Riva Aquarama Lamborghini - Tuning the Most Beautiful Boat in the World | Tyrrell's Classic Workshop

It's time for a very special episode this week, one of those "once in a lifetime" moments for Iain as he's invited to Lake Iseo in Italy at the kind request of the Bellini family to their boatyard where they house and restore an enviable collection of stunning Riva powerboats.
And it is one truly unique and priceless example that Iain has been invited to see and tune and savour and that is the boat that Ferruccio Lamborghini himself commissioned from Carlo Riva back in 1968, requesting not one but two of his V12 engines to be fitted onboard, each producing 350 HP.
So join Iain as he looks into the history of this incredible one-off boat, meets with Battista and Martina Bellini at the Bellini Museum and factory to learn more about the collection and restoration process, before unpacking the hose-pipe to set about tuning this stunning machine. And once all that's done, it would only be right to take it out on the stunning Lake Iseo to check she's running smoothly on all cylinders. Thanks to Lamborghini expert Olivier Nameche for his help with this video.
"Take Time Out"
Written and Performed by Iain Tyrrell
Available to Buy or Stream Now from all major music platforms.
This video was brought to you by Aston Lark - www.astonlark.com/tyrrellswor...
A Whipp3dCream Ltd production
Museum and restoration footage courtesy of Daniele Lucca
Follow Iain on Instagram: / iain_tyrrell
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:14 Riva Aquarama Lamborghini
04:22 The Bellini Collection with Battista and Martina
07:18 More history of the Riva Aquarama Lamborghini
08:28 What makes the Riva Aquarama so special?
09:58 Restoration process - layered mahogany
12:43 Restoration process - varnishing
14:08 Chrome parts
16:30 Mahogany panel aging process
18:45 Boat meet lake
19:33 Not your average hose-pipe
20:27 Tuning the twin engines
23:47 All tuned, what next?
24:15 Boat trip on Lake Iseo
28:34 Outro

[@johnnyhickman6798]

Just when you think Iain couldn’t pull anything more classy out of the bag . .

[@carnivaltym]

And, did he what!

[@mrdainase]

The only Riva I can afford is made by Lada, sigh........

[@iainmcglynn833]

What a privilege to see this and of course there’s only one man you call for this task The daughter could sell rainwater to Lake Como 👌 Loved this Iain 🙏

[@d.martins4471]

@@mrdainase hahahhahahahahhahahahaa

[@AlfaGTA156]

⁠@@iainmcglynn833🤣🤣🥴

[@samhansen527]

This might be the ultimate crossover episode. Cannot say I’m shocked that they chose you to tune up arguably the most desirable speedboat ever made.

[@lvjetboy2908]

Speedboat, lol.

[@stevehollis9121]

What a pooncy lot . A waste of good motors didn't even open em up .

[@-ZIO]

Who could argue? I say no one

[@joshschneider9766]

​@@lvjetboy2908comparable engines have propelled boats up to eighty or ninety knots so yeah it's definitely a speed boat 😂

[@DeeWhy618]

Serious. Can you believe we get to watch this for free? Wow, this is truly something special. Thank you Ian and team!!

[@atomicmozart]

Far too many commercials google bot!

[@DeeWhy618]

@@atomicmozart ha, I am very much real. Thanks, though!

[@gerardbooth40]

As a professional musician for the last 35 years and a lifelong but strictly amateur car mechanic and petrolhead, I'd just like to add my voice to all those congratulating your voice as well as your consummate artistry when it comes to the noble art of 'engine whispering'. Bravo Mr Tyrell, you're rapidly becoming a national treasure!

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thank you- much appreciated

[@jerehada]

Ian’s ears should be insured.

[@rafchurchlawford4469]

Where does Iain stick that hose when tuning his velvet voice? 🤔

[@dublinboxnut7919]

Brilliant 👏

[@matthewtayloresquire]

Instinct, intuition & experience are marvelous bedfellows

[@Matteo_Licata]

Just when you think Iain's videos couldn't get any better, he pulls off an absolute gem like this. Superlative, pure class.

