The Ridler Award is one of the most prestigious awards in the custom car industry, and this year’s winner, a 1963 Chevy 2-door wagon, is a true masterpiece. The vehicle, named “Imagine,” was built by Ringbrothers, a Wisconsin-based custom car builder known for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The project started with a 1963 Chevy II Nova wagon that was in a state of disrepair. The Ringbrothers team stripped the car down to its bare bones and then began the painstaking process of rebuilding it from the ground up. The goal was to create a vehicle that was not only beautiful but also functional and reliable.
The Imagine wagon is powered by a 6.2-liter LS3 engine that produces 416 horsepower and is mated to a 4L60E automatic transmission. The car rides on a custom Roadster Shop chassis that features a fully independent suspension system and Baer 6P brakes. The wheels are custom-made HRE S201H wheels that measure 19 inches in the front and 20 inches in the rear.
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The body of the Imagine wagon is a work of art. The Ringbrothers team started by widening the rear quarter panels by four inches on each side. They then added custom front and rear bumpers, a custom grille, and a custom hood. The car was finished in a beautiful BASF Glasurit 90 Line paint that was custom-mixed to match the original GM color.
The interior of the Imagine wagon is just as impressive as the exterior. The seats are custom-wrapped in leather and suede, and the headliner and door panels are also covered in suede. The car features a Vintage Air climate control system, a Pioneer stereo system, and a custom console that houses the Lokar shifter.
The Imagine wagon made its debut at the 2023 Detroit Autorama, where it was an instant crowd favorite. The vehicle’s attention to detail, exceptional craftsmanship, and stunning design caught the eye of the judges, who awarded it the coveted Ridler Award.
The Ringbrothers team is no stranger to the Ridler Award, having won it twice before. However, the Imagine wagon is arguably their most impressive build to date. The car is a true testament to the talent and dedication of the Ringbrothers team and is sure to be remembered as one of the most iconic custom cars of all time.
In conclusion, the 1963 Chevy 2-door wagon, also known as the Imagine, is a true masterpiece of custom car design. The vehicle’s exceptional craftsmanship, stunning design, and attention to detail have earned it the coveted Ridler Award. The Ringbrothers team has once again proven that they are among the best custom car builders in the world, and the Imagine wagon will undoubtedly be remembered as one of their greatest achievements.
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