Can’t Beat a Buick: 1968 Buick Rivera wins Best in Show in First Annual LBCC Industrial Technical Car Show

Richard Treewin’s 1968 Buick Rivera.

On Saturday, May 20, the LBCC Industrial Technical Society hosted a car show in the Industrial Building courtyard. The show lasted from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and drew 65 entries. Admission was free but the cars payed a small entrance fee.

The proceeds raised from the entrance fees and concessions all went to the LBCC welding department.

Hand-made awards were handed out for various categories including classics, moderns, rat rods, and motorcycles. LBCC welders were tasked with building the trophies out of engine pistons. A best in show was also awarded to Richard Treewin and his 1968 Buick Riviera.

From right to left Colby Messmer, Jan Holsheimer, Terry Thompson, Gerald Pfeifer all won best in their respective classes while Richard Treewin took home best in show.

Treewin’s Riviera had a 430 cubic inch motor and a four-speed transmission built and painted by a local custom shop. Treewin has owned the car for over two years.

“I feel good, I can’t even believe it,” said Treewin.

Terry Thompson’s 1951 Chevrolet pick-up, a conversation piece covered in licence plates, won the rat rod class. The body of the 1951 pickup was placed on the chassis of a Chevrolet van.

“The real story is that I collect license plates, my wife saw it on ebay and said ‘I think it’s calling your name.’ She went to DC for a conference and I bought it.”

When asked how he felt about winning the rat rod division Thompson was overjoyed.

“It’s a kick in the pants,” said Thompson.

Story by K. Rambo

Photos by Elliot Pond