THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
TRUCK OF THE YEAR
While attending the Goodguys Nashville Nationals, we happened upon this stunning Studebaker. Its owner, Jeff Wingo, informed us that during his high school years this same Studebaker served as his daily driver, providing him a ride to and from school and around town. Now a fast-paced computer consultant, Wingo travels around the world, which has allowed him a better lifestyle compared to his teen years. He also has two young sons, Grant and Jack, who love their dad’s cool truck. Let’s rewind to the summer of 2000, when Wingo made the decision to resurrect the tired and worn pickup.
TAKE A WALK ON THE MILD SIDE
For many hot rodders, the word “custom” conjures up images of chopped, channeled, molded and frenched cars with wild metalflake paint jobs. Such radical customs no doubt helped define the custom movement of the 1950s, along with such phrases as “if it don’t go, chrome it,” but in virtually every town in the USA there was a contingency of mild customs providing their owners with daily transportation, an occasional trip down the dragstrip, and a starring role in the local armory car show a couple of weekends a year. No, most of these cars didn’t hold the local track record, nor did they make it to the ISCA Grand Finale, but they were good examples of shade-tree customizing and hot rodding. Known mostly as a “mild custom,” a term that no doubt originated from car show classes, this style of car was extremely popular.
The Shoe Fits
In the late ’40s, car manufacturers looked for different ways to modernize their vehicles, and this strategy was evident when the Big Three introduced their ’49 line of passenger cars. For the most part, the pickups stayed the same, but many things changed for the better when the slabside approach went into a more modernized production process. Those looking for a new car said goodbye to fat fenders, slabsided doors and dated suspension that were the norm with previous models. Of those manufacturers, Ford was certainly the leader in this revolutionary new-car building technique, as it produced a stylish ’49 model range to bring in this new production process.
Spotlighter
The Ultimate Street Machine Showdown: Goodguys Crowns the 2026 Street Machine of the Year
Ten elite builds. Thousands of hours of craftsmanship. One coveted title. The battle for Goodguys’ top street machine honor is officially decided.
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen, Charlie Leach, & Cannin Smith
The Best of Modern Muscle Takes Center Stage
The Goodguys Summit Racing Nationals in Columbus, Ohio, has long been the proving ground for some of the finest custom car builds and street machines in the country. Each year, the event brings together the builders, designers, and automotive enthusiasts who continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with classic American performance.
While the show floor is packed with incredible muscle cars, hot rods, and custom vehicles, only a select few earn a place among the 2026 Goodguys Street Machine of the Year finalists for one of the hobby’s most prestigious awards—the Forgeline Street Machine of the Year.
These are not just restored muscle cars. They are rolling showcases of innovation, performance, and craftsmanship, combining iconic styling with cutting-edge technology, modern drivetrains, advanced suspension systems, and world-class fabrication. Each finalist represents a different vision of what a street machine can be, from subtle and refined to aggressive and purpose-built.
Where Horsepower Meets Craftsmanship
The street machine movement has always been about evolution—taking the cars we grew up admiring and reimagining them for the way we drive today.
The 2026 Street Machine of the Year finalists prove just how far that philosophy has come. Beneath familiar lines from America’s greatest muscle car era are modern chassis systems, powerful fuel-injected engines, massive brakes, precision-built interiors, and engineering designed to deliver high-performance capability far beyond what was possible when these cars first rolled off the assembly lines.
Some builds honor their heritage with carefully chosen upgrades. Others completely redefine what their platform can become. But every one of them shares the same qualities: exceptional design, flawless execution, advanced engineering, and the ability to perform as impressively as they look.
The 2026 Street Machine of the Year Finalists
From an 800-horsepower Ford Galaxie to a modernized Chevrolet Chevelle built to attack the street with supercar-level capability, this year’s finalists represent the very best of today’s street machine landscape.
Selected from an incredible field of contenders, these ten vehicles showcase the creativity, engineering, and craftsmanship that continue to drive the custom car hobby forward. Behind every build is a passionate owner, a talented builder, and countless hours spent chasing perfection through automotive fabrication and performance upgrades.
