For cars that many consider to be factory customs, 1963-'65 Buick Rivieras still get a lot of attention from customizers. A few attempts at improving or enhancing the factory's crisp, clean lines actually succeed. Others ... well, let's just say they're not so favorable.

Unless you've got a real knack for design, the best Riviera recipes seem to be the simplest ones. Mel Gimelli knows this. The evidence can be seen in his slick '64, a mild custom that manages to look fresh while still retaining its rich Riviera flavor.

Clean is the theme on the lean exterior. Mel removed what little extraneous ornamentation there was to begin with--door handles, emblems, moldings--so there's no distraction from the overall shape. You'll also notice that the side-view mirrors, antenna, and drip rails are missing. The car's leading edge borrows a page from the '65 Riv style manual, with a custom aluminum center grille eliminating the original headlights. Unlike '65 models, however, the signature side grilles do not open clamshell-style, but are modified to allow '85 Jaguar XJR headlights, mounted behind, to shine through.

Working toward the rear we find flared exhaust cutouts in the rocker panels, and flush-mounted LED taillights mounted in a similar position to the originals. When not illuminated, the lights virtually disappear into the Jet Black PPG paint that covers the top half of the car. The balance of the sheetmetal wears a Ferrari Red finish. Bodywork and paint credits go to Mel and the crew at his San Diego-area body shop, Elite Auto, while Robert Gagnon Lines & Designs is responsible for laying down the gold stripe separating the two hues.

Stance can be just as important as color and shape, and Mel's Riv gets a lot closer to earth with Air Ride Technologies rear air springs and front Shockwaves connected to the stock chassis. Braking is much improved thanks to front discs from Aerospace Components, while 18x7- and 18x8-inch Coddington five-spoke wheels and Falken radials provide visual appeal and grip. A rebuilt 425ci Nailhead gets everything rolling and looks sharp in the process with Offy valve covers and later Buick air cleaner. The original TH400 transmission still sees duty behind the big V-8, but Mel says an overdrive is looking more and more tempting.

Armando's Custom Upholstery in Santee, California, is responsible for the black leather stitchwork covering the modified Saturn bucket seats and stock rear. The door panels are accented with flamed Ultrasuede inserts, while red paint on the dash, console, and steering wheel brings a splash of much-needed color to the cabin. An Alpine stereo with JL Audio speakers keeps Mel entertained while cruising.

Two years in the making, Mel's Riviera hit the scene with a splash last year at the Goodguys Del Mar Nationals, earning a Custom Rodder Top Ten award in the process. "I wanted to build a car that people don't see every day, something that young to old and every race could appreciate," Mel says. It looks to us like he has not only succeeded, but has also shown what a little restrained restyling can do for an already cool car.