This beautiful and highly original 1964 Riviera is a bone dry, completely rust-free original panel car that is an exceptional example of the breed. Finished in its stunning original color combination of Marlin Blue over blue interior it also retains its numbers matching original and fully rebuilt 425 cubic inch “465 Wildcat” engine backed by its original (and new-for-1964) Super Turbine 400 transmission. Options include factory air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, tilt steering wheel and even the “Speed Minder” speedometer.
I’ve owned this car for a number of years and purchased it while it was still in its original, yet faded, original paint. The car was recently stripped to bare metal here in my shop and given a concours level base/clear repaint with close attention paid to making sure the fit, finish and even the Marlin Blue color were all as-new or better. The bumpers were redone with “show chrome” and all of the exterior stainless was polished. The best part about the car, however, is its chassis and underbody. It is completely and utterly rust-free with all original factory primer and blue paint visible- no “cover up” undercoating, black slop or anything like that- all virgin original metal. I’ve included some photos, but again, it really doesn’t do it justice. I spent a few days under there cleaning it with Simple Green and then preserving it with some Boeing “Boeshield” protectant to preserve the great original finishes. Also note the photo of the topside of the trunk floor- the body of this car is simply amazing. Unlike most first-gen Rivieras this one has never been crashed or rusted, and those who know these cars realize the rarity of this.
The interior is exceptional and has new seat foam and seat covers, a new correct headliner, recovered sun visors, and mint original door panels. The dash top pad has cracks in it and I installed a Coverlay dash topper. It looks very nice but obviously a concours judge or Riviera expert would spot it. All of the gauges and lights work as-new and the only item that doesn’t function perfectly is the original AM radio. It turns on and makes some noise through the speaker but no music. The dash aluminum is all great with the exception of one wrinkled corner on the glovebox door. All of the interior chrome is excellent. The trunk has a new correct trunk mat and spare tire cover from Clark’s along with the original jack, tools, and spare.
Mechanically the car is rock solid and has been completely serviced/ restored. As mentioned the original engine has been rebuilt and is very strong. The original transmission shifts perfectly and is smooth and quiet. The original carburetor has been professionally rebuilt as has the alternator- the later still even retains its original ink stamps. All of the brakes are completely rebuilt with new wheel cylinders, a new master cylinder, new hoses, new hardware and new shoes. The exhaust has new resonators, muffler and new tail pipes installed to the car’s original head pipes. It has four brand new radial tires installed and a wheel alignment performed. The original radiator has been professionally re-cored, the heater core replaced, all new hoses, all new belts, new battery, and all other “service” items and fluids are fresh. Oh, the gas tank was boiled out and all rubber components in the fuel system are new Ethanol-rated ones as well. The factory air conditioning is all there but I have never attempted to charge it. The Speed-Minder works as do all exterior lamps, signals, etc. It runs, drives, and performs just as a proper Riviera should.
I think you’d be hard pressed to find a nicer 1964 Riviera. While not a “concours” car the integrity of this car along with the quality and extent of the recent restoration work done during my ownership set it apart, and I know these cars very well. These are magnificent, breathtaking, certified Milestone collector cars and one of Bill Mitchell’s best designs of all time. If you’ve been looking for a special one, in great colors, and not just another “lipstick on a pig” example this I encourage you to come take a look at this one. And to think something that looks and drives like this car does, with the kind of following these first-gen Rivieras have, is available for less than new “economy car” money is mind boggling. Don’t you agree?
Price: $ 29500
Year: 1964
Mileage: 110,000 mi
VIN: 7K1199884
Condition: Freshened Original
Exterior Color: Marlin Blue
Interior Color: Blue
Transmission: Super Turbine 400 3 Speed Automatic
Final Drive: 3.23:1
Engine: 425 CID “Nailhead” 465 Wildcat
Drivetrain: RWD
Price: $ 29,500