Wednesday, June 19, 2019

THE “G54”1954 BUICK SPECIAL: German chocolate in an American wrapper


THE “G54”1954 BUICK SPECIAL: German chocolate in an American wrapper

Written by independent automotive journalist Chris Griggs


 


Known as “G54,” this incredible custom 1954 Buick Special (Lot #694) will be sold at No Reserve during the 2019 Northeast Auction.


 


Chocolate is a simple and classic treat that comes in a few varieties but is more or less always the same. Turns out there’s more to chocolate than the sum of its basic ingredients, though. Take, for example, the classic Hershey’s milk chocolate bar: A lighthearted American icon that conjures memories of making s’mores around campfires and doesn’t take itself too seriously; it’s the fun chocolate bar. Connoisseurs may want something a little more serious, a little less sweet and a bit darker, like German chocolate. Both have their advantages. What do you do if you want the best of both worlds? Simple ‒ you combine them.


That’s just what Troy Trepanier of Rad Rides by Troy did when he was commissioned to build one of the most unique custom Buicks in the world, known as “G54.” To start, classic Americana was needed, the “Hershey’s bar” in this equation. The choice was obvious: a 1954 Buick Special. It’s the kind of car you’d expect to see parked at a Main Street USA malt shop or drive-in on a Friday night. The second part of the recipe called for something more serious, more precise and a little darker – the “German chocolate.” The gentleman who commissioned the build just happened to have a spare 5.4-liter V8 from an out-of-commission 2007 Mercedes G55 SUV laying around in need of a new home.


The result was an American icon with a taste completely unique from anything else.


Painted in the delicious shades of Cognac on the upper body with a Milk Chocolate brown gracing the lower body and roof, Lot #694, offered with No Reserve at the upcoming Northeast Auction, encompasses the classic ’50s style. The Buick already had a beautiful design from the factory, so the body lines were largely unaltered. Instead the focus was spent on perfecting the gaps and small details like tucked bumpers, grafted-in taillights from a ’62 Chevy with custom bezels and one-off Buick logos done in Mercedes AMG-style lettering. A set of custom-made staggered Billet Specialties wheels were commissioned and painted to match, completing the exterior.


For the interior, the mix of German and American continued with a Mercedes factory-style center console, complete with wood-grain trim, as well as the radio, buttons and shifter from the donor G55. The dash, door panel inserts and headliner were adorned in Ultrasuede, and the factory Mercedes power seats were reupholstered with brown distressed leather. Touches like a Juliano’s steering wheel, billet door handles, custom 3-point seatbelts and German square-weave carpet installed over Dynamat add to the Bavarian feel.


As well-executed and detailed as the cosmetics are, the true flavor of G54 comes from what lies underneath. The 5.4-liter supercharged Mercedes AMG V8 was upgraded with Big Stuff 3 fuel injection and MSD ignition to pump up the power from the already stout 500 horsepower it came with from the factory. Backing up the engine is a 5-speed Mercedes transmission, transferring the power to a Ford 9” rear with an Eaton True Track rear end.


The original owner intended to drive the car as much as he would show it, so an Art Morrison custom chassis was made and utilizes C6 Corvette-style suspension in the front and a 4-link setup in the rear, with RideTech shocks at all four corners. A Mustang II power steering box was adapted and 14” Baer brakes were added front and rear. Despite all the performance, G54 was still built to show, as is evident from a pair of custom intakes molded into the inner fenders. A bespoke engine cover with a combination Mercedes-Benz/Buick emblem was fabricated to rest atop the AMG powerplant, encasing the supercharger.


While it’s true that every custom car always has its own flavor and tastes and the combinations seem endless, one thing is certain about the flavor of G54: It’s unexpected, it’s one-of-a-kind and it’s delicious.


For up-to-date information on this vehicle, click HERE. For a look at all the vehicles on the docket for the 2019 Northeast Auction, click HERE.

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