The Last Wooden Riva: The Riva Aquamara Special Hull #774

[highlight_text] Imagine how that plaque gleams in the sunlight as the boat cruises at speeds exceeding 50 mph… and how many heads will turn. [/highlight_text]

“The Last Riva” (The Riva Aquamara Special Hull #774) was sold on Jan. 29 in Kissimmee, Fla. It was one of several vintage crafts, classic cars, and memorabilia that were offered during the five-day auction, but was the most expensive item sold at $975,000.

The boat was delivered in 1996 and up until last month, was still in the hands of the original owners (the founding family of Sony). As you might expect of a meticulously maintained boat, the original varnish is still intact. If you’re an aficionado of classic craft, then you know how rare this is.

A beautiful brass plaque on her dashboard attests to her historic status: “Aquarama Special Number 774 is one of the final six hand built wooden boats constructed by Cantieri Riva representing the pinnacle of over 150 years of boat building tradition in the company from 1842 to 1996.” Imagine how that plaque gleams in the sunlight as the boat cruises at speeds exceeding 50 mph… and how many heads will turn.