">>1961 Buick Other convertible" in Jonesboro, GA

A frame-off restoration in 2002 on a rare stock Buick Invicta turned it into this amazing car. The basic body was left stock, with all the chrome shaved for a cleaner look. Super smooth ?99 GM midnight blue paint was then applied, and really accented by a set of great long lingering flames by Tony Ricardo in Jacksonville. The 6 inch lower stance all around and a set of solid aluminum rims all contribute to a really eye-catching exterior. Inside Ed Schreck is responsible for the pearl white vinyl upholstery. The front seats were shortened in height (so they wouldn?t stick up past the body lines), and an arm rest was added between the passengers. The console between the rear passengers serves double duty by not only providing cup holders, but more importantly housing extra speakers for the JVC AM/FM CD stereo. The dash was given a custom treatment, with VDO gauges mounted in mirrored plexiglass on the driver?s side, and the ?Infected? moniker worked into the passenger?s side. The flaming River stainless steering column is topped with a Billet Specialties steering wheel. The power top was painstakingly rebuilt and recovered by Hawthorne?s, and for days when you want the climate controlled the car is equipped with Vintage Air. The surfboard rear view mirror, flame mats and headlight eyebrows also add nice touches which help give the car a unique personality and flair. Under the hood now resides a 502 cubic inch 450 hp HO Chevy motor, which took considerable work to squeeze in. To put it into perspective, the Buick?s frame is 11 inches narrower than a ?61 Chevy?s. Custom headers which exit through the fender wells were crafted by Charles Holland to get the motor lower, and consist of 2-1/2 inch tubing all the way back. A 700R4 overdrive automatic linked to a stock rear end with 2.73 gears offers good drivability, and allows the combination to get 20 mpg on the highway. The engine compartment was given nice visual enhancements too, which include a Cadillac air cleaner painted to match the exterior, Moon Eyes finned aluminum valve covers, a Be-Cool radiator, and various other polished and plated parts. The Invicta made the Top 20 in Rod & Custom?s Asphalt Ego-Rama, which rated reader submitted vehicles based on styling, braking, acceleration and cost to build.