Cruisin' Customs of West Olive, Michigan, has announced the anticipated unveiling of the "Gold Top" Riviera to occur at "America's Greatest Hot Rod Show"- the 54th Annual Detroit Autorama in March of 2006.
The "Gold Top" will be the latest complete new custom released from the Michigan shop. Boasting a top chop, air suspension, a significant amount of metal work and numerous 1960's guitar's hints and details, the "Gold Top" Riviera pays homage to the renowned Les Paul Gold Top Guitar manufactured by the Gibson" Guitar Company. Believed by many as the starting point for all electric guitars, the widely acclaimed Les Paul Gold Top has few (if any) rivals.
"Our goal", John Kouw of Cruisin' Customs noted, "was not to build a 'take-off / theme' car, but to offer a tribute of sorts, that works well with Bill Mitchell's original Buick Riviera design."
Owner, co-builder, and designer, Kevin Anderson, of Indianapolis, Indiana, enlisted Cruisin' Customs' involvement due to their long-standing reputation for coach building-type craftsmanship. "A beautiful custom, when designed and built correctly, includes alterations that can become almost indistinguishable", says Anderson. "With Cruisin' Customs' expertise, the 'Gold Top' will become just that."
"Illustrator, Jeff Allison, has captured the feel of the 'Gold Top' perfectly", says Kouw. Additional project contributors include Jon Wright's CustomChrome Plating (OH), Dichrome Autoglass (CO), Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes, and many others.
"The 'Gold Top' combines traditional customizing and a slice of rock & roll heritage; and we look forward to Cobo Hall!" said Kouw.