Builder Showcase: Riva
Riva are still building beautiful boats, but they have a good bit of history, too. Founded in 1842 by Pietro Riva in the town of Sarnico on Italy's Lake Iseo, the company began humbly enough, repairing fishing boats for local clients. Yet, over the next century, Riva would transform into a global icon of boatbuilding, creating some of the most breathtaking wooden motorboats ever built.
The brand's true golden age came in the mid-20th century under the leadership of Carlo Riva, Pietro's great-grandson. Carlo elevated Riva from a respected regional boatbuilder into a symbol of Italian sophistication, where cutting-edge engineering met master woodworking.. Each Riva boat was crafted from the finest mahogany, hand-shaped and polished to a mirror-like finish. The result was a fleet of vessels that were as much floating works of art as they were high-performance machines.
Lamborghini’s Riva Aquarama.
Riva's designs were revolutionary—sleek, aerodynamic, and luxurious. The Ariston, introduced in the 1950s, set the standard with its elegant lines and detailing, but it was the legendary Aquarama, launched in 1962, that became Riva's masterpiece. With its twin engines, gleaming wooden hull, and signature rear sunpad, the Aquarama was the ultimate expression of La Dolce Vita. It wasn't just a boat; it was a lifestyle accessory for the world's elite. Hollywood stars like Brigitte Bardot and Sophia Loren were often photographed aboard Rivas, while royalty and business magnates clamored to own one. Ferruccio Lamborghini himself ordered one (with two of his V12s powering it).
The new 27’ Rive Iseo. Pretty sweet.
By the 1970s, the wooden boat era was fading as fiberglass took over the industry. Riva eventually adapted, but its wooden boats remained the crown jewels of its legacy. Today, vintage Rivas are among the most sought-after collector's items in the boating world, with well-preserved models fetching millions. The modern boats may be faster or more efficient, but none can replicate the romance of a wooden Riva gliding across the water, glowing in sunlight. Riva's legacy endures as a testament to Italian ingenuity, where engineering and artistry merged to create something truly extraordinary.
