The SEMA Show is not just a trade event, it’s the grand dame of car culture. Every year, the Las Vegas Convention Center rumbles to life with the most outrageous display of custom cars, trucks, motorcycles, and accessories from all over the world. Whether you’re into classic muscle cars, off-roaders, electric vehicles, or anything in between, you will find something to blow your mind at the SEMA Show. Let’s take a peek at the results of the coveted award of the 2023 edition of the show, which took place from November 6th to November 9th in the heart of Sin City.

The most prestigious award at the SEMA is the Battle of the Builders award. This is a competition where the top builders in the industry showcase their skills and creativity by presenting their best builds. This event attracts the best custom car creators in the country and the winner is chosen by a panel of judges and by the builders themselves, who vote for their peers in different categories. This year, the 10th anniversary SEMA Battle of the Builders winner was Andy Leach with his stunning 1960 Buick Invicta Custom X-60.

This Tri-Shield coupe is a masterpiece of engineering and design, inspired by old-school WWII aviation, particularly the Jet Age B-52 bomber. Leach had been chasing this award for nearly 10 years. He built the car at his Cal Automotive Creations shop in Nebraska, where he paid attention to every detail, and used the original GM stylist’s vision of the Buick Invicta as a stepping-off point.

The car features a sculpted, finned body, with custom brass trim, a one-piece rear bumper, and multiple tasteful tweaks to the exterior sheet metal. The custom cabin is very space age with pearlized leather, woven carpeting, and custom logos. The guys at Starline Hot Rod Interiors really went the extra mile here. The result is a look that could have come off the drawing board at GM Design Center way back in the late 1950’s. The engine is a factory-correct 401 Nailhead V8 with custom accessories and a crank-driven supercharger.

Leach said he was honored and humbled to win the award, especially against such tough competition. He said the Buick was a labor of love, and he was glad to share his passion with the world. He also thanked his team, family, and sponsors for their support. Leach’s winning build will be featured in the “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” TV special that will air in January 2024 on the History Channel.

The SEMA Show is the ultimate destination for car enthusiasts, where they can see the latest trends, products, and innovations in the automotive industry. The show also provides a platform for networking, education, and business opportunities for both exhibitors and attendees. If you missed the 2023 SEMA Show, you could still catch up on the highlights by visiting the official website or following the social media channels. Also, check out  “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” TV special on the History Channel in January 2024. Don’t miss the chance to experience the excitement and inspiration of the SEMA Show next year, when it returns to Las Vegas from October 31 to November 3, 2024.