They’ve been handing out the prestigious Ridler Award at the Detroit AutoRama for over five decades now.

You’d be hard-pressed to think of a past winner that’s more custom than J.F. Launier’s 1964 Buick Riviera—winner of the 2014 Ridler Award.

Launier’s radical Riviera, named Rivision, literally jumped out from the field of Pirelli Great 8 finalists to earn the award yesterday in Detroit. Built at Launier’s shop in Osoyoos, British Columbia, it’s loaded with custom features inside and out, from front to back. A few highlights of the Riviera include:

  • Original four-seat layout reconfigured to a two-seat design
  • Twin-turbocharged, 850-horsepower GM 6.2L LS V8 with truck-mounted turbocharger, wastegates. and associated plumbing
  • Custom copper-color turbo tubing
  • Ford GT40-style ducted radiator with hot air exit in the hood
  • Six-speed manual gearbox
  • Custom-designed rectangular steel perimeter frame which allows the driver and powertrain to sit low within the chassis and the roofline to be dramatically lowered
  • Smoothed undercarriage with custom siamesed-exhaust pipes
  • Boattail-style rear glass
  • CNC grille and headlight frames
  • Custom Mike Curtis-designed wheels

This ground-breaking Riviera isn’t just a trailer queen either.

Launier plans to take Rivision autocrossing in the near future. Perhaps after scooping up a few more awards on the way.

Author: David Fuller

David Fuller is OnAllCylinders' managing editor. During his 20-year career in the auto industry, he has covered a variety of races, shows, and industry events and has authored articles for multiple magazines. He has also partnered with mainstream and trade publications on a wide range of editorial projects. In 2012, he helped establish OnAllCylinders, where he enjoys covering all facets of hot rodding and racing.