You’ll never badmouth the Buick Dynaflow again, eh? Starting with acceleration the Riviera acquitted itself very well indeed, with the numbers stated above (the tested 0-60 time with a passenger and full test gear was 8.1 seconds).Īs a somewhat surprising point of reference, this 325 hp Riviera’s acceleration stats are virtually identical to that of a 300 hp 327 4-speed ’67 Corvette tested by R&T that we posted here (0-60 in 7.8 1/4 mile in 16.0 mph). When it came to drivers who put a priority on how their cars actually performed, the Riviera stood head and shoulders above the rather ponderous Thunderbird. The Riviera was a success even if it was not going to dislodge the well-established Thunderbird. It turned out that way, with the ’63 Riviera selling 40k units versus some 61k for the ’63 T-Bird. M/T was convinced that the very handsome new Riviera would do well against the T-Bird, especially so since the ’63’Bird was in its last year of the “bulletbird” design. It’s not often something this new and unique came along. And that’s without factoring in its sublime styling.Īfter having the four-seat luxury coupe market for itself since 1958, the ’63 Riviera was a highly anticipated car, especially with the automotive journalist set. The Riviera may have competed with the Thunderbird in general concept, but in terms of dynamic qualities, it was in a league of its own. And its handling was equally better than average, as were the brakes. For a none too-light (4200 lbs curb weight) luxury coupe with a standard engine rated at 325 hp, that was pretty impressive. It was capable of sub-8 second 0-60 times and clicked of a 16.01 second 1/4 mile at 85.71 mph. Motor Trend tested the new Riviera, and even with the base 325 hp 401 cubic inch “nailhead” V8, they were surprised at how brisk it was. CC Contributor Aaron65 has noted several times that his ’63 Riviera feels significantly quicker and handles better than his ’63 Thunderbird: “ It will absolutely leave my T-Bird standing around as if tied to a tree“.
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