kickin’ it
July 16, 2023
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
Inside the Hottest Booths at SEMA 2025
December 5, 2025
SLOWING DOWN A FAST MUSTANG
December 20, 2022
SENSUOUS AT SUNSET
It’s a mammoth effort—building world-class street rods, that is, and to accomplish the goal generally means employing the skills of craftsmen from all across the country. Dave Tucci Jr. is one of the “young gun” rod builders on the scene right now, but he has enough experience to know that finding the right people is more important than where you find them, but we’re getting ahead of ourselves a bit here.
The Test Car
If you’ve attended a Goodguys event in the past couple of years, chances are you’ve seen this blue ’69 Camaro, owned by Stacy Tucker of Detroit Speed & Engineering. The car rarely sits still at a rod run, especially if there’s an autocross event on the grounds—then it’s time to race.
SWEET SOUNDS
Everyone wants a killer stereo that rocks. You can’t just roll out in your car without something fabulous to listen to. The factory equipment just won’t work for those who demand more, especially if you are trying to show off. You have to be able to turn up the music and be heard—it’s all part of the game. If you’re going to roll, you know the rules: you have to roll hard and that means your entire stereo system has to be up to the task. Nothing is worse than blasting a stereo and hearing everything rattle and shake. That’s a huge no-no. There is a simple solution to this problem, however. To do a proper stereo installation, you must first lay a solid foundation. The first layer of this foundation is called sound damping or sound control.
Spotlighter
The Ultimate Street Rod Showdown: Goodguys Crowns the 2026 Street Rod of the Year
Ten builders. Ten incredible machines. One coveted title. Meet the finalists that defined street rodding in 2026.
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen, Charlie Leach, & Cannin Smith
The Best of the Best Roll Into Columbus
There’s no shortage of incredible hot rods rolling through the gates at the Goodguys Summit Racing Nationals in Columbus, Ohio. With more than 6,000 of the country’s finest 1999-and-older hot rods, customs, trucks, classics, and muscle cars filling the Ohio Expo Center, the weekend once again delivered a showcase of some of the most impressive vehicles in the hobby.
Among the biggest highlights of the event is the Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year, an award reserved for the absolute best in street rod design, craftsmanship, and execution.
These aren’t simply show cars—they are the result of years of planning, countless hours of fabrication, and an obsession with the smallest details. From the stance and proportions to the finish work, interiors, chassis, and technology underneath, every finalist represents the highest level of street rodding.
A Showcase of Craftsmanship and Creativity
The 2026 Street Rod of the Year Top 10 finalists represent the incredible variety and evolution of the hobby. Some builds stay true to the timeless style that defined street rodding, while others push the boundaries with modern engineering, innovative fabrication, and one-off design elements.
What they all share is an uncompromising level of quality. These are vehicles built to be admired from every angle—whether sitting under the show lights or carving up the open road.
The Top 10 Street Rods of 2026
After a weekend filled with world-class builds, Goodguys announced the Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year winner along with the nine additional finalists that made up this year’s elite Top 10.
From the winning build to the remaining finalists, each vehicle represents the dedication of talented owners, builders, fabricators, and craftsmen who continue to raise the bar for what a street rod can be.
Here are the ten standout builds that defined the 2026 Goodguys Street Rod of the Year competition.
2026 Goodguys Street Rod of the Year Winner
Presented by Classic Instruments
1933 Ford Roadster “Kansa Special”
Owners: John & Jennifer Fairleigh
Builder: Big Creek Restoration
The 2026 Street Rod of the Year, presented by Classic Instruments, was awarded to the stunning “Kansa Special,” a 1933 Ford Roadster owned by John and Jennifer Fairleigh and masterfully built by Big Creek Restoration. Blending traditional hot rod styling with modern engineering, the roadster stood out among an elite field of contenders at the Goodguys Nationals in Columbus. Every line, curve, and detail reflects countless hours of craftsmanship, resulting in a roadster that feels both timeless and innovative.
At the heart of the Kansa Special is a formidable 520ci Kaase Boss 9 V8 backed by a 4L80E automatic transmission, delivering serious horsepower beneath its beautifully louvered hood. One of the car’s most distinctive features is its unique hot air extractor hood design, which combines form and function to improve airflow while enhancing the roadster’s aggressive appearance. Built on a Speed 33 chassis with an American Speed Co. body, the car was extensively refined to achieve its sleek proportions and flawless fit and finish.
Inside, the craftsmanship continues with a custom interior designed by eBCo and expertly crafted by Elegance Auto Interiors, perfectly balancing vintage hot rod character with modern comfort and refinement. From the meticulously shaped bodywork to the one-of-a-kind details throughout, the Kansa Special is a testament to the vision and dedication of the builders at Big Creek Restoration. Earning the title of 2026 Street Rod of the Year is a fitting reward for a build that exemplifies the very best of today’s street rod craftsmanship.
To see more of this amazing build in our AMBR coverage CLICK HERE.
1932 Ford Roadster “KT Tango Speed”
Owner: Norm Caetano
Builder: Henry Richards/ Steadfast Manufacturing
The 1932 Ford Roadster has long been the ultimate hot rod canvas, but KT Tango Speed takes the legendary Deuce formula and pushes it into elite territory. Built by Henry Richards of Steadfast Manufacturing for Norm Caetano, this stunning roadster earned major recognition at the 2025 Triple Crown of Rodding, where it received the George Poteet Memorial Award and was selected as a Celebrity Pick by Troy Trepanier of Rad Rides by Troy. Now, after turning heads in Columbus, the roadster secured a spot among the Top 10 contenders for Goodguys Street Rod of the Year.
