Built in 2009, this 1952 Buick Riviera custom, known as “Resilience,” was the brainchild of a father and son team of hot rod and custom car purveyors, Paul and Erik Hansen. The Hansens had had earlier success with a ‘32 Ford Roadster known as “Sedeuced” which was named America’s Most Beautiful Roadster at the Grand National Roadster Show in 2005. The Hansen’s took inspiration for their next project, “Resilience,” from the lead sleds of the 1950s. They commissioned Tim and Carrie Strange of Strange Motion Rod and Custom Construction in Illinois for the build.

This whimsical sled is powered by a 500 cubic inch 1970 Cadillac powerplant with six two-barrel carburetors. The entire car is finished in Blazing Copper paint: high gloss for the exterior, satin finish for the interior. The dashboard features a single giant center-mounted instrument pod styled after vintage appliances. The attention to detail on this custom is fastidious, and the overall presence of this resilient car might be described as understated extravagance.