Finding a 1964 Buick Riviera Hardtop that balances high-end custom work with its original muscle DNA is a rare opportunity. This specific vehicle has earned its place as a magazine cover car, a testament to the quality of its aesthetic and mechanical upgrades. It remains one of the most stylish personal luxury coupes ever produced by General Motors during the sixties.
Custom Aesthetics and Exterior Refinements
The exterior of this vehicle features a custom gold paint job embedded with small gold flakes for a deep, metallic shimmer. To achieve a smoother profile, the builders opted for shaved door handles equipped with electric poppers and manual safety releases. The decklid trim has also been shaved, further emphasizing the sharp, knife-edge lines that defined the early Riviera models.
White Luxury and Interior Comforts
Inside the cabin, the white interior provides a bright and clean contrast to the bold gold exterior finish. The center console remains a focal point, housing the shifter for the automatic transmission and various cabin controls. Factory air conditioning ensures that the driving experience remains comfortable even during long summer cruises to local car shows or events.
The Heart of the Wildcat 465 V8
Under the hood sits the legendary 425 CI Wildcat 465 V8 engine, which was the range-topping choice for performance-minded buyers. This powerplant earned its name from its impressive torque output, providing effortless acceleration for the heavy hardtop chassis. It is paired with a Buick Super Turbine three-speed automatic transmission for smooth and reliable power delivery to the rear wheels.
Modern Stance with Air Ride Technology
This 1964 Buick Riviera Hardtop benefits from a modern Air Ride suspension system that has received recent mechanical updates. This setup allows the driver to adjust the ride height for either a low-slung show stance or a practical cruising height. Chrome five-spoke wheels and wide whitewall tires complete the look, grounding the car in traditional custom culture.
Performance Specs and Drivetrain Details
The 1964 Buick Riviera Hardtop delivers significant power through its 425 CI V8, factory rated at 340 HP. More importantly, the engine produces a massive 465 lb-ft of torque, which explains the Wildcat branding on the air cleaner. A Buick 8.2-inch rear axle handles the output, ensuring the car remains durable under spirited acceleration while maintaining its luxury composure.
Summary of a Custom Buick Icon
This 1964 Buick Riviera Hardtop stands as a finished masterpiece that is ready for both the auction block and the open road. It successfully merges the best of custom hot rodding with the sophisticated engineering of Buick’s golden era. For the collector who values prestige and a documented history of magazine appearances, this gold-flaked hardtop is a premier choice.
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Source: mecum.com
