Vintage Glamour: The Allure of George Barris' 1963 Villa Riviera

Unique ONES - The legacy of American autobuilder George Barris resonates through the ages, especially for his iconic custom cars that defined an era of automotive design. One such gem from Barris' collection is the legendary 1963 Villa Riviera, a testament to his unparalleled creativity and vision in the automotive world.

The 1963 Villa Riviera is exuded elegance and sophistication under a mesmerizing Candy Apple Red paint and a half landau white top. (Picture from: VanderbiltCupRacers)

The story of the Villa Riviera begins with Buick Motor Division presenting Barris with a brand-new Buick Riviera in 1963. This model, already hailed for its exquisite design by Bill Mitchell and his team, became Barris' canvas for a spectacular transformation. With a keen eye for aesthetics, Barris embarked on customizing the car to reflect his distinctive style.

The exterior of the Villa Riviera underwent a remarkable metamorphosis by Kerry Camper, under George Barris' design direction. (Picture from: VanderbiltCupRacers)

The exterior of the Villa Riviera underwent a remarkable metamorphosis under Barris' direction. Sporting a mesmerizing Candy Apple Red paint and a half landau white top, the car exuded elegance and sophistication. Kerry Camper, under Barris' supervision, executed intricate body modifications that stretched the front area by over 6 inches, creating a sleek v-wedge aerodynamic grille shell that was ahead of its time.

The 1963 Villa Riviera featured intricate body modifications that stretched the front area by over 6 inches, creating a sleek v-wedge aerodynamic grille shell that was ahead of its time. (Picture from: Kustomrama)

The innovative design continued with headlights cleverly integrated into a grille pattern on the front fender extensions, culminating in a horizontal rubber-mounted floating bumper. The rear of the car also saw significant changes, including a 5-inch lengthening and the incorporation of feather-design taillights that added to its allure.

The 1963 Villa Riviera's interior was a testament to luxury, featuring white leather upholstery accented by walnut panels. (Picture from: VanderbiltCupRacers)

The Villa Riviera's interior was a testament to luxury, featuring white leather upholstery accented by walnut panels. Barris left the interior mostly untouched, except for adding a four-speaker Autostereo music system, a removable 1964 Sony solid-state micro television unit, and a two-line telephone system, all meticulously coordinated in Candy Red and white pearl.

The rear of the Villa Riviera also saw significant changes, including a 5-inch lengthening and the incorporation of feather-design taillights that added to its allure. (Picture from: Kustomrama)

Upon its completion in 1963, the Villa Riviera became a star in its own right, appearing in promotional events, theater shows, TV programs, and even the film "For Those Who Think Young" back in 1964. Its journey continued with different owners, undergoing color changes until its full restoration in 2016 by Jeffrey B. Goldstein of Warwick, Rhode Island.

Today, the Villa Riviera stands as a timeless masterpiece, restored to its original glory in Candy Apple Red, complete with its iconic interior features. This car not only represents Barris' boundless creativity but also serves as a symbol of the golden era of custom automotive design, captivating enthusiasts and collectors alike with its timeless charm and elegance. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KUSTOMRAMA | VANDERBILT CUP RACERS | CARS | JALOPYJOURNAL ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.