First introduced for the 1959 model year, the first-generation Buick Invicta has highlighted by its exterior design choices, which included an “angry” front fascia, ventiports, and delta fins. Although the Invicta isn’t the first vehicle that comes to mind when one thinks of an all-out, custom build, that didn’t stop Andy Leach of Cal Automotive Creations, and now, his 1960 Buick Invicta has won the 2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders title.
Nicknamed the X-60, this Invicta took Leach and his team roughly nine years to bring to fruition. Based out of Nebraska, the craftsmen at Cal Automotive Creations did their best to maintain the car’s original intentions, which includes details originally lost to budget constraints.
Drawing inspiration from a Boeing B-52, this Invicta features sleek body lines that are intended to give the illusion that the vehicle is driving fast and forward. The brass trimmings are CAD-designed and precision-machined, while its rear bumper is a one-piece unit that it also precision-machined.
Moving to the interior, we find hardback bucket seats and a center console that features custom logos and pockets. Custom-made pearlized leather and woven aircraft carpeting adorn the upholstery.
Not to scrimp out on the powertrain, the X-60 is equipped with its factory-correct 401 Nailhead engine block, which now has a crank-driven supercharger with custom-made bracketry bolted on top. Notably, the builders where able to keep power-steering, A/C and an alternator with a custom front drive.
“I’m very honored to be the 2023 Battle of the Builders winner,” Cal Automotive Creations’ Andy Leach stated. “It’s a dream come true; I’ve been chasing this award for nearly a decade. The Buick was a labor of love, and I’m glad all our hard work and effort has been recognized, especially against all the stiff competition we faced. The Buick Invicta Custom ‘X-60’ embodies every inch of its potential and evokes emotions in the spirit of what this car stood for in 1960.”
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Comments
I love those old sleds!
Beautiful!
I remember as a kid my parents had a 1962 Buick Invicta Station Wagon. The foldable third rear seat faced rearward and I remember looking at the drivers of cars behind us (I bet it was a little unnerving, especially when I would be making funny faces!). Also, it had a green light on the dash that came on when you first started it. It would let you know that the engine was cold. When the light went out, the engine was warmed-up enough to turn on the heater (if so desired). That was the only car I’ve ever seen with this feature.
Yeah my dad’s 63 Impala had a green cold light on the dash too. I remember thinking that green light was really cool along with the rear seat speaker.
My ’62 Starfire had it.
Dad had a new ’60 LeSabre. I’ve loved ’60 Buicks ever since. This is one beautiful Invicta that apparently took longer to design and build than the original did.
Had a ‘60 Invicta Convertible. Red with the white top. That thing was something…..a piece of art. And with the Dynaflow tranny it felt like driving a golf cart….no shifting. Wish I had kept it.