[@chrisd924]

Best episode ever. A big thank you to Iain, - the whole Bellini family and the wonderful craftsmen and woman they employ, and a huge shout out to all involved in the production of one of the best video's ever to be uploaded onto KZbin.

[@smOOdiebOOdie]

Agree! I’ve watched them all and I think this one is my favorite one!

[@axisadman]

Well said Chris, absolutely agree. Well done Mr Tyrrell.

[@tastypymp1287]

Daughter. Probably a bit than an employee.

[@tocsa120ls]

Iain proving what a renaissance man he is :) Car restorer, carburetor whisperer, socialite, singer and able seaman.

[@user-en9zo2ol4z]

Your singing voice is most pleasing to the ear, Ian.

[@Gregsheppo66]

My grandfather was a master coach builder who spent his entire life working with wood. He died before I was born but my dad told me stories about the incredibly high standard of things he made, like their first TV back in the 1950’s. He bought the picture tube etc & made the cabinet. He had dozens of jars of sawdust which he would mix with glue & stain to make a paste to disguise all the screws so they were invisible. My sister has some furniture he made & it’s really very beautiful.

[@iain_tyrrell]

That’s lovely- thanks for sharing❤️

[@mrmartin2079]

Wow just wow - you have surpassed yourself Ian

[@corneliszalmdijk7987]

Now 68 years old and as a child every year to Sarnico on holiday and regularly sailed in Riva boats that were tested. Children were picked up at the campsite. Also had a tour of the factory as a child of 7, had paddled in with my brother on the air mattress. Unforgettable memories!

[@alanjackson2712]

Just WOW !!❤ If you don't love that, you've got no soul

[@charliejackman2953]

I concur 👌

[@shankarbalan3813]

Iain Tyrrell deserves a Knighthood or a Peerage for his absolute knowledge, wisdom and passion for these wonderful machines.

[@williamtynan6484]

How about a Royal Warrant ?

[@970357ers]

Stella al Merito del Lavoro, at this rate!

[@nickturner2813]

@@williamtynan6484 You think that he provides services to the Royal Household?

[@doolar]

What a treat, thank you all involved in making this for us. And what a lovely song Iain! :)

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thank you! Very glad you liked the song. It’s now downloadable on every platform

[@Lanxe]

Perhaps the ultimate marriage of form & function in a timeless classic.

[@ianashton1593]

Riva boat with Lamborghini engines, what a combination!

[@manfredschmalbach9023]

As a an Italophile petrolhead and former boatbuilder I want to assertively thank You for this episode, Mr Tyrell !

[@brittenv1000]

You know your at the top of your game when other companies start asking to fly over and "help out". 👏👍

[@Allmentux]

I was lucky to see and touch the Lamborghini Riva in that very same collection during Mille Miglia a few month ago. What a moment!

[@darnoldie]

There are so many wonderful portions of this video that it is difficult to narrow it down to one specific capture. The look of pure joy on Martin's face while operating the tiller stands out. Even I could feel the exhilaration of that moment through the distant internet connection. Sometimes Ian, you really take us gearheads to a whole different level of enthusiasm. Thanks so much for taking us along for the ride.

[@theloneranger2101]

I don't think it was Martina at the tiller of the boat, her hair was shorter then at the beginning of the video, when Ian interviewed Battista the Son and Martina the Daughter together.

[@stevemawer848]

@@theloneranger2101 Maybe she had it cut for the boat trip?

[@tommytee8387]

This really is something very special..Thank you Iain and the Bellini family for letting us into your world.

[@rodneypratt4324]

As I sit here on my couch in Austin, Texas. Looking at the beautiful landscape and art of Italy. And I know who you are, sir and I salute you.... Then you start singing this beautiful song. And then I see the party with one of my favorite Rums!!!!! Living the good life.

