No Reserve: 1964 Buick Riviera
I’m sure we all have a dream garage that we’d filled with classic cars if we had the space and available funds. Mine would include a ’66 Mustang GT Fastback, but I wouldn’t hesitate to park a First Generation Buick Riviera beside it. I’ve always felt this was the best looking of the Personal Luxury Cars, and this 1964 model is no exception. The paint shade will probably polarize readers, but it still presents nicely. If you like what you see and find yourself sorely tempted, the seller’s decision to offer it with No Reserve could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. This Riviera is listed here on eBay in Groveland, Florida. Bidding sits at $11,807, and with No Reserve in play, a new home is beckoning for this classic.
Buick released its First Generation Riviera in 1963, limiting the sales total to increase desirability and exclusivity. The 1964 model featured some minor cosmetic updates, and this Riviera is 1-of-37,958 to find a home in that model year. We must first address the elephant in the room because the paint shade gracing its sweeping panels does not come from the 1964 color chart. Investigation suggests it is Code 51 Bright Yellow, which was part of the Buick range in 1981. I feel it doesn’t suit a vehicle of this type, although your opinion might differ from mine. It presents well, with no visible issues. The panels are straight and clean, and it is worth noting that there is none of the visible rust that can plague these classics. It would be worth performing an in-person inspection, but first impressions are promising. The chrome and tinted glass are in good order, as are the wire wheels. It will be fascinating to gauge reader opinion on the paint and to see how many of you would consider changing it.
The Riviera’s exterior might look clean and tidy, but its interior raises that impression. Its Black upholstered surfaces are generally excellent, but I did notice some slight deterioration on the top of the driver’s door trim. Addressing this quickly would prevent a small problem from morphing into a big one. Riviera trim is not cheap, making this a wise strategy. The dash and pad are impressive, and the woodgrain isn’t plagued with deterioration. The winning bidder benefits from ice-cold air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio.
The 1963 Riviera featured a 401ci “Nailhead” V8 under the hood, with the 425ci powerplant as the optional upgrade. The 425 became standard in 1964, producing 340hp and 465 ft/lbs of torque. There was no manual transmission option, with buyers receiving a three-speed auto, power steering, and power brakes. Buick’s luxury focus was apparent in its equipment levels and the 4,056 lb curb weight. However, there was still enough power and torque to launch this classic through the ¼-mile in 15.3 seconds. This Riviera sports an aftermarket Edelbrock air cleaner, but that appears to be the only change. It runs and drives perfectly, with smooth operation for the engine and transmission. The seller confirms the claim by including this YouTube video. That V8 sounds sweet, and the footage also reveals the car is surprisingly free from rattles and squeaks.
I’m unsure what to make of this 1964 Buick Riviera because it confuses me. It features the styling that has always attracted me to these cars, but I find the paint shade unappealing. If I found it in my garage, I would probably have to sell something to fund a repaint in a more appropriate shade. If that meant parting with another car, then so be it. That’s how much I love these classics. Do you feel the same about this or any other vehicle? I hope you do because I hate to think I’m the “Lone Ranger” in my feelings.
Auctions Ending Soon
2002 Subaru Impreza WRXBid Now1 days$333
1975 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleBid Now1 days$4,000
1964 Ford F-100 Camper CustomBid Now1 days$2,000
2006 Jeep Wrangler SportBid Now3 days$11,000
1974 Datsun 260ZBid Now5 days$750
Comments
Um,,,pops couldn’t bear to see the school bus company throw away that yellow paint. I complain about the black and silver blobs of today, but this is a shock in the other direction. Beautiful cars, Bill Mitchells baby, it’s been said, but of all the beautiful colors, this car will no doubt have a date with a DA sander. Heck, I’d almost prefer black or silver on this particular car. This was another of those cars “Born to Run”,,and another of the cars I’d love to rent for my upcoming trip back to Wisconsin, but will have to “settle” for a Ford Focus, or equivalent.
Quick story( ya, right) my HS friend , that went nuts, had an Uncle Howard in Phillips, Wis. one of the places I called home for a spell. For some reason, he never was drafted, was single all his life( sound familiar?) and had a small bar, and when all his buddies went to war, he was known as quite the ladies man. In 1963, he bought a brand new white Riviera. EVERYBODY knew Uncle Howards Riviera, especially the ladies, I imagine. The car went missing for many years, as Howard was a bit of a recluse in his older years, got sick, and committed suicide.