After an unforgettable weekend in Columbus, Goodguys crowned the winner of the 2026 Forgeline Street Machine of the Year award.
Here’s this year’s Street Machine of the Year and the rest of the Top 10 SMOTY finalists that defined this year’s competition.
2026 Goodguys Street Machine of the Year Winner
Presented by Forgeline
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle
Owner: Matt Jewell
Builder: Eddies Rod & Custom
The 2026 Street Machine of the Year, presented by FORGELINE, was awarded to an exceptional 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle owned by Matt Jewell and built by the talented team at Eddie’s Rod & Custom. Recognized at the Goodguys Nationals in Columbus, the Chevelle impressed judges with its seamless blend of classic muscle car heritage, cutting-edge engineering, and world-class craftsmanship. While it remains unmistakably a Chevelle, nearly every panel and detail has been refined to create a cleaner, sleeker, and more aggressive interpretation of the iconic A-body.
Power comes from a twin-turbo LS3 built by Steve Morris Engines, producing an astonishing 1,300 horsepower. The high-performance drivetrain is matched by extensive custom fabrication throughout the car, including a reshaped roof, sectioned fenders and quarter panels, custom firewall, floor, tubs, and countless one-off details. Carbon fiber body components, flush-mounted glass, bespoke wheels, and carefully integrated modern features showcase the meticulous planning and craftsmanship that define every Eddie’s Rod & Custom build.
The interior carries the same philosophy, blending classic Chevelle styling with contemporary comfort and precision craftsmanship. Every element, from the custom trim and soft-close door latches to the tailored grille and taillights, was designed to elevate the car without losing its unmistakable identity. The result is a street machine that is as impressive in its execution as it is in its performance, making it a deserving recipient of the 2026 Street Machine of the Year title.
1967 Chevrolet Chevelle “Crimson Veil”
Owner: Shawn Rice
Builder: Brad Starks Rod & Custom
Shawn Rice’s 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle is a stunning fusion of classic A-body muscle and modern pro-touring performance. Built by Brad Starks Rod & Custom, the Chevelle combines timeless styling with contemporary engineering, powered by a Borowski-built supercharged LS7 delivering serious horsepower through a Roadster Shop chassis designed for exceptional handling and road manners. Finished in a rich Tornado Red, the car features a sleek, refined profile with tucked bumpers, custom rocker panels, and flush-mounted glass that give the iconic muscle car a distinctly modern edge.
Inside, Recovery Room Hot Rod Interiors crafted a striking red leather interior that perfectly complements the Chevelle’s aggressive personality and meticulous attention to detail. Rolling on 19×9.5 and 20×12 Boyd Coddington Hot Rod wheels, this award-caliber pro-touring build showcases the craftsmanship and engineering that have quickly put Brad Starks Rod & Custom on the radar. After also earning a place among the 2026 Goodguys Street Rod of the Year Top 10 with another exceptional build, Brad Starks is proving to be a builder to watch as he continues making his mark at the highest levels of the custom car and high-performance automotive world.
Brad Starks Rod & Custom
Custom Shop focused on high quality work with a full time staff building one off customs.
1969 Ford Torino
Owner: Dennis King
Builder: Dutchboys Hotrods
Fresh off capturing the 2025 Goodguys Street Machine of the Year title with the unforgettable 1987 Buick Grand National “GNXS,” Dutchboys Hotrods returned to the Top 10 in 2026 with another extraordinary build. Dennis King’s 1969 Ford Torino is a pro-touring bruiser that perfectly blends classic Ford muscle with modern engineering and meticulous craftsmanship. Under the hood, a 700hp 482ci FE V8 delivers serious performance through a Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis, transforming the Torino into a capable corner-carver without sacrificing its muscle car attitude. Forgeline Center Lock RS6 center-lock wheels complete the aggressive stance, while the suspension and chassis package ensure the performance matches the power.
