1963 Buick Riviera VIDEO, Black/Black

Description for Buick Riviera 1963

1963 Buick Riviera VIDEO WITH LISTING VIN: 7J1018367 7: Riviera J: 1963 1: Flint, MI Assembly Plant 018367: Production Number Paint: Silver Cloud (DD) Trim: Black (788) Accessories: D: Radio I6: Tinted Glass N2: Air Conditioning Engine #: KT602 (upside down), 36569, 6K4067434, which decodes as a 401ci V8 (455 Label) from 1964 (original was a 401ci V8 from 1963). 4.1875 Bore x 3.64 Stroke, 10.25 compression, 325hp @ 4400rpm, 445lbft @ 2800rpm. We purchased this car from a gentleman in North Dakota, who had owned the car for the better part of... the last twenty years. Upon taking delivery of the car we noticed a tag on the center console that read, “Built Expressly For W.M. Bollenbach Jr.” This perked our interest, so we went to the web in search of information about the original owner of the car. The search yielded some interesting results, the original owner was an extremely successful businessman and intellectual, and still to this day has a scholarship in his name at the business school at Dartmouth University. While he had ordered the car in Silver Cloud over Black Leather, a later owner had the exterior painted black, a B+ quality respray that the car still wears today. The interior was kept original and has yet to be restored. As it sits, this is a nicely-sorted, driver-level example that is ready for a new caretaker. Exterior: - Please see the video along with the listing, as imperfections are all shown close-up and in direct sunlight. Blemishes include paint fade on the lower passenger door, a couple spiderweb-like blemishes on the passenger quarter, as well as some oxidation on chrome taillight moldings. - Wheels are in excellent shape, as are Goodyear Arriva Whitewalls. While the tires have plenty of tread and are not dry rotted, we are not positive of their age. - Chrome trim and bumpers are well presented throughout, while the taillight pieces do show oxidation. - Glass and light lenses are all clear and crack-free. Interior: - Unrestored black leather interior has some character. There are a couple burst seams on the driver’s seat. Seats are phenomenally comfortable. Please defer to the photos. - Dash is fantastic. Top of the dash shows no blemishes, waviness, or anything of the sort. Lower dash looks great as well, with no oxidation on any of the polished surfaces and no significant scratches or signs of age. From the driver’s point of view, this is an extremely attractive interior layout. - Original AM/FM radio is functional. All lights inside and out are functional. Wipers are functional, as is the fan/heat/defrost. Even the analog clock within the gauge cluster is functional. - While the car was originally equipped with air conditioning, the components have since been removed. - Odometer reads 19,607, which we have to assume has rolled over once. True chassis mileage is unknown, but wear on unrestored components could be consistent with 119k miles. Under the Hood / Underbody: - Please take a look through the underbody photos, as it’s documented in detail. Underbody looks pretty good. Some superficial surface rust on various exhaust and suspension components, but nothing through or of structural concern. No evidence of any significant leaks or any prior metal work. We purchased the car from a long-term owner in North Dakota, an extremely dry area. - The engine bay is nice and tidy, and the car runs a correct 401ci V8 (Wildcat 445), though from 1964 as opposed to 1963. The car runs and drives very well. A nice comfortable cruiser. Quiet and sturdy at speed, and with forgiving suspension and a beautiful interior, though when you put your foot down the V8 really does make its presence known. The car starts first turn without fail, idles steady and cool, and pulls through the gears smoothly with no hesitation or hiccups. The car tracks straight down the road and brakes straight and effectively. Overall, this is a well-presented black on black ‘63 Riviera in nice running and driving order. With any further questions, requests, or to discuss purchasing, please reach out to Jake at 773-273-8257.