Description

1967-72 RIVA JUNIOR SPEEDBOAT

Dimension Approx.: 33″ L x 11″ W x 9″ H
This is a fully built model. it is NOT a kit
Authentic scale gauges, dials and chrome steering wheel on dash
Hand stitched individual leather seats

Introduced in 1966, the Riva Junior represented a new chapter in the evolution of Italy’s most glamorous boatbuilder. Designed as the successor to the beloved Florida, the Junior offered a more compact footprint — just 5.55 to 5.70 meters in length — yet delivered greater interior volume, improved usability, and the unmistakable elegance that defined Riva’s golden era. Built during the height of Carlo Riva’s influence, the Junior distilled the brand’s luxury into a smaller, more accessible package, making it one of the most popular Riva models ever produced.

The Junior’s design blended practicality with style. Its wooden hull, varnished mahogany trim, and clean white sides echoed the aesthetic of American utility boats while retaining the refined Italian craftsmanship that set Riva apart. A centrally positioned Chris‑Craft or Chrysler V8, producing around 180 horsepower, gave the boat spirited performance, capable of 35 to 42 knots depending on configuration. The wide, flat aft deck — finished with non‑slip surfacing and protective handrails — made the Junior ideal for water sports, sunbathing, or simply enjoying a day on the lake.

Inside, the Junior offered a surprisingly comfortable and stylish environment. Upholstered Skai seats, often in ivory and turquoise, created a bright, inviting cockpit. The minimalist dashboard featured pastel‑colored instrument faces in later years, adding a touch of playful 1960s charm. Everything about the layout emphasized ease of use: simple controls, accessible engine placement, and a hull shape that made the boat forgiving for new or casual boaters.

Riva marketed the Junior with the slogan “It’s the young people’s rocket,” capturing its spirit perfectly. It was fast, fun, and approachable — a boat designed not only for seasoned yachtsmen but for families, young couples, and owners who wanted Riva style without the size or complexity of an Aquarama or Tritone. Its compact dimensions also made it an ideal tender for larger yachts, further expanding its appeal.

Between 1966 and 1972, Riva built approximately 626 Juniors, making it one of the brand’s most successful models. When production ended, the Junior was succeeded by the Rudy, a similar design built entirely in fiberglass — a sign of the industry’s shift away from traditional wooden construction.

Today, the Riva Junior is celebrated as an icon of 1960s boating: elegant, versatile, and unmistakably Riva. Collectors prize it for its rarity, its charm, and its role in bringing the glamour of Italian nautical design to a wider audience. Compact yet luxurious, simple yet stylish, the Junior remains one of the most beloved small runabouts ever built by the legendary shipyard on Lake Iseo.