The 1962 Buick Special Custom famously known as Bu’Wicked is a rare piece of automotive history that bridges the gap between high-end custom fabrication and digital immortality. As a SEMA Show award winner selected for the Gran Turismo video game franchise, this machine has been admired by millions of virtual drivers worldwide. Beneath its smoothed Jade Mica exterior lies a frame-off build that utilizes an Art Morrison chassis and a fire-breathing big block, making it as formidable on the pavement as it is on the screen.
Sculpted Jade Mica and SEMA Winning Silhouette
The visual character of this Buick is a masterclass in early 2000s custom refinement, featuring a two-tone Lexus Jade Mica over Silver Jade finish. Rich Thayer of R&J Customs performed subtle body modifications to smooth the original lines while retaining the signature triple VentiPorts that define the model’s heritage. The coupe sits with a perfect stance on staggered Budnik Arrowhead wheels, which are framed by green-tinted glass. Every detail was designed to meet the exacting standards of the inaugural SEMA Gran Turismo Award, ensuring the car looks fast even when stationary.
Handcrafted Medium Green Cockpit Mastery
Inside, the cabin is a bespoke environment handcrafted by Jon and Gabby Lind, featuring a color-keyed Medium Green leather theme. The interior architecture includes a leather-wrapped roll cage that integrates seamlessly with sculpted door panels and a custom center shift console. Drivers command the vehicle through a Momo steering wheel adorned with a custom tri-shield Buick crest, while bucket seats provide the necessary support for high-lateral loads. This handcrafted space successfully balances the raw nature of a street machine with the refined finishes of a show-winning custom.
Procharged Big Block and Six Speed Engagement
The performance of this build is centered around a Procharged 455 CI V8 engine that has been dyno-tested at a massive 700 hp / 710 PS and 700 lb-ft / 949 Nm of torque. Built by Hot Rod Fabrication, the mill features T/A Performance Stage II Street Eliminator heads and forged JE pistons to handle the boost from the centrifugal supercharger. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a Richmond 6-speed manual transmission with double overdrive, allowing for both aggressive acceleration and comfortable cruising. A Ford 9-inch rear end with 3.55:1 gears and an Eaton Trac-Lok differential ensures the power is effectively dispatched to the ground.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Procharged 455 CI Big Block V8 |
| Power Output | 700 hp / 700 lb-ft (Dyno Tested) |
| Transmission | Richmond 6-Speed Manual |
| Chassis | Art Morrison Enterprises |
| Suspension | Heidts Coilover Front / Multilink Rear |
| Brakes | Baer Alcon Drilled and Slotted |
A Real World Legend of the Digital Age
Owning the 1962 Buick Special Custom Bu’Wicked is a chance to possess a physical landmark of custom car culture. Its inclusion in multiple generations of Gran Turismo has given it a permanent place in the zeitgeist, yet its mechanical specifications prove it is much more than a digital novelty. The build is documented across three presentation binders, detailing the engineering that went into the Heidts suspension and Baer Alcon braking system. For the collector who appreciates provenance and extreme performance, this Buick remains one of the most recognizable and capable customs to ever cross the block.
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Source: mecum.com