With its flawless proportions, aggressive stance, and unmistakable hot rod attitude, KT Tango Speed proves that a traditional ’32 Ford roadster can still deliver a modern-day knockout punch. Every detail—from the carefully refined bodywork and handcrafted components to the execution of the chassis and overall presentation—reflects the level of craftsmanship expected at the highest levels of the hobby. It’s a build that doesn’t just chase trophies; it captures the spirit of hot rodding itself: creativity, craftsmanship, and a car built to be driven and enjoyed.
Steadfast Manufacturing
Manufactures Quality Traditional Hot Rods, Street Rods, Parts, Chassis
1932 Ford 3-Window Coupe
Owners: Harold and Tracy Chapman
Builders: Customs and Hot Rods of Andice
A true hot rod icon executed at the highest level, this all-Henry Ford steel 1932 Ford Three-Window Coupe from Customs and Hot Rods of Andice has earned its place among the Top 10 contenders for Street Rod of the Year at the Goodguys Columbus event. Recently completed, the coupe represents the perfect balance of traditional hot rod styling and modern performance, with a focus on craftsmanship that celebrates the legendary Deuce platform. Built for Harold and Tracy with the help of a talented team of craftsmen, this Ford proves that timeless design never goes out of style.
Under the hood, the coupe packs serious attitude with a Stout aluminum-headed, roller cam-equipped 394ci Oldsmobile V8 backed by a Tremec TKX five-speed transmission, sending power through a classic quick-change rear axle. Every detail—from the expertly crafted steel body to the finished chassis and carefully selected components—reflects the level of precision required to compete among the best in the hobby. After earning Top 10 honors at the Triple Crown of Rodding in Nashville, this beautifully executed ’32 Ford continues its award-winning run as one of the standout builds in Columbus.
1933 Pontiac “Aurabella”
Owner/Builder: Andy Leach of Cal Auto Creations
One of the most celebrated builds in this year’s Street Rod of the Year competition, the stunning 1933 Pontiac “Aurabella” arrived in Columbus with an impressive résumé, having captured the prestigious Al Slonaker Memorial Award in 2025 (click to see our in-depth coverage HERE). Crafted by Andy Leach and the talented team at Cal Auto Creations, the project represents seven years of meticulous metalwork, engineering, and artistry. Starting with one of the rarest early Pontiacs imaginable, the team transformed every inch of the body, subtly reshaping, narrowing, chopping, and refining the car into a masterpiece that looks as though it could have rolled out of Pontiac’s design studio.
Power comes from a supercharged Pontiac 400ci V8 topped with an 8-71 blower, Edelbrock cylinder heads, and electronic fuel injection, backed by a 4L80E overdrive transmission. The flawless “Aurabella Gold” finish highlights countless handcrafted details, while the Art Deco-inspired interior blends period elegance with modern craftsmanship through custom leather upholstery, one-off trim, and bespoke instrumentation. From its concours-quality undercarriage to its beautifully integrated drivetrain, Aurabella is a remarkable expression of custom coachbuilding and one of the strongest contenders for the 2026 Street Rod of the Year title.
1940 Ford Coupe
Owner: Scotty Hooper
Builder: Greening Automotive
Scotty Hooper’s stunning 1940 Ford, built by the Greening Auto Company, brought an unmistakable sense of style and sophistication to the Goodguys Legends of Hot Rodding event and has now earned a spot among the Top 10 Street Rod of the Year contenders in Columbus. With its timeless Ford lines refined through the eyes of a world-class custom shop, this build delivers the perfect combination of elegance, performance, and craftsmanship.
Underneath the beautifully finished bodywork sits a Roadster Shop chassis, providing a modern foundation for this classic Ford. Power comes from an LS3 producing 525 horsepower, topped with a show-stopping eight-stack Inglese fuel injection setup that blends vintage hot rod character with modern reliability. Jesse Greening handled the body and paint, while M&M’s Kristina Crawford crafted the luxurious interior and leatherwork. Finished with wheels and tires by Mike Curtis, this ’40 Ford is a masterclass in understated cool—proof that sometimes the most refined builds make the biggest statement.
Greening Auto Company
It takes more than just bolt-on parts to make an award winning hotrod.
1932 Ford “Fifty/50” Coupe
Owner: Brad Starks
Builder: Stark’s Rod & Custom
Brad Starks Rod & Custom
Custom Shop focused on high quality work with a full time staff building one off customs.
1932 Ford Victoria “Vicky”
OWNER: Tyler Berry
BUILDER: The East Coast Hot Rod Garage
East Coast Hot Rod Garage
Custom Hot Rods Engineered for Unforgettable Performance and Style
1932 Ford Phaeton “Payton Phaeton”
Owner: Brandie Laird
Builder: Brookville Roadster
Brookville Roadster, Inc.
Brookville Roadster manufactures the most accurate reproductions ever made of 1928-1932 Ford cars and trucks
1932 Ford Pickup
Owner: Amie Angelo
Builder: Roseville Rod & Custom
Roseville Rod & Custom
Crafting exquisite classic cars & trucks with expert precision, artistry & innovation since 1992.
1937 Studebaker Coupe Express “Hellcat Express”
Owner: Kurt Finton
Builder: Ames Fabrication
