Riva, cult powerboats. We asked Romano Bellini, of
Bellini Nautica
, one of Italy’s foremost experts on Riva, what are the three models that have made history. The answer for some is almost obvious.
- Aquarama
- Triton
- Ariston
They are the “fantastic three” among the vintage Riva motorboats that have made history(read the full article here). Is there also a nicer model? According to Engineer Carlo Riva (and others) it is the Ariston, because of the purity of its line. And who can blame him?
Riva, motorboats that made history
1950 – TRITON
In 1950 the Triton made its appearance. This Riva powerboat is the daddy of the Aquarama and is a twin-engine, 8.05-meter boat with a retro flavor. Formerly somewhat “snubbed,” today it is back in vogue. For a restored original model in perfect condition, the value is around €400,000.
1950 – ARISTON
Another Riva speedboat that would become legendary also made its appearance in the same year: the Ariston. At 6.24 meters long, (almost seven in the Super Ariston version as pictured above) it is considered the Riva with the most beautiful lines ever, so much so that very few can be found for sale. A restored Ariston (always in perfect condition) is worth between €150,000 and €200,000. Some special versions, however, touch as much as 380,000 €.
1962 – AQUARAMA
A British magazine in the 1990s launched a poll among its readers: what was the most popular boat name. Answer? Aquarama. This motorboat is the emblem of the Riva shipyard, an evolution of the Triton. Twin-engine 8.65 meters remained in production until 1996 as long as there were shipwrights capable of working the timbers. A restored “third series” Aquarama is worth between €650,000 and €700,000 today.
Special thanks to Piero Maria Gibellini, president of the Riva Historical Society, for the photos.
Full article in Motor Boats No. 13 from page 68
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