Guest BJM Posted November 15, 2012 Share Posted November 15, 2012 Been looking at 2 projects to add. #1 is a 1963 Electra 2 door hardtop, gold with white painted top and tan interior. Solid, straight South Dakota car. $1000. #2 is a 1963 Riviera. The Riviera is in Maine and the reason for my interest is because it is specifically what I want. It's a non A/C car, in Silver with blue/silver interior. Not too concerned about the interior as I may change to black leather but I want an original 63 Silver car and total production was relatively small at 14%. What are the pros and cons of the cars? Anybody restore or own a 63 Electra and maybe know if it is more straightforward then a 63 Riviera? Any other comments would be welcome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lrlforfun Posted November 16, 2012 Share Posted November 16, 2012 OK Bryan: When you are talking full sized 1963 you are talking "a good old Buick". 401/open Dynaflow. No a/c makes things EZ-PZ. The Dynaflow isn't a deal breaker but going through it requires being dialed into a tranny shop that will deliver for reasonable. I have owned tons of First Gen Rivs and the first thing I look for is as little rust as possible, next non-molested, than a good strong engine. Unfortunately buying a car that needs a lot of work even after passing my few requirements brings the reality to light that it's probably much cheeper to find a real good one. They are still reasonable. I have changed colors on these cars many times and I don't have a problem with it. Mitch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest my3buicks Posted November 16, 2012 Share Posted November 16, 2012 If the resellability and value enters into the equation - the Riv is ALWAYS going to be more desirable to a wider market. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Gelinas (XP-300) Posted November 16, 2012 Share Posted November 16, 2012 Get the Riv you will always be in good company, and it's what you want in the first place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron65 Posted November 17, 2012 Share Posted November 17, 2012 A Silver/Silver '63 Riv is my 2nd favorite car of all time. I'd go for that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest shadetree77 Posted November 17, 2012 Share Posted November 17, 2012 Gotta' love the 63' Riv. They are both nice cars but if I had to choose, the Riviera has more style. Love that picture of Spock with his Riviera Dave! I use that one as a wallpaper on my laptop quite often. I admit it, I'm a Trekkie. Live Long, Drive Buicks, and Prosper! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted November 17, 2012 Share Posted November 17, 2012 Isn't a Riviera the logical choice?Bernie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted November 18, 2012 Share Posted November 18, 2012 (edited) Take the Electra. Riv's are sweet, and a lot of people want em. The Electra is probably more unique at this point though.By the way, I just saw Centurions photos of his 63 Electra on Flicker. Unbelievable car!!! Edited November 18, 2012 by JohnD1956 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted November 18, 2012 Share Posted November 18, 2012 If you've never owned an early Riv you should make that your first choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted November 18, 2012 Share Posted November 18, 2012 Be careful basing your choice on rarity. You could end up with a 1957 Studebaker Scotsman 2 Dr wagon, radio delete.Bernie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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