Road Warrior Tips for Surviving Bad Weather Driving
January 8, 2025
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
Ponies in the Smokies 2026
Winter doesn’t fade quietly in Tennessee—it gets drowned out by horsepower. And once again, Ponies in the Smokies 2026 lit the fuse. The Sevierville Convention Center became ground zero for Ford performance, as thousands of enthusiasts rolled in, filling every inch with Mustangs, trucks, and Blue Oval builds that showed up to make noise—not sit still.
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.
THE DODGE BROTHERS
John and Horace would be proud of the impact their namesake car has made on so many auto enthusiasts. Even 85 years after their demise, younger generations are still discovering the styling and performance of this proud old brand. By 1970, that performance and pride culminated in some very enticing streetcars. This Challenger and Dart are two excellent examples of the machinery, while Tony and Phillip Peck are perfect examples of that younger generation.
Spotlighter
Aurabella: The 2025 Al Slonaker Memorial Award Winner
Andy Leach and Cal Auto Creations' Latest Triumph
Boom! Andy Leach and the Cal Auto Creations crew have done it again, taking home the 2025 Al Slonaker Memorial Award with one of the slickest Pontiacs to ever roll through the Pomona Fairplex. This isn’t just another custom—it’s a full-blown, no-expense-spared masterpiece that took seven years to perfect.
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen and Courtesy of Kahn Media
The Ultimate Pontiac Transformation
Bill and Angela Barbato had a vision—a 1933 Pontiac Model 601 sedan—but finding one worth building wasn’t easy. Once they got their hands on a solid starting point, Andy and his team went to work, cutting, shaping, and refining every single inch. To drive the point home, they even brought a stock ’33 Pontiac to sit next to Aurabella on display, and let’s just say, the differences are mind-blowing.
Big Power Under the Hood
This beauty isn’t just for show. Underneath that flawless exterior sits a legit Pontiac engine—because of course it does! The 400-cube V8 is decked out with Edelbrock cylinder heads, throttle body fuel injection, custom valve covers, and a full custom exhaust. Oh, and did we mention the 8-71 supercharger? Because yeah, it’s got one, and somehow, it tucks neatly under the hood without ruining the car’s ultra-clean lines. The whole setup is backed by a 4L80E transmission, making sure this thing runs as good as it looks.
Chopped, Smoothed, and Perfected
The body mods on Aurabella are next-level. The top got chopped and tilted forward, the hood and front end were narrowed, and the grille was cleaned up and laid back an inch. Out back, the rear fenders were raised and reshaped, and custom running boards tie everything together. Custom hood vents add another layer of detail, but the real kicker? The undercarriage is just as clean and polished as the exterior.
Then there’s the paint—this thing GLOWS under the lights. The color, mixed up by PAINTHOUSE of Cypress, Texas using the Sherwin-Williams Ultra 7K solvent basecoat system, is a custom blend called “Aurabella Gold” (or, if you prefer, “Brasshole” for a little extra attitude). Either way, it’s a deep, rich bronze with just the right amount of pearl to shimmer like a jewel.
Inside: Pure Class Meets Hot Rod Cool
The interior? Absolute perfection. The custom-made leather panels, Art Deco-style gauges, hand-machined steering wheel, and one-off headliner, door panels, and trim all bring a refined, period-correct-but-better vibe. It’s a killer blend of vintage style and modern execution, with craftsmanship that’s off the charts.
A True Team Effort
This build wasn’t just Andy Leach’s vision—it was a full-on collaboration. Design work by Eric Black, upholstery by Cato’s Custom Upholstery, Metalcraft Restorations lending a hand in the booth, and nickel plating perfection from Advanced Plating all came together to make this Pontiac a legit showstopper.
Like their Slonaker-winning Buick Invicta from two years ago, this Pontiac proves that Cal Auto Creations is playing at the highest level. Aurabella is a masterclass in custom coachbuilding, and now, it’s got the Al Slonaker Award to prove it. Absolute legend status.
ARTICLE SOURCES