[@tunnel7]

Brilliant Iain and wow what a singer cheers

[@richardmarsh1368]

You can only use words and phrases like exquisite perfection to describe Rivas. It's visible in every single detail. Even the tiny switches are unique and beautiful. Put a pair of Lamborgini V12's in the back and the perfection has gone beyond description. Thank you so much for this episode which I will be watching many, many times.

[@daveglover6115]

Not so long ago, Iain was in the Franschhoek motor museum, Cape Town, tuning a very rare Aston Martin because nobody could get it running correctly, now Iain is in Italy with his custom made hosepipe tuning a dual Lamborghini engined Riva! Totally amazing and such a wonderful video to enjoy watching!

[@guri131]

The driver of the boat had a stunning energy around her. Hard to put it in words. One of your finest episodes yet, Iain. Bravo.

[@ernestfinch1578]

She was attractive/hot/sexy / Italian .

[@michealofloinn2539]

I do have a soft spot for the beautiful Italian women.

[@joergfitzner]

Stunning energy around her? Indeed: 24 Lamborghini cylinders. 😄

[@AmericasChoice]

@@michealofloinn2539 Italian women are fantastic, when they are happy................otherwise, watch out!

[@NarcFreedom]

It’s called being rich.

[@DavidHall-ge6nn]

Exotic engines weren't the only things singing gloriously in this episode! Sir, you have surpassed yourself, and that's saying something. A fascinating glimpse into the meticulous care and craftsmanship required to restore these beauties to their former glory presented with great charm and set to music. What a positive and upbeat way to set the tone for the week ahead. Thank you!

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thank you too! Please download the song if you like it!😎

[@mtnvalley9298]

A velvet crooner on top of wizard level knowledge of exotic automobiles of all variety? Legendary status for Iain Tyrrell.

[@jameselgas7923]

When Harry suggested creating your own KZbin channel, this is why. We would never ever see or hear this type of content, amazing. Thank you!

[@carnivaltym]

What an outstanding surprise! ❤ I was immediately struck by the phasing I could hear at the outset of the tuning process and how it vanished as you worked on it. To perfectly tune TWO entirely seperate engines to perfection with one another must be as much art as science and a testament to your both to your ear and years of experience. Loved the actual music too!

[@idesignyou...9257]

What a stunning boat, always loved Riva powerboats! Loving the song at the end, very appropriate and great to hear you sing Iain!

[@gazzafloss]

I'm not a boat person but I can appreciate these beautifully crafted pieces of "aqua-art", they are truly splendid. Nice job Iain, and nice work in the music/vocal department. Thank you for taking us along.

[@youngbloodcody]

Wonderful song! Your drummer is killing it.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thanks. Well, he was Aretha Franklin’s drummer when she came to the U.K.

[@decayintheuk]

Our man in Italy, a particularly excellent vid

[@len333p]

What a wonderful production Iain. I would call that being at top of your game! So well done and don’t forget your hose pipe, it will be worth millions in the future 😂

[@leetiller1578]

And actor!

[@markcooper770]

In this increasingly digitized world, I love that there are still things that require these old school skills. Fabulous video. Thank you.

[@DickDawsonTheShills]

Wow. Just wow. Ian gets all the fun. Amazing.

[@gordonjohnston684]

Obsession to detail, fit, and finish, its amazing.

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

Having seen Riva Aquaramas go for silly money, even twenty years ago, I can only imagine how many millions this one must be valued at. Stunning example, and completely unique! The building method, I believe, is known as triple-diagonal, considered by some to be the outright best form of hull construction. The method used here is virtually identical to the way that PT-boat hulls were laid up during WW2, although they used plywood rather than solid wood sheets. Incredibly strong, and stiff. There are examples of PT-boats being holed, through-and-through, by enemy fire and still getting back to base to be patched up.

[@laurieharper1526]

That's interesting. British motor torpedo boats were constructed using the same method. There's one standing in the yard at the RAF Museum in North London. The hull is not in great shape and needs refinishing - the layers have started to separate - but you can see the construction quite clearly as a result.

