1963 Buick Riviera Coupe

Summary

Buick created the Riviera to compete in the "personal luxury" market with the Ford Thunderbird. General Motors' design vice president Bill Mitchell wanted a car that combined the aggressiveness of a Ferrari with the elegance of a Rolls-Royce. The result was this razor-edged classic.

Buick created the Riviera to compete in the "personal luxury" market with the Ford Thunderbird. General Motors' design vice president Bill Mitchell wanted a car that combined the aggressiveness of a Ferrari with the elegance of a Rolls-Royce. The result was this razor-edged classic.

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1963

Creators

General Motors Corporation. Buick Motor Division 

Mitchell, William L. (William Leroy), 1912-1988 

Place of Creation

United States, Michigan, Flint 

Creator Notes

Designed by William L. Mitchell; manufactured by Buick Motor Division, General Motors Corporation, Flint, Michigan.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

87.69.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Metal
Steel
Chromium
Rubber (Material)
Leather

Color

Light bluish gray

Dimensions

Diameter: 4.1875 in  (Bore)

Length: 3.64 in  (Stroke)

Height: 53.2 in

Width: 76.6 in

Wheelbase: 117 in

Length: 208 in

Weight: 3988 lbs

Inscriptions

On hood: Buick emblem Edge of trunk: BUICK On sides, behind front wheels: Riviera Hubcaps: R

Specifications

Make & Model: 1963 Buick Riviera coupe

Maker: General Motors Corporation, Detroit, Michigan

Engine: V-8, overhead valves, 401 cubic inches

Transmission: 3-speed automatic

Height: 53.5 inches

Wheelbase: 117 inches

Width: 77 inches

Overall length: 208 inches

Weight: 3998 pounds

Horsepower: 325 at 4400 revolutions per minute

Pounds per horsepower: 12.3

Price: $4,333

Average 1963 wage: $5,343 per year

Time you'd work to buy this car: about 10 months

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