Description

RIVA AQUARIVA 35" Classic Speedboat SEEN IN GOLDEN EYE AND OCEAN TWELVE

Dimension Approx.: 35″ L x 9.5″ W x 9.5″ 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

Few boats have ever embodied glamour quite like the Riva Aquariva. Created in the 1960s under the direction of Carlo Riva, it became the definitive wooden‑hulled speedboat of its era—an object where craftsmanship, performance, and Italian style met in perfect harmony.

Riva’s story began in 1842 on Lake Iseo, where Pietro Riva founded a small boatyard that would eventually become a global symbol of nautical elegance. More than a century later, Carlo Riva, inspired by the sleek American Chris‑Craft runabouts, developed the Tritone, a powerful twin‑engine model that laid the foundation for something even more refined. That next step arrived in 1962 at the Milan International Boat Show, where the Aquarama made its debut. Its name, borrowed from the Cinerama widescreen film format, captured the boat’s sweeping lines and panoramic presence—an invitation to experience the water as if it were a grand cinematic scene.

The Aquariva’s design was unmistakable. Its varnished mahogany hull shimmered with depth and warmth, each layer of wood grain carefully matched and polished. A single sweeping windshield wrapped around the bow, while a retractable Bimini top disappeared neatly behind the rear seat to preserve the boat’s clean silhouette. The cushioned sundeck and polished swim ladder invited long afternoons on the water, and beneath the deck, twin engines—ranging from early 185 hp Chris‑Craft units to later 220–400 hp Riva‑tuned or Chrysler V8s—gave the boat its confident, effortless speed.

Over the decades, the Aquarama family expanded. The original model was followed by the longer, more powerful Super Aquarama, capable of nearly 90 km/h. Then came the Aquarama Special, produced from 1972 to 1996, featuring refined stern access and upgraded luxury appointments. Though each version introduced improvements, all preserved the same unmistakable silhouette and the same spirit of Italian artistry.

The Aquariva quickly became a status symbol among the world’s elite. Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, Rex Harrison, King Hussein of Jordan, and Prince Rainier III of Monaco all owned one. Its price rivaled that of a Rolls‑Royce Silver Cloud, and its reputation as “the Ferrari of the boat world” was well earned. The Monaco Yacht Club even named a lounge in its honor.

Its cultural presence extended far beyond the marina. The Aquariva appeared in GoldenEye, Ocean’s Twelve, Martini & Rossi commercials, and television programs hosted by Jeremy Clarkson. Even decades after production ended, collectors continued to pursue pristine examples—one Aquarama Special sold for $975,000 in 2011, a testament to its enduring allure.

Today, the Riva Aquariva remains a masterpiece of postwar design. Its mahogany hull, chrome accents, and automotive‑inspired interior continue to captivate enthusiasts around the world. More than a boat, it stands as a timeless symbol of Italian glamour, innovation, and the golden age of leisure on the water.