Each year legendary auto upholsterer Sid Chavers selects his favorite interior at the show and presents the prestigious award to the trim shop responsible for the work. This year Sid chose a 1960 Buick X60 Invicta Custom with a stunning cockpit trimmed by the two-man crew at Starline Hot Rod Interiors.
"It's always challenging to pick a car for our award. The level and quality of the work is amazing. Now with CAD design, full interior scans, CNC routers and 3D printers it's a new ball game," Sid told The Hog Ring. "The Buick was a beautiful job with a great blend of traditional handwork and machined trim. I'm a big fan of the OEM old fabrics." - Sid Chavers
What upholstery materials and colors did you use?
Leather: Cordaveen Green
Seat Cloth: Che-Se Green
Trunk Mat: Beaumont Verde
Carpet: EncryptionThe leather was custom dyed from a paint sample and pearlized from Relicate. The fabric is all NOS from the 60s from SMS Auto Fabrics and Deadstock Fabrics. The carpet is a custom color and pattern made specifically for the car.
What does it mean to you to win the 2023 Stitch of Excellence Award?
It's the craziest thing to happen in my career. It's my first award and my first big car show. I am very grateful to George and Andy Leach, owner of CAL Automotive Creations, for giving us a chance to do our thing and prove to myself that we could really do the car justice.
How does it feel to know that Sid Chavers chose your shop as the winner?
When I started testing the waters of custom interiors, the first thing I did was buy Sid’s how-to videos. I am extremely honored that he would choose us amongst all the extremely talented upholsterers at the show. Honestly, I think my favorite part was Sid taking some time out to talk to us and yack about interiors. That’s not something that I get to do very often.
- Interview by The Hog Ring