I was first drawn to Marcy Molkenthen’s ’63 Riviera ‘X-11′ because of the 8-lug wheels, something I’ve always thought was a cool feature on ’60s Pontiacs. Despite the custom Riv’ being parked on a sloped hill and swarmed by people at the Lone Star Round Up, I still did my best to capture it, because there’s way more custom work going on once you start looking around…
In the ’60s some Pontiacs could be had with this wide 8-lug pattern. The finned centers are actually the brake drums, and Marcy went off and had custom aluminum wheels made for the obscure lug pattern.
Cars of this era, the Riviera included, are known as factory customs. That is, the OEMs had looked at car customizing of the ’50s and applied some of the same sleek tricks to factory cars. It was only when I looked up from the custom 8-lugs that I realized how customized Marcy’s build was though, with a complete roof replacement from a ’68 Mercury Cyclone!
You know if they went as far as a roof swap then there are many, many more custom touches to be found. The hood was re-skinned with that of a 1961 Cadillac, which eliminated the fake Buick hood scoops and also added a peak running down the center. It’s so clean most wouldn’t even notice.
In fact, nearly every panel has been reworked in one way or another, courtesy of River City Speed & Kustom in Post Falls, Idaho. Guiding the aesthetics of the build was hot rod designer Jeff Allison, who brainstormed the idea with Marcy after she mentioned that she loved Rivieras, except for the square roof pillar in the back. Jeff sketched up some ideas and they realized that a Cyclone roof would flow perfectly with the Riviera’s lines.
The interior was redone using the correct 1963 silver vinyl, but incorporating some updated styling such as stainless trim in place of the factory wood panels. Oh, and is that a tire I see back there?
That’s right. To drive home the unique wheel treatment, a spare wheel with a red-line tire was mounted under the rear window on full display.
Custom gauges were also crafted, including a tachometer since Marcy’s Riv’ now has a Tremec 5-speed. Also notice the hand-painted Riviera X-11 logo on the speedometer.
The factory Nailhead was retained, but obviously gone through and cleaned up. A rare Edelbrock dual-carb manifold was ground smooth, then fitted with FAST fuel injection – the only modern part on the car but a good choice for reliability.
Like the rest of the car, the engine bay has been shaved clean with tons of custom touches separating it from a stock example.
With its solid silver paint and subtle, yet still radical design cues, I bet many folks walked right by Marcy’s Buick thinking it was simply a slammed Riviera. I’m glad I took the time to meet her and look a little harder in this case, because this is the perfect example of a tasteful custom.
Keith Charvonia
Instagram: SpeedhuntersKeith
keith@speedhunters.com
OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS
Just right. Really sweet.
Are there any in-progress pics of this build floating around the ole interweb?
This car is as radical as it is restrained, which is saying a lot. If the shifter was better integrated to the whole classy build it would be perfect. Custom-fastback-tailed Rivieras seem to be the rage these days, what with our Riddler winner and such.
A Buick on Speedhunters? I thought I'd never see the day. Excellent shots and info Keith. Here's my jalopy, since it seems ever so slightly relevant now:
Jagdroach I was sure it was the 1965 Buick Riviera as it shows now lights when the lights are off. The 1964 has lights in the middle that are shows all the time, and later ones are quite different looking. The 1965 is the sweet spot, and the most beautiful car I've seen that is mass produced. So my point was, maybe you can search for the 1965 and look at that
I used to own a 1963 Riviera, the one car I regret not keeping. Always, wanted to do a manual transmission swap. Not sure if this car is a '63 looks more like a '65.
I used to own a 1963 Riviera, the one car I regret not keeping. Always, wanted to do a manual transmission swap. Not sure if this car is a '63 looks more like a '65.
Saw this car at the Syracuse Nationals this year. It was one of Gene Winfield's top picks for the show. Like you Keith, it took me a second to notice just how customized this car really was.
Saw this car at the Syracuse Nationals this year. It was one of Gene Winfield's top picks for the show. Like you Keith, it took me a second to notice just how customized this car really was.
Its so rare to see a car built this way. No frivolous modifications, no billet for no reason, it has the original steel accessory drive for gods sake. how cool is that. And then to add a five speed and an incognito fuel injection just makes it so much more likely to be driven. Nice car, really nice car.
Its so rare to see a car built this way. No frivolous modifications, no billet for no reason, it has the original steel accessory drive for gods sake. how cool is that. And then to add a five speed and an incognito fuel injection just makes it so much more likely to be driven. Nice car, really nice car.
zapsnyder couldnt agree more. this is the sort of builds that get my attention.. "all" these Ridler cars are just like... never used. this from the looks of it seems very driveable and easily maintained. love it!
It's a beautiful car, well done and tasteful. The fastback is a great element. For myself of course, I would've used the 66-69 Riviera roof with the down swept side window. I think it would have retained a touch more of the existing elegant theme than the upswept side glass from a ford.
