1969 Riva Aquarama Casalta 1-of-1 by Artist Xavier Casalta

OVERVIEW

SBX Cars is proud to offer for sale this 1969 Riva Aquarama Casalta showing just 150 hours on the engines at the time of cataloging. A spectacular blend of Italian boat-building craftsmanship and French artistic mastery, this stunning vessel brings together the finest in art, design, and idyllic days on the water. 

Harkening back to the days of Sophia Loren and Clark Gable cruising sunny waterways in style, the 1969 Riva Aquarama is a coveted symbol of class and elegance all by itself. This particular example, measuring 8.25 meters in length, has been exquisitely brought back to life by Bellini Nautica, the famed Italian nautical experts renowned for their Riva restorations. 

Taking this 1969 Aquarama to another level of exclusivity, Bellini collaborated with French artist Xavier Casalta to create the breathtaking Riva up for auction today. Known for his incredibly detailed work in stippling, Mr. Casalta has a passion for illustration, architecture, and antiquity. 

All of which comes together on this 1969 Aquarama, which features a mesmerizing application of Xavier’s “Summer” design. Developed with florist Swallows & Damsons, it is part of his “Four Seasons” series and breathes new life into this classic Italian cruiser with an almost hypnotic level of precision. 

NOTABLE COMMENTARY

• “By collaborating with artists, we want to show that an Aquarama is not just a piece of art, but a piece of art that is still alive.” - Battista Bellini, CEO of Bellini Nautica

• “Built to be fast and sexy, the Riva Aquarama was regarded as the Ferrari of the boat world.” - Luxury Lifestyle

• “The most beautiful thing ever made.” - Jeremy Clarkson

SPECIFICATIONS & OPTIONS 

This 1969 Riva Aquarama Casalta is powered by twin Riva Crusader inboard V8s making 220 horsepower each. Additional features below:

Exterior

• Mahogany decking
• White lower hull
• Chrome trim
• Wraparound windshield
• Riva and Aquarama emblems
• Transom-mounted CASALTA lettering

Interior 

• “Summer” upholstery design by Xavier Casalta
• Rear “Summer” and white sun pad
• Three-spoke Riva steering wheel
• Analog gauges  

Mechanical

• Dual Riva Crusader inboard 220-hp V8s
• Riva Aquarama hull number 354
• Length: 8.25 meters
• Width: 2.60 meters

OWNERSHIP HISTORY & PROVENANCE

This 1969 Riva Aquarama Casalta is being sold by its builder, Bellini Nautica.

NOTED IMPERFECTIONS

As seen in the gallery and accompanying videos, this 1969 Riva Aquarama Casalta appears to be in pristine condition. 

INCLUDED IN THE SALE

• Two keys
• Engine power declaration by the manufacturer
• Bumpers
• Cover
• Support for the transport to client
• Xavier Casalta's art work print (numbered)
• COA of the artist 

SUMMARY

Reimagining an icon of style, luxury, and craftsmanship like the 1969 Riva Aquarama is not for the faint of heart. In the hands of Bellini Nautica, however, and its three generations of world-class Riva restoration experience, you can be sure the end result is nothing short of perfection. 

Blending in the singular artistic talents of Xavier Casalta serves to elevate this Aquarama into a one-of-a-kind living canvas. A vessel like this is for the true connoisseur of the finer things in life, and opportunities like this do not come around very often. Don’t miss out.

As part of the consignment process, SBX Cars requests a range of information from the seller pertaining to the subject of their offering. The auction listing description therefore is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. However, it is the responsibility of a potential buyer to satisfy themself as to the accuracy of the auction listing description. This includes conducting an in-person inspection, which may be arranged between the buyer and seller, as well as verifying the condition, authenticity, value, and title before committing to bid or buy. Please see our Terms of Service for full details.