designers as an architectural landmark of the U.S industry and which has high repute amongst collectors for both it's beautiful lines and smooth fast performance for a luxury coupe. "One of the most beautiful cars America ever built" as stated by none other than Sergio Pininfarina of Ferrari design fame at it's debut at the Paris auto show in 1963. This landmark design would continue for only two years until 1964 before a hidden headlight change in 1965, making these two particular years of 1963/4 the most collectible and desirable and with the original early '63 models holding the lead in collector preference amongst most enthusiasts, but with all these 63-65 model cars boasting 'Milestone Car' status.
In summary, this is one great very collectible and very rare all American classic car in turn-key ready to enjoy today condition - a mostly all original car with no rust ever and obviously always garaged since new - perfect for the Buick enthusiast and a sure-fire investment that's sure to appreciate over the years for any classic American sixties car collector!
