Mecum Offers Unique Riva Super Aquarama at Indy Spring Classic Auction
Boat aficionados and collectors worldwide will appreciate the rare 1970 Riva Super Aquarama (Lot S117.1) up for bid on Saturday, May 22, at Dana Mecum’s 23rd Original Spring Classic Auction in Indianapolis, Ind.
This antique wood Riva, hull #393, was specially built for New Yorker Ernst Petschek on May 25, 1970, which was the last year that Carlo Riva owned the Riva Yacht company. Petschek preferred the closed rear deck of the Riva Tritone boats – a predecessor to the Aquarama – so he paid Riva dealer Monaco Boat Service a 5% premium to have this unique Aquarama custom built with a closed rear deck. It is believed to be the only closed rear deck produced of the series.
The Riva Super Aquarama features the original twin Chevrolet 350 HP V8 big block engines that were rebuilt to factory specs and a lobster red vinyl interior. It has extensive documentation that includes copies of the original bill of sale, Petschek’s passport and factory paperwork to substantiate the engine numbers. Copies of the Riva Owner’s Manual also will be provided.
“Regardless of the current economic environment, the value of Riva boats has steadily increased over the years, as evidenced by another Aquarama we sold at our recent January auction for $775,000,” said President Dana Mecum. “Whether you plan to use this boat daily or preserve it in a climate-controlled facility, it is a world-class investment that will no doubt continue to appreciate over time.”
Petschek owned the boat until he sold it in July 1971 to Jacques Francois of Belgium, who later sold it back to Monaco Boat Service in 1982. On Dec. 9, 1982, the Aquarama was sold to new owners at Lake Tahoe. It was purchased by the current owner in June 2005 in Minnesota, where it underwent a mild restoration. This Riva has been meticulously maintained its entire life.
The Riva Super Aquarama joins more than 1,750 vehicles up for bid at Mecum’s annual Spring Classic Auction. To view a complete list, visit www.Mecum.com.
The Original Spring Classic Auction, held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, will be broadcast live on Mecum’s popular television series, “Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More” on HD Theater – Discovery Communications’ first 24-hour high-definition cable network, offering compelling real-world and motorized content. The auction will take place in the Toyota Blue Ribbon Pavilion, with tickets available at the door for $15.
The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 23 years, now offering an industry-leading 5,000 collector cars per year. Consignment, bidder and event information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling 815.568.8888.
Schedule:
Original Spring Classic Auction
Indiana State Fairgrounds
1202 E. 38th St.
Indianapolis, Ind. 46205
May 19-23, 2010
Price: $15
Vehicle Check-in:
Monday & Tuesday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wednesday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Preview:
Gates open Wednesday through Sunday at 8 a.m.
Vehicle Auction:
Wednesday through Sunday – 10 a.m.
Auction will take place in the Toyota Blue Ribbon Pavilion. Cars will be displayed in four additional buildings and outside.
