Riva, the iconic Italian boat brand, part of the Ferretti Group, attended the very first Bund Classic, the first Concours d’Elegance in China, which took place in Shanghai from October 18 to 20, 2013. Organized by China Rendez-Vous, the creator of Hainan Rendez-Vous, Bund Classic represents a new platform, created to reinforce and share the passion for classic cars in China.
Riva took this opportunity to present both vintage and new models designed and crafted by the 170-year-old brand. Bund Classic was also an opportunity for Riva to meet existing or prospective owners in an original and elegant atmosphere, in Shanghai’s Bund area.
Almost simultaneously was brought to life a restoration of 1968 Riva conjointly with Lamborghini. Though not ordered by the famous shipyard directly, this restoration work makes date and continues to place Riva as a genuine heritage brand whose timeless glamour drives it forward.
45 years have elapsed since it was build: now, the unique Aquarama Lamborghini hull # 278 yacht tender, which belonged to the owner of the Sant’Agata-based car-maker, has been restored back to its original splendour.
This exclusive yacht was born as a unique hull specifically ordered by Ferruccio Lamborghini, who asked to replace the American V8 engines, normally installed by the historical boatyard (established in Sarnico, on Lake Iseo, back in 1842), with the V12 engines produced by his Company.
This was bound to be the prelude to an outstanding outcome, that will remain unique in history.
The yacht construction started in 1968 and was completed in approximately 3 months. Lamborghini engineers modified several details of a pair of V12 engines to make them compatible with the marine environment, while Riva designers developed a special exhaust system making sure that the engines would be able to “sing” as needed.
Following Ferruccio Lamborghini’s death in 1993, the custom-made Riva Aquarama seemed to have disappeared. It was found again by chance in a boat depot several years later by a Dutch yachting enthusiast. Sandro Zani, a young Riva yachts restorer who has managed to turn his passion into his job, decided to take the ambitious restoration project into his own hands.
The restoration, which has taken 3 years, has now given back to the third millennium the fastest Aquarama ever built.
Below is a choice of the lovely charter yachts built by Riva.
More: Riva Image GalleryRiva Charter Yacht Images
