There will unlikely never be agreement on which Riva model is the best or the most beautiful. Many will agree that the Ariston has the purest lines whereas the Aquarama is the most refined, the most comfortable and has the most advanced hull design. However, the Tritone, the Greek God of the seas and lakes, has special qualities all of its own in its characteristics shared with both of these models. The Tritone was the most prestigious model in the Riva stable during the 1950s being the largest and most expensive model, and the only one, at that time, to be equipped with twin engines, as opposed to a single engine. However, the pure, smooth lines of the Ariston were also present in the Tritone and the sleek tapered profile was beautifully adorned in continuous, uncluttered polished mahogany decking through to the stern giving the Tritone a luscious blend of pure, traditional lines with the speed, power, manoeuvrability and flexibility gained through the installation of twin engines and rudders. Even when the Aquarama was launched in 1963 the Tritone remained highly popular. Its size, power and long range (thanks to large fuel tanks) made it an ideal boat for sea-cruising, and it did much to forge Riva’s reputation in the Mediterranean.
The all new Aquarama was officially launched in 1963 although the Tritone would remain in production and continue to be highly desirable in unison until 1966.
Hull 196:
This particular Tritone is one of the rare, original Tritone Aperto’s.
Originally delivered to a Mr Brivio in Rome in 1962 equipped with twin Chrysler Sea-V M80 engines developing 177 hp each, according to the President of the Riva Historical Society, Piero Maria Gibellini’s excellent two volumes documenting the Riva Tritone and Aquarama, Tritone Aperto, Hull 196, spent time in the jet-set paradise island of Sardinia followed by a period in Rimini – both fitting locations for such as glamourous icon of Italian design. Around the late 1990’s early 2000’s her now tired original Sea-V8s were replaced, and she was fitted with twin Chrysler Marine 360 B V8 engines of 5946 cc each, giving her increased power and more modern levels of reliability. She has been fully restored by world leading Riva restorers, RAM, who are located next to the original Riva factory in Sarnico on Lago d’Iseo (where better to have a precious wooden Riva restored to its former glory than right next door to the factory which originally crafted it).
Following acquisition by her present owner in the early 2000s, a well-known collector of classic cars in Italy, she has been regularly maintained and stored at RAM on Lago d’Iseo. In 2019, as routine precautionary maintenance, the skilled artisan craftsmen at RAM ompletely replaced the bottom and in the process have ensured that the entire wooden skeleton and keel are in ship-shape condition making her fit and ready for many, many more stylish and rapid hours on the lake or sea (photos of this work are available).
Paparoccio is beautifully presented today with all ivory upholstery with dark blue piping matching her single dark blue waterline stripe. She is equipped with a full-array of chrome bezel instruments which sparkle against the polished mahogany dashboard contrasting with the full ivory-rimmed wheel.
Having evolved out of Carlo Rivas first twin engine model, the Tritone Aperto offers the best of both worlds with purity of line, rarity and glamour combined with the practicality and comfort of the padded, sunken sunbathing area to the rear deck. As one of just 15 original examples of the Tritone Aperto, this being one from the last handful built, this is an extremely rare, desirable and collectible Riva.
Paparoccio is now being sold as her present owner also keeps a later Riva Aquarama Special on another Northern Italian lake, and he is not managing to get full use and enjoyment from both boats.
Photos: Alberto Pedrali