And here it comes,,,,upon cleaning out Howards sheds, guess what was found? Yep, the ’63 Riv. Typically, it was in disrepair, and was simply “disposed of”. I never saw it, but someone got a nice car cheap.
Right you are Howard. The color is horrendous. Nice Rivy though. Although, my favorites are the 71-73 boattail Rivys …
Ripping apart a piece of automotive art just because you don’t like the color doesn’t make any sense to me. Go find one with the color you like and let someone else enjoy this beautiful car.
bobhess… so you think Howard was “ripping apart a piece of automotive art” by his comments?
And, you want him to “let someone else enjoy this beautiful car”.
I am willing to believe most people can continue to enjoy this car, even if Howard has expressed an opinion.
And for the record, I especially like his reference to “having a date with a DA sander”. .
Calm down, don’t put words in my post, as is the usual practice. Not sure why I continually have to defend myself here, I blame the internet has robbed some of their attention ability.
To repeat, certain colors just don’t work on cars, for example, growing up, one never saw a red car, as it indicated a fire chief, or black cars were for funerals, and yes, yellow was reserved for a school bus or a taxi. BTW, I bet some cool taxicab person in Cuba would LOVE this car. It’s already yellow and be the classiest taxi ride on the whole island.
After reading the other posts, like perhaps you should have done, rather “ripping MY post apart”, you’d see, we all love the car, but don’t care for the color. I’d expect better from a fellow member,,
Never said I liked the color on the car. In fact, I agree with Howard that the yellow isn’t a color that compliments the car itself. My point, why spend the money to buy it and then spend the same amount to change the paint color. Not “ripping” anyone that contributes so much history and information to the BF as Howard does.
Growing up, I saw plenty of red cars, in my neighborhood alone there were two red Beetles , a red 64 Valiant Signet , a red Mustang, and my mothers red Rambler American . Red was very popular, at least in the 1960s and up.
Beauty, what a great change from the usual.I wouldn’t change any thing but the oil. Drive and enjoy this classic!
There were a lot of nice colors for the ’64 Riviera. My ’63 is Teal Mist, which was available in ’64 too.
Nice Riv!
I think it looks like a 2-door luxury taxi cab. I don’t remember ever seeing a Buick of this era in a loud garish color like this. The yellow used by Buick back then was a much lighter pastel, not orangeish like this. I know this site does not like it when we post links but Google it, and you will see what I mean.
Love your car Rex. I let my membership go some time ago so can’t post picture of my 64. Mine is a similar color to yours but it’s not the original color. It was code nn which is Coral Mist top and bottom. It’s a nice color in my opinion and not many were painted that color in 64. Perhaps someday I’ll have it either painted or wrapped in the proper color. I’m going to pass it on to my grandson when I die and he can do what he wants with it, it has the 425 with a/c and original California car with no rust. However, I do like the yellow but needs some black trim to really set it off.
God Bless America
Considering all the black, white and silver cars on the road I find this color appealing. It certainly stands out.
Never owned a yeller car, doubt if I ever do.
👍
Just needs a “Yellow Cab” illuminated sign on the roof and you are ready for business.
“Taxi, hey, taxi!”
I think it looks great in yellow. One thing, though, is that it changes how the car appears from certain angles (that rear 3/4 shot, for example) – which the darker/milder colours disguise.
I’ve had 3 or 4 yellow cars. Still got one; an ex-Belgian championship Dyane racer. On the “to do” list, surprise surprise…!
I think an old fashion maroon with black would be right
I like it.One of my favorite 60’s GM body styles.Always loved em. The color ahhh not so much my taste but why not .I still like it..glwts.
The colour is awful. Worst taxi ever.
Trying to understand how this yellow is from 1981. Skyhawk yellow? Wonder what the original color was, we should all know.
One thing about the color – it certainly elicited responses from some of the heavy hitters on this site – Howard A, bobhess, 370zpp, and Rex Kahrs. Also another excellent write up from Adam Clarke who has definitely earned the right to his opinions.
As the Packard ads used to say, “Ask the man who owns one.” In that case I’d say Rex’s blue beauty gives his opinion just a little more credibility. (Always nice to see that picture, btw.)
Personally I like the 1st gen Rivs but the ’66-’67s rate as possibly the finest American car design of all time.
And the color still sucks…
Thanks ccrvtt, I relish any opportunity to post that photo. Notice the street sign at the top of the frame. That photo was taken in Tom Brady’s old neighborhood of Davis Islands, just south of downtown Tampa. Pretty swanky.
