185 bhp, Chris Craft 283M V-8 engine. Length: 6.51m (21’4”)

• Classic mahogany Riva runabout

• Beautiful restoration and powerful engine

Serafino Riva, heir to the boatbuilding company founded by his father on Italy’s Lago d’Iseo in 1842, saw the benefits of building fast, beautifully finished boats for the well-to-do of Europe. The marinas in the lakes of Italy, Switzerland and France, as well as the harbours of the Mediterranean, quickly filled with examples of the Riva Company’s quick and stylish runabouts. One thousand examples of the Ariston were built in a production run that lasted 24 years, making it one of the most popular Riva runabouts. The name meant “best of the best”, and in order to live up to its name, the boat was the subject of continual development throughout the years. One of the most important was the deepening of the bottom of the boat midships in 1962, from hull no. 409 on. This gave the boats that followed added stability in cruising mode. The windshield also saw modification in order to be able to fit a folding canvas top, which allowed the Ariston all-weather capability.

Entered in the Riva Registro Storico, the Ariston we offer for sale has been fully restored to a stunning level by Cantiere Nautico Aghemio in Stresa on Lake Maggiore. The hull shows a beautifully even, deep varnish with a deep green below the waterline, providing a rich contrast. Inside, the cockpit has been reupholstered in the correct aqua and white colour scheme, and the chrome trim on the cowl rim, instrument bezels, windshield frame and steering wheel shine brilliantly. Even the engine compartment, fitted with the powerful Chris Craft 283M V-8 engine, shows hardly any trace of use. This Ariston has seen very little use since restoration and should be carefully considered by anyone who wishes to enter the world of classic speedboats with an example of one of the most popular models of the perpetually desirable Riva brand.