JF Launier has been dreaming about and building cars since he was only 13. He started out with a 1951 Mercury pick-up as his first vehicle restoration, and now he's renowned for his custom works of art that he rolls out of JF Kustoms from his home town in British Columbia. He's also behind one of the coolest cars we've seen on Rust Valley Restorers.
His award-winning shop is driven by success to give customers quality, high-performance cars built for speed. Launier has also established partnerships with other shops such as Rust Valley Restorers to bring people's dreams to reality. With his team of specialists, he has restored and modified numerous cars, many winning national awards and recognition.
10 1956 Chevy Bel Air
We've previously covered some stunningly beautiful modified Chevy Bel Airs, but nothing like this one. Turning this classic Bel Air into a sleeper car was a fun project for Launier to complete. This car originally comes with an in-line six engine, but this one flies with a 572 big block under the hood.
The ruby-red interior of this car with the chrome inlays truly makes this car shine, although, the fresh paint and wax job on the outside help with that too. Being built for speed and comfort make this car a crowd pleaser making anyone look twice.
9 1969 Chevrolet Camaro
Launier restored this Camaro for one of his good customers. This restoration wasn't as extensive as some of his others, however, the car was still absolutely gorgeous by the end of the ordeal. The fresh white paint job and customized white rims with red spokes truly make this car pop in the most subtle way.
Unlike some of the other Camaros that blow you away, Launier kept this engine on the lighter side, but, of course, the engine still has more power than your standard 69 Chevrolet.
8 1951 Kaiser Coupe
The Kaiser coupe, nicknamed Kontagious, was a unique build for JF Kustoms. It was a complete rebuild out of four Kaisers into one. With a completely new shape to this coupe, Launier had to create a frame special for this car. While Kaiser motors are known for their strength, a V8 Northstar was installed.
On the inside, they utilized seats from an early 2000's model Honda and refinished them in a beautiful milk-weed colored leather and installed wool carpeting to match. The exterior paint job blends into the interior of the car for accents and inlays that truly pull the car together.
7 1955 Chrysler Station Wagon
Over 11,000 hours went into designing this one of a kind two-door station wagon. What started out as a four-door station wagon and coupe slowly came together for what they've named the Phantom.
To accentuate this one of a kind Chrysler, the car was painted revolution yellow and given a bunch of custom fabricated parts, such as steering wheel, taillights, grille, and custom-made Foose wheels. Launier's hard work paid off allowing him to take home the award for Goodguys West Coast Custom of the Year.
6 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
This 1957 Bel Air was a special and sentimental build. The car was given to the owner by his parents years after he had to sell his first beloved Bel Air. This time around, he wasn't letting go of his dreams and was ready to truly make the antique his own.
Of course, this wasn't the first sentimental Bel Air to be restored, but Launier took this restoration to the next level. This Chevrolet now had a 572 crate engine that produced 620hp, and, while they used a baseline Flowmaster's muffler system, the car still shakes the Earth with its rumbles.
5 1966 GMC Beaumont
The GMC Beaumont was only sold for three years in Canada. Without an extended production, the Beaumont is a rarity that made this a distinctive project for the company.
Unlike some who take it to the extremes, the owner wanted to stick to the car's roots and kept most of the restorations true to an original template while still ensuring a priceless, perfect antique for the driver. With a fresh paint job, a new interior, and some other minor customizations, the car looked like it has just rolled off of the car lot ready for a whole new life of luxury cruising.
4 1933 Ford Pickup
This 1933 Ford truck received a great deal of TLC during its restoration. Every part on this truck has been replaced with a new piece or a modified/fabricated one to replace it.
This truck of course received a new paint job in a stunning shade of blue which led the truck to its nickname, Blue Jean. Launier also gave the truck a new wooden bed matching the original looks of the truck and a dual exhaust system. While the truck doesn't have the horsepower of some modified old school trucks, it is one clean, sexy truck.
3 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby
This Shelby Mustang was a sentimental vehicle to the owner, and he wanted to have his car fully restored. He entrusted JF Kustoms with this honor and even gave them complete creative privileges - he was not disappointed.
The Mustang was a clean car already and didn't need body modifications, keeping it a grade-A restoration. For the exterior, Launier decided to go with a mocha-colored paint job, and he complimented it with a butterscotch interior.
2 1964 Pontiac Acadian
The Acadian was only produced in Canada from 1962-71, but that doesn't take away from this car. Launier teamed up with multiple other companies to help produce this front-runner for the Ridler Award.
Appropriately nicknamed the Anvil, it has a big block, twin-turbocharged engine that generates 2,500hp powered off of two fuel pumps that use 116 octane fuel. On the inside, carbon-fiber bucket seats provide the ultimate comfort level for the owners. The Acadian was beautifully crafted in every detail to provide ultimate power, style, and enjoyment.
1 1964 Buick Riviera
This Ridler Award-winning show-stopper started out as a $300 parts car shell. The car was completely reimagined giving it the name Rivision. Launier spent $300,000 and utilized six years for rebuilding this masterpiece paying careful attention to every detail.
The Rivision was built like a sports car and will blow anyone away with its twin-turbocharged 6.2L V8 engine. Launier told Classic Car News that his inspiration and goal was a Ferrari and a Rolls-Royce. Gearheads have been avid about restoring their Rivieras, but this one blows them out of the water.