Eames Era: ’63 Buick Riviera
Charles and Ray Eames were American designers who worked in and made major contributions to modern architecture and furniture. If you collect furniture, you are familiar with their work. And what does this have to do with a ’63 Riviera? Nothing other than we imagine if they owned a car in ’63 it would be one of these. The legendary coachbuilder Sergio Pininfarina said the new Riviera was “one of the most beautiful American cars ever built,” adding that it “marked a very impressive return to simplicity of American car design.” Sir William Lyons, the founder of Jaguar and a respected designer, called it “a very wonderful job.” Raymond Loewy said the Riviera was the best-looking American car. And we credit GM’s Bill Mitchell for the design who humbly said, “I just put the crease in the trousers”. What we have found today is a first year Riviera with 69,000 miles in unrestored, original condition. That means original paint and interior. The interior looks to have won the battle against the elements while the exterior, understandably, has suffered more. There is some checking and other flaws here and there and it would need to examined carefully to determine if any of it can be saved. The chrome, we are told, is in good shape and the Riviera runs well. A few mechanical issues like AC repairs are needed but since this one has such good bones, it could be worth the effort. The starting bid is a little rich at $14,000 and not sure what the strategy is there. Click here for a better look.