Parked on the runway, JF’s sculpted 1964 Buick Riviera, Rivision, looks like an arrow poised for flight—its pointed hood ready to slice through the air. With this build, JF's target was a Detroit Autorama Ridler Award.

1964 Buick Riviera

Photos by Carson Montague

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In the automotive world, winning Detroit Autorama's Don Ridler Memorial Award has been described as equivalent to winning a Nobel Prize. It’s that prestigious. Along with winning a Ridler, Rivision has graced the cover of no less than six automotive magazines. No surprise there—with its sculpted edges and flawless bright yellow paint, it commands every camera angle. At this Okanagan shoot, it works the runway as effortlessly as a Paris Fashion Week model.

General Motors classified the Riviera as a passenger luxury car, designed with driver comfort and experience in mind. But JF elevated it to a realm Bill Mitchell—GM’s Vice President of Styling—could never have imagined. Rivision may very well be JF’s magnum opus, a powerful masterpiece and testament to his and his shop’s craftsmanship.

Twin turbos are tucked discreetly in the rear, feeding charge pipes that weave forward through a hand-crafted leather interior. A full cage hides in plain sight, wrapped in the same meticulous stitching that ties the interior together.

Even the custom gauges, stamped with JF’s initials, reflect the builder’s thoughtfulness and precision. From aero splitter to boat tail, JF and his shop, JF Kustoms, dedicated over 20,000 hours to the build.

Then there is the sound: a symphony of 850 horsepower unleashed from a twin-turbo LS motor, each downshift punctuated by the crisp, metallic click of the Tremec six-speed transmission, a sound you hear and feel.



The hood is secured with leather belt straps. JF steps to the front, unfastens each strap, and tilts the hood forward, revealing an engine bay gleaming like fine silverware at a three-star Michelin restaurant, the highest level of culinary excellence. Chrome valve covers bear the JF insignia.

Most builders would stop there, content to preserve such an award-winning car as a showpiece. But JF isn't most builders. JF didn't build Rivision to sit still under a spotlight or this day's scorching heat. He built it to roar down a track—full twin turbo whistling, white lines flashing across its body, drowning out the buzz of cicadas and crowds—pulling every gaze into its orbit like the unrelenting sun.

If you are building a vehicle born to race, contact a Lordco Auto Parts machine shop to request a quote for the custom crate engine of your dreams. 

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