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| STANDARD DATA: Seats 4. Gross wt. 3,270. Empty wt. 2,300. Fuel capacity 37-64. Engine 250-hp Continental. PERFORMANCE: Top mph 177. Cruise mph 164. Stall mph 68. Initial climb rate 1,220. Range 560. Ceiling 18,500. Ground takeoff run (50′) 1,400. Water takeoff run 1,565. Ground landing distance (50′) 1,100. Water landing distance 625. |
Originally developed by the Nardi Company, the Riviera amphibian first flew in December 1952. Siai-Marchetti purchased manufacturing rights from Nardi and placed the four-seater into production in 1960. A New Jersey firm handled all United States sales, and the Rivieras were assembled by Southwest Airmotive. The four-seater is powered by a 250-hp six-cylinder Continental engine mounted on top of the fuselage behind the cabin in a pusher-prop arrangement. For water use, the landing gear folds up into the fuselage behind the cabin, and the small nose gear is hidden behind nose gear doors. Forward visibility through a large bubblenose windshield is excellent. Production of the Riviera ended in early 1966 after 30 airplanes had been built.
