1972 Riva Aquarama Special
Mediterranean glamour, Minneapolis show floor. We tour a 1972 Riva Aquarama Special that blends sculpture, speed, and smart Italian engineering. Twin 454 GM-based V8s make a combined 700 hp, feeding two fuel tanks and twin controls, in a 29.5-foot mahogany icon. Built in Italy, Riva maintained owners’ boats across Med marinas, and only about 67 wood Rivas were originally ordered for the U.S. This one has been in the same family, recently returned for a new bottom and mechanicals.
On deck we dive into the carved water-shedding rails, a recessed sun bed over the engines, and a walk-through stern for seawall tie-ups. Inside, custom VDO gauges, twin dash shifters, and side-mounted throttles manage both engines, while a napper cabin with V-berth, port-a-potty, and pop-up portholes keeps things civil. Details pop everywhere, from the chrome-plated brass hardware and docking lights to the Surrey sun canopy and the very Italian siren. We explain the Med-style buoy-and-seawall mooring, the ladder that clips into the aft step, and the side fin that deflects spray once on plane. If you enjoy classic wooden boat restoration, Freedom Boat Service and the Land O’Lakes Classic Boat Club booth deliver a masterclass. Watch, comment, and share your favorite feature with Two Guys and a Ride.
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