[@scottnaish-theheartpatient2016]

Without sounding stupid . what was the usual engine used in most riva production then ?

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

@@scottnaish-theheartpatient2016 well, if not knowing that makes you stupid, I am too! I had a quick look and it appears that Riva would tune Chrysler and Cadillac (among others, it says) motors for 185-400 hp per engine. I'm guessing it was largely up to the owner's preference The MTB's and PT's in the War were blessed with 3 marinised Merlins (or their built-under-license equivalents), which made a truly glorious sound. There are a couple of each type (US and British) around, still, and it's worth finding a clip of one of them coming up on the plane with 36 cylinders all howling and phasing with each other.

[@Redswipe]

All I can see online is that this one was insured 8 years ago for 3m Euros

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

@@Abril-km7vo I'm fine for deities at the moment, thanks. I find 'none' to be a nice, round number.

[@nduruhukinuthia]

Iain 'Sinatra' Tyrrell, results of 40 plus years of tuning engines. Well done

[@cybersurfer2010]

Riva’s are a visual treat to the eye!

[@wandering_not_lost]

What can I say? Sheer class!! A Riva Aquarama on a sunlit Italian lake, bucket list stuff. Iain, you make KZbin a better place, thank you so much for your videos. You've excelled yourself with this one.

[@boredstrayingtheinternet2557]

If this was a Hollywood movie on the Bellini family and their boats, you couldn't cast Battista and Martina any better than with these two handsome genuine real life italians, I guess.

[@liverpoolscottish6430]

Thumbs up if you think Iain's channel is THE best YT channel of all!

[@stephanbode548]

an unbeliveable craftsmanship! But they need permanent service! Those boats are typical italian - just lovely!

[@terrysandoe3531]

It doesn’t get much better than that. 2 Lambo V12’s, Italian Lake and Iain Singing like the throttle bodies on those engines! Pure class. 🏆🥇

[@perroviejo666]

Just an incredible episode!!!. Congrats Iain, you managed to raise the bar once again. Excellent song to end the video.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thanks!

[@neilcam]

Agreed! The video was excellent, beautiful and any other superlative you care to add, but then when it couldn't get any better, Iain bursts into song and shows off fabulous talent!

[@justsomeguy1141]

Not a bad set of pipes on Ian as well as the Lambos!

[@JK-js2td]

​@@iain_tyrrellhey Lain...just found your channel. Love your humor and apparent talent in music..as well as engine tuner. Im a car guy and a musician. Been making music as a 🎷player for decades. Just wanted to say thanks for your video, sir!

[@ScottMicciche]

Outstanding craftsmanship - the screw "caps" - unbelievable. Thanks so much, Iain!

[@big_red_machine3547]

That technique is actually common knowledge and practice in fine furniture making. That too is a lost art, but something that any fine woodworker does

[@ScottMicciche]

@@big_red_machine3547 Thank you, I had not seen that before.

[@markusdascher4181]

Better than any Hollywood movie. Wonderful craftsmanship 🛥️

[@haulinclasstv]

I just hauled a boat tail Rolls Royce to Pebble Beach last month that had wood like one of these boats on it. Simply beautiful. The craftsmanship is just top notch, masterpiece level.

[@josemorenoporras7506]

"Take Time Out" lovely song,great performance! Amazing boat and lake images. Very nice video!

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thank you!

[@RobertBlane-lw6kn]

As of now, this is your finest video by a very comfortable margin, an honour and privilege it surely is to get a small glimpse into the world you live and work in. The production values of this outstanding video are world class and put many terrestrial channel television documentaries to utter shame. Iain, you have simply outdone yourself here and your music track is sublime too. Utterly riveting viewing and in fact, I have watched this several times. If there were to be an award bestowed upon this production, it would be right at the top of tree. Thanks Iain. Simply the best.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@tastypymp1287]

I'd say the margin is very narrow. But only because the base is already such high quality!

