1963 Buick Riviera Coupe

01

Artifact Overview

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 Details

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1963

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