Finished in a one-off custom color developed by Dutchboys Hotrods, the Torino features extensive hand-built body modifications, including channeled bodywork, soft-close latches, and countless custom touches that elevate the car far beyond a traditional restoration. Inside, a beautifully crafted interior by Recovery Room Trim complements the exterior’s refined execution. The result is a bold, modern interpretation of Ford’s iconic intermediate and another showcase of the craftsmanship that has made Dutchboys Hotrods one of the premier builders in the industry.
Dutchboys Hotrods
Dutchboys Hotrods is a father-son owned custom car shop with over 15 years of experience building award-winning vehicles. They specialize in one of a kind hot rods crafted with precision, passion, and attention to detail.
1969 Plymouth Road Runner “Roidrunner”
Owners: Darryl & Faye Lee
Builder: Revision Rods & Rides
We first saw Darryl and Faye Lee’s 1969 Plymouth Road Runner in the running for the Al Slonaker award earlier this year. Aptly nicknamed “Roidrunner,” is a stunning blend of modern Mopar muscle and heartfelt craftsmanship. Built by Tyler and the team at Revision Rods & Rides, the car rides on a custom Art Morrison chassis and is powered by a 1,000hp all-aluminum Hellephant crate engine backed by a Bowler-built 4L80E automatic. Flush glass, tucked bumpers, a custom aluminum hood, CNC-machined grille, one-off Colorado Custom wheels, Wilwood brakes, DCE electric steering, and a PRC cooling system all come together to create a machine that’s as capable as it is striking.
Inside, SewFine Interiors transformed the cabin with a completely custom interior featuring one-off Dakota Digital gauges and details that reflect Darryl and Faye’s shared vision. A clever hidden fuel filler concealed behind the LED taillights is just one example of the thoughtful engineering found throughout the build. More than an extraordinary custom, “Roidrunner” is a tribute to Faye’s legacy, with every detail honoring her influence while showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship that earned this unforgettable Road Runner a place among the 2026 Goodguys Street Machine of the Year Top 10.
Revision Rods & Rides
Custom fabrication of Race Cars, Hot Rods, Street rods, Pro touring and chassis shop.
1986 Ford Mustang
Owner: Scott Young
Builder: JH Restorations
Scott Young’s 1986 Ford Mustang proves that Fox-body performance can be elevated to world-class custom craftsmanship. Under the hood, a 7.3L Ford Godzilla V8 is paired with a paddle-shifted 10R80 10-speed automatic, channeling modern horsepower through a RideTech SLA front suspension and independent rear suspension. Wilwood disc brakes, Toyo Proxes Sport tires, and custom 18-inch Forgeline CV3C three-piece wheels ensure the performance lives up to the power.
Finished in elegant Ford Shelter Green, the Mustang features a custom steel ground-effects package, fabricated subframe, and subtle side skirts that give it a clean, purposeful stance. Inside, Relicate leather upholstery, a Kenwood audio system, and power windows blend modern comfort with classic Fox-body character. The result is a refined yet aggressive street machine that perfectly balances contemporary engineering, exceptional craftsmanship, and unmistakable presence—earning its place among the 2026 Goodguys Street Machine of the Year Top 10.
1963½ Ford Galaxie 500
Owner: Anton Lanesky
Builder: Antons Hot Rod Shop
Anton's Hot Rod Shop
With over 30 years in the automotive hi-performance industry. We will help you create your dream Hot Rod.
1964 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
Owner: Steve Weaver
Builder: Mike Goldman Customs
Mike Goldman Customs, Inc.
Automotive Repair and Restoration Service in Meridian, Mississippi. We build top quality street rods, customs, classics, & muscle cars.
1967 Ford Mustang “ENOJADA”
Owner: Pat Reisinger
Builder: Reisinger Custom Rebuilding
1978 Pontiac Trans-Am
Owner: William Darling
Builder: Greening Auto Company
Greening Auto Compny
It takes more than just bolt-on parts to make an award winning hotrod.