[@davidlyon1899]

@@iain_tyrrell I think he liked the video.

[@peterprice5896]

This is why I choose to watch KZbin I live for stuff like this craftsmanship of a bygone age and when I say craftmenship it is on another level and can you imagine the sound and the power of this amazing piece of history.

[@trainmanbob]

My goodness Iain, will you ever be able to top this? From start to finish, every part of this video is exceptionally good. The wonderful detailed description of boat manufacture is enormously interesting, the skill of the bloke with the hosepipe and screwdriver, and the extract of a film soundtrack for a James Bond movie outrageously good. Damn it all Iain, is there nothing you can't do? Seriously though, this really was pure quality entertainment, and thank you so much for letting us enjoy one of the great moments from your life. Cheers, Bob

[@davidpaulfogarty2287]

Iain's talents know no boundaries! A very happy man tuning a piece of Lamborghini and Riva history. Great to see Iain "Take time out" to do what he loves best -- working on Italian masterpieces and singing!

[@liverpoolscottish6430]

A few years ago, I was on holiday on Lake Garda. One evening, I was eating at a restaurant located on a quay. A Riva boat came into the small harbour and cruised slowly past where I was sitting. What a stunning piece of design- another Italian classic with beautiful lines. How I LOVE Italy- on so many levels!

[@HypocriticYT]

Words cannot describe this boat, only your eyes can 😊

[@AntonHoward-mx9sb]

Mr Tyrrell, with these powerboats you are really spoiling us!

[@cgee3999]

I love it when the Italian took interest when you brought the screwdriver out😂

[@BobTheBlue]

Wow! I think I need to go have a lie down after that!!!😂

[@simonhodgetts6530]

What a work of art! Is there anything that the Italians can’t make utterly breathtaking?

[@trojanorse]

Wow, multi talented Ian, never expected that. Brilliant.

[@theretoocs]

Wow! Such beautiful classic boats...hard to beat Italian design and craftsmanship...

[@JoeMama827]

As a boat lover since the 1950s I was drooling all over my keyboard at this unbelievably beautiful boat.

[@paulelverstone8677]

Utterly, utterly gorgeous - easily as impressive as any same-era supercar of the time. I had the great fortune to work on Lago di Como for a short while and you'd occasionally see (and hear!) an Aquarama trickle past on a sniff of throttle. To see the quality of that craftsmanship up close was a pleasure. Not everyday you see an Italian superboat...

[@scotie690]

I don’t like boats, I like Rivas Aquarama. ❤ Those were the days.

[@diraziz396]

Oh My Goodness in Heaven.. Never thought I'd hear on of these Beauties Tuned

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

Indeed an amazing honour for the Bellini’s to have the great Iain Tyrrell in Italy to tune up their boat. Okay, a shared honour I guess? These boats are a magnificent piece of art, and when one think Italian motorboat, this is what comes into mind. Once sgain, thank you Sir. 🙏🏼

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thank You!

[@pezzonovante888]

I don't how Iain will top this episode. Absolutely spectacular. And tops it off with an awesome soundtrack.

[@5amH45lam]

Iain "The Voice" Tyrell!

[@javelsaudades6537]

Delicious!❤🎉😊 Thanks Iain. Namaste!!!!

[@thomasboren3580]

Italian craftsmanship at its very best , absolutely beautiful video

[@suzannecartigny6239]

What a great episode! As a lover of classic cars and of Riva boats, this is a dream episode for me! What a delight to see Mr. Tyrrell in this video. His enthusiasm and knowledge of classic cars and classic car engines is tremendous. Every episode I enjoy his manner of presentation. And as icing on the cake, we are treated to a delightful song written and sung by the maestro himself, Take Time Out! Mr. Tyrrell, you are my hero! And as we here in the Netherlands tend to say; keep it up!

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

That was a special 30 odd mins spent watching. Wonderful boat and the song was pretty darn good a well.

