“Jaded” – Fred DeFalco’s 1954 Buick
“After building numerous Fords and Chevys, I wanted to have something different from the mainstream,” says Fred DeFalco. He got just that with this ultra-cool, custom-crafted 1954 Buick Century known as “Jaded.”
Built by Church Rods and Relics in Michigan, the Buick sports a new custom frame that incorporates a Total Cost Involved IFS, RideTech air springs, Wilwood disc brakes, and one-off 19- and 20-inch EVOD wheels. The 383c.i. stroker small-block Chevy engine is fed by Inglese induction and dressed up like a Nailhead using custom Curtis Speed valve covers. It’s backed by a 700R4 transmission.
A long list of subtle refinements updates the big Buick body, including a narrowed and tucked front bumper, custom-machined headlight trim, a filled cowl, extended rear fins, tucked and lowered rear bumper, one-off inner fenders and firewall, and custom fit and finish on all of the body panels. It’s all beautifully covered in Glasurit two-tone green paint.
A custom dash by Matt Brady leads the way inside, with Classic Instruments fitted into custom bezels by Curtis Speed. Don’s Custom Auto Upholstery stitched custom-dyed green leather over Lexus seats, while a custom wheel from Jesse Greening tops the Flaming River column.
Big, bold, and beautiful, Fred’s custom Buick combines ’50s style with modern flair and craftsmanship to bring this Century into the modern age.
