Buick Riviera First generation

Model years	1963 to 1965
Designer	Bill Mitchell
Body style	2-door hardtop
Layout	FR layout
Engine	401 cu in (6.6 L) Nailhead V8 425 cu in (7.0 L) Nailhead V8
Transmission	Twin Turbine automatic transmission 3-speed ST-400 automatic
Wheelbase	117.0 in (2,972 mm)
Length	208.0 in (5,283 mm)
Width	76.3 in (1,938 mm)–76.6 in (1,946 mm)
Height	53.0 in (1,346 mm)

The first Buick Rivieras were built from 1963 to 1965. Designed by chief designer Bill Mitchell , the model was launched as a competitor to the four-seat Ford Thunderbird .

History

Originally, Cadillac was to produce this model as the successor to La Salle . For capacity reasons, the order was then awarded by the automotive group General Motors to Buick.
A high-class prestige car with sporting inclinations, designed to carry four people swiftly and quietly with the absolute minimum of fuss. This it does supremely well with its 7-litre V-8 engine (giving 360 b.h.p. gross in "Super Wildcat" tune) and one of the best automatic gearboxes in the world.Its impressive top speed of 128 m.p.h. everyone can enjoy its staggering acceleration a car that weighed over two tons yet would accelerate to 100 m.p.h. in 22.4 seconds. and surprisingly good road manners.

Unmistakably American in every way but has a certain classic grace. The sheer, smooth power, mechanical quietness and luxury of the furnishings even the driver's seat is power operated.All windows are electrically operated and so is the drivers ,movement: a small "joy stick" switch can be moved to bring hidden electric motors into action and so seat backwards or forwards, or alter its angle of tilt.

Luxury is the essence of the Riviera. The provision of seats in such a vast body creates the illusion of first-class travel By pulling stalk under the steering wheel, a ball joint at the top of the column is unlocked and the angle of the wheel can be moved through several positions. The seats themselves are very comfortable,and hold the occupants fairly well The ventilation system, though devoid of modern face-level outlets (unless air-conditioning is fitted) keeps the car nicely cool in hot weather with a strong blast from under the scuttle.Most of the dashboard switches are easy to reach.

The rear seats, reached by tilting the front ones on the door controls movement of the seat. The cluster of window switches can be seen beneath the quarter light winder.
forward, are comfortable and a fifth person can be carried in the middle with the arm rest folded, but not in great luxury. Forward and side visibility is good and the rear-view mirror shows all that is required, but bright sunlight can cause severe reflection of the facia in the front screen.

The 1963 .A new hood ornament and revised Riviera scripts on the fenders were the major changes. The simulated rear fender cooling vents were outlined in metal and a highlight line along the body side crease A twin grill with egg crate center frontal Along with letter 'R'in wheel cover centers. Standard features included deep-pile carpeting, foam-padded front and rear bucket seats and a center console with transmission selector lever. Interiors were trimmed in vinyl with wood accents. equipped with the two-speed Dynaflow automatic transmission from 1964, the three-speed automatic TH400 was installed. From 1964, the seven-liter engine with 340-360 hp (with two quad carburetors ). The suspension with double wishbones up front and a live axle located at the rear.The Riviera was powered in 1963 with the Buick Nailhead V8 gasoline engine with 6.6-liter displacement with torque of 603 Nm and 325 hp (240 kW) or seven-liter V8 engine with 630 Nm and 340 hp (250 kW).

1963 and 1964 still with double headlights in the grill and in 1965 with folding headlights, the body remained unchanged to a few details with a vinyl roof available as an option.  Extra-cost options included,air conditioning, power windows, power driver's seat,  a remote-controlled side view mirror.

In 1965 came as a sporty top model of the Riviera Gran Sport (GS) with stiffer, heavy-duty suspension and powered by the Super Wildcat V8.

 The sports coupe also gain a foothold in the European luxury market. The design influenced subsequent models of most manufacturers. Glued windshield and rear window, new metal gluing process on the body and for an American vehicle unusual, frameless door panels were trend-setting at that time. The Buick Riviera has been awarded several design awards.Nearly seven litres of fairly well tuned engine in a massive car are not likely to give very good petrol consumption. On the open road, the figures improve a little 14.1 m.p.g. at a steady 80 m.p.h.

BODY: coupé; doors: 2; seats: 4; front seat: double.
ENGINE CAPACITY: 401 cu in, 6556.35 cu cm
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 14.1 m/imp gal, 11.8 m/US gal, 20 | x 100 km
PRICE NEW: $ 3,955.

RIVIERA SERIES 4700  Serial numbers began with 001001 1.D. 

PERFORMANCE:
MAX SPEED: 124.9 mph, 201 km/h;
max speed in 1st gear: 75 mph, 121 km/h
max speed in 2nd gear:124.9 mph, 201 km/h
power-weight ratio: 12.8 lb/hp, 5.8 kg/hp
max power (SAE): 325 hp at 4400 rpm
max torque (SAE): 445 1b ft, 61.4 kgm at 2800 rpm
specific power: 49.6 hp/l
useful load: 706 1b, 320 kg
acceleration: standing 1/4 mile 16.2 sec, 0—50 mph 0—80 km/h) 5.8 sec
speed in direct drive at 1000 rpm: 24.9 mph, 40.1 km/h.

From the Riviera of the first generation 112.544 pieces were manufactured in three years.