That's an amazing custom job.....I still love them with a stock roof though.
That's an amazing custom job.....I still love them with a stock roof though.
zapsnyder I'm not as in tune with this part of the culture and I'm assuming a lot of customs are masterfully executed $how piece$/cruiser$. Which is fine btw. The 5 speed on this (or any other custom) just puts its on another level. It seems more personal to me.
Radical yet restrained, well put!
Radical yet restrained, well put!
Click the link in the story that says River City Rod & Custom for a Facebook album that shows the whole build.
We like 'em all!
It started as a '63 then was heavily modified. It almost doesn't even matter what year she started with! I'm always on the lookout for a Riviera, this is one of my favorite body styles of all time.
But once you start looking...
Love that one too!
Love that one too!
Exactly, total feature car material. There's a lot here to appreciate.
Everything about this car is superb! One of the best cars shown this year!!!
Everything about this car is superb! One of the best cars shown this year!!!
The concept cars of the 50's and 60's are always my favorite. It's interesting on how people back then envisioned the cars of the future.
Love the whole car, but that bonnet skin mod is sublime. Wonderful touch, and I keep on going back to those wheels. Thanks for this one!
Pleased to see that they kept it Nailhead powered. One of my favorite engines. So unique looking and gobs of torque. I have a 401 that I plan on building for my '65 Skylark.
This to me is the epitome a well thought out custom! From the 8 lug finned drum/wheels to the use of a Ford cyclone roof. Never mind the probably oft-missed 61 Caddy (hood or trunk) panel for the hood to eliminate the scoops. The color choice is sublime as well including the use of stainless on the interior; although I'm sure that was also an option for those gen Rivieras - almost bought two that came from the factory with ZERO wood just chrome and stainless accenting the interior.
Another great piece Keith! You've got an eye for the beauties, from someone who has firsthand experience in the conception and the craft. You should do a book! And please show some in progress pics! For one, what was involved in dropping the roof on, and that hood, how did it look before paint?
Another great piece Keith! You've got an eye for the beauties, from someone who has firsthand experience in the conception and the craft. You should do a book! And please show some in progress pics! For one, what was involved in dropping the roof on, and that hood, how did it look before paint?
Thank you for directing me to that. What an incredibly well executed build.
The 63-65 Buick Rivieras are one of the most iconic beautiful shapes to ever leave Detroit. The interior is luxurious too. A class act!
Thank you so much for the props man, I spent a long time brainstorming what should (and shouldn't) be done to this car. Rivy's are one of those iconic cars that really don't require much work to be perfection... so instead of trying make something that is already near perfect better, it was better choice to reimagine it all together, as though it was a direction the GM guys might have actually considered themselves... The funnest part of this was doing up a bunch of phony factory concept photos, and dumping them out there on the web for people to debate their authenticity... To all you folks that appreciate it, thanks:) ... I'm glad Marcy didn't end up with an abomination:)
Jeff Allison / Allison design
EMyrdal zapsnyder Jf Kustoms ridler winner Riviera thankfully broke the mold by doing burnouts in the parking lot right after winning and also competing in the Optima challenge autocross event. I agree most are worthless show cars that sit in a museum but hats off to Jf Launier for showing them how its done!
Jeff Allison Brilliant work! Glad you found the story and thanks for leaving a comment.
@steveland cleamer Lots of pics here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.768121519939532.1073741840.622670661151286&type=3
some of the art:)
some of the art:)
and a little more of the art:)
and a little more of the art:)
HOW Sir How Dis U GET INJECTION on that nailhead motor I own a 65 Buick Riviera
How can I make my Car engine more reliable and who do u recommend on Doing body work on my 65 Buick not everyone is Gona Doing A Perfect Job I Like Great Work what Do u recommend to Upgraded on my Engine
Were can I find any Parts For my Car
Like upgraded Like or interior lights or head Lghts
Maurogomez89 when it comes to pre-electronic, older carburetor cars the BIGGEST thing you can do for daily driver friendliness and reliability is convert to electronic ignition. For any older American car it's hard to beat the affordability and simplicity of a Pertronix ignition set up. If you can change spark plugs, you can install one, and once installed, no one but you would even know it's there.
As for body work and finding parts? well body work is as simple as finding the best body man in your area period. Finding parts? Well welcome to the world of research research research. Nobody makes panels anymore for Rivieras. Collectible car bone yards will be your salvation. there are a few in Arizona and Cali. Also you may want to get a similar year car for parts.
Half of the hassle or fun of owning a old car is chasing down old parts, and building your knowledge base of mechanical know how and parts interchangeability.
You are now a curator of history. If you want to keep it on the road or preserve it for the next guy, you are gonna have to immerse yourself in all things that relate to maintaining and operating that car.
the car was very good
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