For a custom car builder, an obsessive compulsive tendency can be the difference between a good car and an excellent car. Recently, JF Launier’s Rivision won the highly coveted Ridler Award at the Detroit Autorama show on March 7-8, 2014.
Launier’s car is an amazing testament to the boundless possibilities of kustom car culture. Starting with a 1964 Buick Riviera, this car doesn’t have a single panel, nut or bolt that wasn’t changed and/or modified. Shortened 18 inches with a 1971 Riviera boat tail roof grafted on, this car just oozes uniqueness.
Rivision was built for more than just the show circuit though. The scuttlebutt is that Launier intends on shredding tires on the track, possibly in upcoming Goodguys Autocross events. Various attributes will make this car a dominant force on the track. Air scoops for bringing in fresh air where it’s needed, more scoops to take the hot air out and a wider stance are just a few. The real meat and potatoes, though, is in the engine. A Twin-Turbo 6.2L Chevrolet LS1 V8 was implanted between the front rails. Pushing nearly 850 horsepower, the LS is backed by a Tremec six-speed manual trans that sends power down to Pirelli P Zero rubber. The turbos, intercooler, and all plumbing were all specifically placed in the kustom to help achieve an astounding 48 percent front and 52 percent rear weight balance.
As a show piece, the car is just simply amazing. An insane amount of hours, blood, sweat, and tears went into the construction of this hot rod and it clearly shows. As for how it will do on the track, check out this video and make your own judgement on how Launier’s Riviera will stack up on the race track.