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Editor's Choice: A Riva Ariston in the Classic Driver Marketplace

Whether in harbours such as St Tropez or Monte Carlo, or on the Italian Lakes, the exclusive powerboats built by Carlo Riva define the long-faded glamour of the 1960s. Even today, some 50 years on, a Riva symbolises power and style. Classic Driver dealer Auto Storica has a Riva Ariston for sale.

Writing for Classic Driver, Simon de Burton set the scene: "A few hours' sleep were sufficient, and then we were ready to begin partying all over again - and at the moorings, always a Riva ready to welcome us." Those were the words of legendary '60s playboy and actor Gigi Rizzi, for whom a Riva was as much a gentleman's essential as a beautiful blonde, a convertible Ferrari, wristwatches by Piaget and Patek Philippe, a clifftop home with a garden down to the sea and a richly stocked walk-in wardrobe.

Editor's Choice: A Riva Ariston in the Classic Driver Marketplace Editor's Choice: A Riva Ariston in the Classic Driver Marketplace

Although the smaller Ariston model always lived in the shadow of the range-topping Aquarama, it still has its legion of fans. It's made of wood, it's fast and it has more than ample space for lolling in the Southern European sunshine.


Photos: Auto Storica

Classic Driver dealer Auto Storica's stock in the Classic Driver Market

Simon de Burton's article ' Riva: 170 years and still going strong' in the Classic Driver Magazine

You can find Riva boats in the Classic Driver Market