Building a custom car that captures that ’60s vibe well is never easy, but this 1964 Buick Riviera proves it’s also possible to excel. One quick glance at this Riviera and the transformation is not only immediately seen, but felt. This car transports viewers to another time of automotive customizing, a time when people like Dean Jeffries, Gene Winfield, Ed Roth and George Barris set the standards. The body was modified by Brad Masterson of Masterson Kustoms in Lynwood, California, but it was a consortium of talent that truly created this car. The body was chopped 5.5 inches, the front fenders were extended 4 inches, and the rear fenders were extended 4 inches and redesigned to achieve a new angle. A gravel pan was added along with a 1965 Riviera rear bumper with modified tail lights, the side scoops were reshaped, and the hood was extended 4 inches in the center and, like the rear fenders, reangled. Gary Brown of Brown’s Metal Mods in Port Leyden, New York, capped the fender ends and added single 1966 Cadillac headlights with center blades. He also added a narrowed 1957 DeSoto bumper bar and grille and a new front pan below the bumper. Brown also rebuilt the front and rear suspensions, installed a RideTech air ride system and hung Truespoke 15x6 50-spoke chrome wire wheels with Coker radial whitewall tires. The stock power side windows were modified to accommodate the chopped top, and the body was finished in a metallic green that complements every curve and nuance while providing just enough depth for all the chrome and brightwork to shine and sparkle. Matt’s Speed Shop in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, rebuilt the 1964 Buick 425 CI nailhead V-8 engine using parts from Egge Machine in Santa Fe Springs, California, boring it .020 over with +.010 crank bearings. Topped by an Offenhauser air cleaner and finned valve covers, the engine is fed by a Holley 650 CFM 4-barrel double-pumper carburetor with a stock intake manifold. An Alan Grove Components drive system was employed, along with an MSD electronic ignition system, and a Gearstar GM 700R4 automatic transmission with a Bendsten’s adapter was bolted to the 425. The entire drivetrain was installed by Street Rods by Michael in Shelbyville, Tennessee. Maradyne dual electric fans keep the aluminum, 4-core U.S. Radiator cool, and a balanced driveshaft was rebuilt by Dynotech Engineering Services. The interior is a place of wonder with green and white vinyl upholstery, green carpeting, a fabulous green, white and chrome Con2R steering wheel, a chrome Ididit tilt steering column and spectacular green pearl console inserts. The gauge cluster was rebuilt by Con2R, and a Vintage Air Gen IV system was installed along with a new Custom Auto Sound AM/FM radio.
