
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured

STEALTH OPULENCE
Building a cool new truck to show off at SEMA is nothing new for Jim Lewis and his team at ProMotorsports in Edmond, Oklahoma, as that’s what they do. This stunning new ’07 Cadillac Escalade EXT is their most recent creation. Like so many other enthusiasts, Lewis used the latest generation Escalade because it was an immediate hit, especially among the urban lifestyle crowd, so team ProMotorsports thought one would make a great representative demo vehicle for their shop. Billy Lewis came up with the flat black concept, with tons of chrome and polished metal to contrast the flatness of the finish. While the paint may be the first item that attracts you to this truck, the crew at ProMotorsports actually started the build underneath it all by increasing the performance of the Escalade.

CLASSIC RECONSTRUCTION
Kinney Lazarus has owned several Jeeps over the years, and he had an interest in owning one of these vintage Willys pickups. While searching the Internet one day, he came across a running ’52 Willys 4WD pickup in Arkansas. He purchased the pickup online and had it shipped to his home in Georgia. Once he had possession of the truck, he quickly found that the performance of the original flathead four-cylinder engine left a lot to be desired by today’s standards. Also, being accustomed to a more modern ride, he found that the outdated suspension was less than desirable. In general, this classic Jeep was no fun to drive.

THE Z11 CHEVY DAYS
In 1962, General Motors’ performance car sales, namely those of Chevrolet and Pontiac, were steadily pulling away from the competition. On the dragstrip, the 409’s horsepower and torque were getting the job done, and so was that all-important driveline. The Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed transmission shifted perfectly, and the overall suspension, even slightly modified, allowed the car to launch without wheel-hop woes.
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2025 GNRS Pinstriping Charity Auction
Hot Lines for a Great Cause
Watching the Masters at Work
If you’ve never watched a pro pinstriper in action, your missing out. These guys and gals made it look effortless, pulling razor-sharp lines with an uncanny mix of precision and creativity. Throughout the show, artists set up shop and turned out everything from traditional hot-rod panels to guitars, helmets, and even the occasional skateboard, all in the name of charity. Watching them work was like stepping back into the golden age of custom culture, where a few well-placed brush strokes could transform a basic ride into a rolling work of art.
The Cause Behind the Colors
Every pinstriped piece that hit the auction block wasn’t just a killer piece of hot-rod history—it was also a way to support an amazing cause. This year’s auction raised funds for the Gavin R. Stevens Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to funding research and raising awareness for blindness, particularly Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA). The foundation’s mission is to support advancements in treatment and ultimately find a cure, bringing hope to those affected by the condition. To learn more or donate, visit the Gavin R. Stevens Foundation website.
A Gathering of World-Class Talent for Charity
Some of the very best pinstripers from around the world came together to showcase their skills as they created automotive art that was auctioned off each day. This gathering of talented artists was more than a showcase—100% of the proceeds from their work benefited the charity of the year. Every year, a new charity is chosen to benefit from the auctions. For a minimal donation to the charity, attendees brought their cell phones, laptops, or other items to get pinstriped, helping to make a difference.
Thanks to the generosity, talent, and time of the amazing pinstripers, Marshall, Karen, and their entire team, the event raised an incredible $75,000 for the Gavin R. Stevens Foundation!
“We are so grateful to everyone who made this possible! Thanks to our incredible volunteers, board members, and generous donors, 100% of the proceeds will go toward funding research for the NMNAT1 gene mutation causing early-onset blindness. This work is our family’s life mission, and because of extraordinary people like you, we can make a lasting impact for generations to come. Thank you for helping us move forward, one event at a time!”
“A special thank you to the Grand National Roadster Show, John Buck, and the entire team for this amazing opportunity, and for all the great work they do to give back year after year through their events. Our hearts are full!”
Highlights from the Auction
Live Action, No Replays Needed – Attendees got an up-close look at the pinstripers in action, watching them pull impossibly clean lines in real-time. No stencils, no do-overs—just pure skill.
One-of-a-Kind Collectibles – The auction featured an insane variety of pinstriped items, from classic panels to custom-painted helmets, guitars, and more. If you wanted a unique piece of hot-rod culture, this was the place to score it.
A Tight-Knit Community – The vibe at the Pinstriping Charity Auction was as much about the people as the art. Pinstripers, car builders, and enthusiasts all came together for a good cause, proving once again that the hot-rodding world is one big, supportive family.
Wrapping It Up
By the time the last piece was auctioned off, the 2025 Pinstriping Charity Auction had raised an astounding $75,000 for the Gavin R. Stevens Foundation and reminded everyone why pinstriping is such a vital part of custom culture. It wasn’t just about helping a great cause—it was about tradition, skill, and keeping the roots of hot-rodding alive.
ARTICLE SOURCES
The Gavin R. Stevens Foundation
501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
PO Box 2108
Chino, CA 91708
877.625.6505
E-mail: info@gavinsfoundation.org






