Since coming onto the rodding scene a few years ago, Launier has made a lasting impression on fellow builders and recognized designers, including Chip Foose, who lent his help to this project. Launier also has landed his share of top awards, including the Goodguys West Coast Custom of the Year, and he was a Great 8 finalist for the Don Ridler Memorial Award at the 2008 Detroit Autorama.

One look at this extreme stretch of automotive imagination and you know it’s far more than an exercise in customizing, as every aspect of this ’55 Chrysler wagon was planned as part of a larger, overall goal to bridge gaps realized over the last half century. By name alone, R’Evolution is conceptually unique, as it borrows from Chrysler’s current lineup, lending modern contours of the current Dodge Magnum wagon to one of the less celebrated cars of its time, a ’55 DeSoto two-door hardtop. Yet, thanks to Launier’s insightful vision and hands-on capability, this car has taken its place among the most talked-about super rods in recent times.

Born of simple beginnings—from wrecking-yard remnants—the progression of this car is nothing short of amazing, especially considering the exceptional qualities displayed in every molded corner, every refined element from nose to tail. Beyond the overall concept, myriad details define this car, each unique with its own appeal and all united in a larger expression of creativity over a relatively short period of 11 months.

After expending something in the neighborhood of 10,000 hours cutting, contouring, welding and smoothing the body contours, fabricating the chassis and refining the drivetrain, Launier’s vision was finally realized on setup night at Cobo Center. As it was unveiled, everyone quieted down, especially those who had been closely involved with this creation during the final assembly, including close relatives, friends, mentors and others who knew they were part of something special. Fully realizing their achievement for the first time under the auditorium lights,
Launier and his team viewed R’Evolution from up in the bleachers, mindful that most of the challenges that led up to its final form would never be fully appreciated by the crowd or even the show judges. Still, each of them knew Launier’s creative goals were fulfilled.

Rather than straining for words that describe the many intricacies expressed through Launier’s considerable talents, we’ve gathered a succession of images highlighting some of the procedures. Through these small snippets, the lengthy and often grueling assembly process will be easier to comprehend, as will an amazing machine that resembles few and inspires many.

With an understanding of what it takes to bring a creative expression to this level, it’s easier to appreciate everything this artful expression displays. This is a vehicle that never was, it celebrates a part of automotive history, and it looks as good today as the elements of those cars it represents did so many years ago. Without question, R’Evolution is one of the most radical expressions of automotive freedom, wonderfully expressed through a young visionary who is making his mark. This is super rodding at its best, and a sign of what’s to come from one who has just begun.