Riva Super Florida

History

In 1953, the first “Florida Super” was built, with regular production beginning at the end of 1954 as the 1955 series. Compared to the first prototype, which measured 5.82 m in length and 1.94 m in beam, the 1955 series introduced a greater number of frames spaced 22 cm apart, along with all the modifications applied to the rest of the Riva production.

These included the use of adhesives for the planking of the topsides, a steering box, propeller shaft, “Phillips” screws, a “Goodrich” cutless bearing, vinyl and saran upholstery, as well as electric hour meter and water temperature gauge. The beam increased to 2.16 m and the length to 5.90 m.

In 1957, starting from hull #219, the deck was made of three-layer laminated Honduras mahogany with integrated white inlaid stripes. With the 1958 series, the topsides and transom were also made of preformed laminated wood, and the stern featured a rounded design.

The 1959 series introduced many innovations, starting from hull #238 (1958 production): the cup-style steering wheel, new S.W./Chris-Craft instruments with a redesigned dashboard, and new side pockets. The vipla trim on the seatbacks featured a “V” shape in ivory color.

In 1960, the model name became “Super Florida” and appeared on the dashboard in place of “Riva Chris-Craft.” With the adoption of the 8V Chrysler engine, the gear control was moved to the steering wheel, the temperature gauge featured two scales (one per cylinder bank), the electrical system became 12 volts, and the stainless steel fuel tank capacity increased to 130 liters instead of 100. A plexiglass storage compartment was mounted above the dashboard. All screws were cross-head.

In the 1961 series, as with other models, the electric horn became standard. The hull was slightly modified at the midship section. New upholstery featured more textured Resinflex. Red trim appeared along the edges of the seatbacks and front seat, with ivory ribbed padding for the seat and backrest interiors. The “V” design on the backrests became tapered. The optional canopy could now be fitted with opening side windows.

In 1962, further hull modifications were introduced and the actual length became 5.92 m. The driver’s seat could now be folded.

In 1963, beyond soundproofing improvements, the only visible aesthetic change was the chrome bow guards, which were extended by 35 cm.

The main changes in the 1964 series included increased length (6.07 m) due to a more pronounced bow overhang; the dashboard was now made of Honduras mahogany instead of Formica, with a projecting solid wood upper profile. The instrumentation was upgraded to VDO, innovative both in design and technology. Wood screws were changed to Reed & Prince heads. The upholstery was now imported from the United States. The interior side panels were still mahogany, but now of the Honduras type.

Following hull experiments carried out in 1966, the 1967 series (starting from hull #992) featured a new hull with a more pronounced “V” and a Riva Crusader engine. The interior side panels (“burloni”) were now higher and upholstered in ribbed vipla padding, similar to those of the Junior model.

Dimensions became 6.25 x 2.20 m in 1967 and 6.27 x 2.20 m for the final special series at the end of 1968, which featured a deck similar to that of the Olympic.