Sometimes when a featured car’s listing is bullshit, (or a hideous color) someone will complain that everyone on this site is just a naysayer who wouldn’t bid on a car or isn’t really involved in the old car hobby. So, when a Riv or a Newport comes up,(or any of the other countless old cars I’ve owned and worked on) I sometimes post my photos, as I AM involved in the old car hobby.
They are, however, correct that I wouldn’t bid….buying a car at auction is the easiest way to pay too much.
I would not have had it painted that color but if it came my way I would not be in a hurry to change it either. Sharp car. Groveland, FL seems to be the h9me to some nice cars.
I want to like this color on this car so, so much. But I just can’t bring myself to.
I would be curious to know what this car’s original color was..I’m going to take a wild guess and say black.
Color is a bit different from the usual pastels you see, but I think it’s cool. It would lead me to ditch the wire wheels and get into some fatter rubber and rims just because the color is so out there.
Odd color, but what a fine looking automobile!
Are you sure that steering wheel is original? My mom had, what I thought was a 1964, but it had some kind of transmission where you could not feel it shift.
Your mother’s Riviera was a probably a 1963 model, which closely resembled the 1964 version.
Nineteen sixty three was the last year that Buick equipped its cars with the Dynaflow transmission. The Dynaflow didn’t change gearing automatically, relying instead on a torque converter to multiply engine torque. The result was continuous, smooth acceleration, unbroken by the characteristic delay and accompanying engine sounds that characterized virtually all other automatic transmissions of the day.
Thanks Arfeto. The Dynaflow takes it’s share of abuse from the hot rod crowd, but it moves my ’63 Riv just fine. The 401 has tons of torque and tons of horse powers, and when I feed it the onions, it’s like a rocket ship… kinda scary to be honest. I have no complaints with the Dynaflow.
You’re thinking of a 63 Riv with a Dynaflow trans.
UGLY… UGLY… UGLY Wouldn’t want this color on any vehicle! Love the Riveria though. Chose your best offer and know another 5 or 10 grand gets you a great looking car in the right color.
I had a friend who was colorblind and couldn’t enlist many years ago. When I was still working and had to wear a suit & tie my wife would tell me that what I had on didn’t match. After her cataract surgery it all reversed.
That being said my eyes aren’t bad and the color is a turnoff for me.
I love all the comments, keep them coming.
When I was a kid my father had a midnight blue 1964 Riviera. These are beautiful, classy cars. The color is different, but still a beautiful automobile.
Positive comment: I’m sure you would no trouble finding it in the parking lot at a mall.
Or at night!
At first I said oh my but then I looked and that color shows the body lines well. I’m starting g to like it. Hard to tell is its a solid or maybe a pearl color.
My least favorite color is yellow. It should be banned from homes (interior, and exterior), motor vehicles (taxis look better in white), and adult clothing. Someone vandalised my favorite classic car. Did I mention that I don’t like the color yellow.
I had a ’65 in it’s original ‘plum’ color. Loved, loved, LOVED that car! I’m with you, that ugly yellow (I call it baby sh__ yellow) would have to go for an original paint color.
1964 Rivera code k was sunburst yellow…..did like the light pale primrose yellow gm used on some cars…buddy had a 67ss chevy II with black interior,350 hp 327 4 sp very cool car
Growing up, I saw plenty of red cars, in my neighborhood alone there were two red Beetles , a red 64 Valiant Signet , a red Mustang, and my mothers red Rambler American . Red was very popular, at least in the 1960s and up.
I actually love the color I would drive it as is it is better than some of the drab colors it could have been. I have a C5 Corvette that is yellow with a black convertible top and black leather interior and I would park this right beside it and they would look great together
We all live in a Yellow Submarine
A little off topic here. I was selling Dodges in the mid 70s. We had a Dodge Magnum on the lot in School Bus Yellow. (it was actually called School Bus Yellow by Dodge). It sat on the lot for way too long, so the manager put a $500 bonus on the car! That was like $2000 in today’s dollars. I took every “up” I had to that car. Nobody…and I mean nobody…liked that car. So I decided to offer the customers a $300 cash bonus on the car that I would pay from my $500. That didn’t matter either. Then one day a guy came in and actually asked if we had a Magnum in School Bus Yellow! Well I toyed with the guy a little before I played dumb and said..”wow, I think we just got one in last night”. I took him to the car, he loved it, and payed sticker. I got my $500 bonus too. That was the first and only school bus yellow car I ever saw…until this Riviera appeared on BF. It was ugly then, and it is UGLY NOW!.