[@patrickgr1547]

Wood meets Metal and love is born ❤

[@Thecrazyvaclav]

That’s peak Italianess just there, gorgeous in every single way and whatever part you look at

[@alasdairgow4919]

A man of many talents, what a great video

[@mattsta1964]

Martina is pretty stunning too. Ding dong!

[@graham6229]

How stylish are the Italians ? Those boats can only come from Italy. Absolute style personified.

[@william-131]

I absolutely love the attention to detail on these pieces of art like the 'table' between the engines as a centre support for the engine cover. The story of the wood plugged screwholes is madness!

[@michaelmartin2832]

Just a fantastic episode!! Ian has such a wonderful life, and we are fortunate that he is sharing it with us all.

[@chrisbanks5925]

That was fantastic Iain . . . superb in every way.

[@paulkennedy477]

Love the tune, that is one hell of a band you've got there Iain.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thanks! Don’t forget to download it if you like it!

[@richardhoff5255]

I have been watching your videos since the very first and Ive loved all of them but this one. Wow... I'm speechless. I've always loved riva boats since I've seen George clooney's photos on lake Como but I have never known them to have the V12s. Anyhow I'm blown away. This video could have been your swan song, but please keep them coming! Well done!

[@iain_tyrrell]

There’s only one with the V12s. Thank you, and thanks for your loyalty

[@rpc2210]

An episode well-deserving of an original song. Thanks for taking us along with you on this incredible journey, Iain.

[@Back_Road_Hero]

And to think that you had doubts about even starting a channel. You’re a natural!

[@paulboyle6857]

Not often lost for words but............, Italian lake scenery & Riva powerboat with 2 Lamborghini V12,s! The Riva has always been regarded as the creme de la creme of powerboats & you are a truly lucky man Iain! What is it with Italians & style; they somehow make it look effortless in a way that no other nation can quite match? Absolutely beyond top drawer!.

[@eSysmanSuperYachts]

This boat is one of one. Even though all Aquaramas are super special this one was the only one with two v12 Lamborghini engines. The boat was completely restored about 10 years ago. Absolutely glorious.

[@S-T-E-V-E]

Wow that wood is beautiful!

[@michaelford8986]

It just gets better! There you are Iain, there's the title for your next song! ;)

[@timlewis1732]

Quite simply one of the most beautiful things ever created be mankind !

[@timlewis1732]

By ! Damn autocorrect lol

[@ronschwolsky1626]

My favorite Tyrell’s CW episode ever. So talented all the way around! …and yes, that Riva! 😍

[@jamesallison4875]

Best ever, Iain! The music and your voice were perfect. Nothing more to say about the Rivas… they are the epitome of nautical class.

[@marvindebot3264]

Rivas are not just boats, they are art.

[@1htalp9]

Those engines are insane!

[@boundish1]

That process of taking out perfect plugs to conceal the screws is just mind blowing. The tool to extract the plugs must be extremely thin to not make the plug too small. Exquisite craftsmanship.

[@marzsit9833]

i don't think they actually do that, more likely they cut plugs from a separate piece of wood but are very careful to match the grain as close as possible.

[@jonathanknight1850]

It's quite a common technique in hardwood joinery. The pellets, as they are properly called, are cut out with a router from obviously the same kind of timber. The holes for the screws are drilled with a countersink type drill which allows for the pellets to pressure fit( hammer) in the holes ,with glue. Then pared off, and sanded. Grain has to match!

[@jonlyons1033]

Oh I can smell the aftershave all the way over here in nz. Bravo!

[@smOOdiebOOdie]

Most beautiful boat in the world 👌🏻

[@magu-ontour5237]

"not a bad day in the office actually"... I really like these kind of understatements....one of the best video's I've seen on this channel, and of course the very pleasant English pronunciation and style of presenting. I just love it.

[@PhG1961]

Amazing video! Great entertainment with a gentle touch of British humor! Awesome scenery and footage!