Andy Leach won the 10th anniversary SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish competition with his 1960 Buick Invicta Custom “X-60” at the 2023 SEMA Show. It took Leach nine years to build the Invicta out of his Cal Automotive Creations shop in Bennington, Neb., as he worked to maintain the car’s original intentions, including details originally lost to budget constraints.
“I’m very honored to be the 2023 Battle of the Builders winner. It’s a dream come true; I’ve been chasing this award for nearly a decade,” said Leach. “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.”
Inspired by the Jet Age B-52 (or Boeing B-52 Stratofortress), the X60 Invicta features sleek lines perfected after countless hours of thoughtful reengineering. Its refined lines and bodywork are highlighted to give the illusion of driving fast and forward. Wedged sections are present only in the front of the car, giving it the look of running downhill. Its brass trim is CAD designed and precision machined, and its one-piece, precision- machined rear bumper delivers a refined and polished flow.
In designing the interior of the car, the goal was to keep the look and feel of the 1960 Buick, while elevating and polishing the visual experience. The interior is built around the iconic Invicta hardback bucket seats and center console, featuring custom logos and pockets. Custom-made pearlized leather and woven aircraft carpeting brings everything together for a seamless and aesthetically appealing ride.
The X60 Invicta stays true to its roots, outfitted with the same factory-correct 401 Nailhead engine block featured in the 1960 Buick. Featuring a crank-driven supercharger with custom-made bracketry for the blower, as well as power-steering, A/C and an alternator with a custom made front drive, it delivers a powerful driveline and an unmatched driving experience.
Leach’s winning build will be featured in the “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” TV special that will air in January 2024 on the History Channel. For more information, visit the SEMA Battle of the Builders website.
