STEALTH OPULENCE
July 16, 2023
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
B-Series Bullseye: Part I
What can we say about VTEC Honda motors that hasn’t already been said thousands of times? Accolades have been bestowed upon the B-series Honda at an almost embarrassing rate—and we might add that all of its praise is well deserved. But we have already begun to turn our attention to the newer K-series motors, which by all accounts are even better motors than the B-series. They are sure to start a revolution of their own, but that is a discussion for a different day.
TURNED-ON, TUNED-IN ECONOLINE
In an unmarked garage in north central Oklahoma (parked next to an original ’70 Boss 429) sat the Econoline. After moving the dead varmint skeletons and wiping off many years of dust, Kirk’s rolling time capsule was ready to see daylight again. Since the 406 Ford FE big block was no longer “politically correct,” a modern powerplant was decided upon.
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.
Spotlighter
A Southern Tradition
The 51st NSRA Street Rod Nationals South proved traditional hot rodding culture is still alive, thriving, and rolling strong.
Johnson City, Tennessee didn’t just host a car show—it briefly turned into a rolling museum of American hot rodding.
The 51st NSRA Street Rod Nationals South took over the Appalachian Fairgrounds on May 8–9, 2026, delivering two full days of traditional street rods, customs, and classic builds that reflected decades of craftsmanship and culture.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photography by Scott Killeen
A Weekend Built on Tradition
Backed by the long-running National Street Rod Association (NSRA), the event continued a legacy that stretches back more than five decades. What started in the early days of organized street rodding has grown into a nationwide network of events that still prioritize the same core idea—preserving the spirit of early American hot rodding while keeping the community connected.
The Street Rod Nationals South has moved through different cities over the years, but its purpose has stayed consistent: bring together builders and enthusiasts who value traditional design, clean execution, and the stories behind the classic cars.
Johnson City in Full Color
For the weekend, the Appalachian Fairgrounds became a dense field of pre- and post-war steel, with everything from highboys and coupes to full custom cars and period-inspired builds lining the grounds.
The 30-years-and-older requirement kept the focus firmly on heritage, and it showed in every row. These weren’t just display pieces—they were rolling examples of how far the craft of classic car restoration has come, and how strongly it still connects people across generations.
The atmosphere leaned relaxed and conversational, with builders and owners spending just as much time talking through details as they did admiring each other’s work. It’s that mix of education, storytelling, and shared appreciation that continues to define NSRA events.
More Than a Show Weekend
Even without the structure of modern competitive events, the energy never feels flat. NSRA’s format encourages interaction over isolation, with an emphasis on learning, sharing, and keeping hot rod culture alive through hands-on discussion rather than spectacle.
That approach is exactly why events like Johnson City’s Street Rod Nationals South continue to draw a loyal crowd year after year. It’s not just about what’s parked on the grass—it’s about the people who built it, drove it, and brought it there.
A Strong Chapter in a Long-Running Story
The 51st Street Rod Nationals South fit seamlessly into the broader NSRA circuit, leading toward the organization’s flagship Nationals in Louisville. Each divisional stop adds another layer to a network that has helped shape traditional hot rodding culture into what it is today.
Johnson City, Tennessee delivered exactly what attendees came for: authentic builds, real conversations, and a reminder that the roots of this hobby are still very much alive.
When the gates opened that weekend, it wasn’t just another car show—it was a snapshot of a culture that continues to evolve without losing sight of where it started.
