THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
RADICALLY DIFFERENT
During the latter part of the 1950s, as America fell into a recession, the American industry machine suffered. The Big Three Detroit automakers felt the hit and quickly began building affordable cars that would appeal to the public.
It’s a Gas!
Experience the thrill of Project Tin Can, a neighborhood sensation turned adrenaline-pumping amusement ride! With its roaring 283 engine and close-ratio Muncie four-speed, this car is a showstopper. Hear the laughter, witness the stares, and feel the excitement as Tin Can leaves a trail of awe wherever it goes. Discover how a modest 283 engine transformed into a powerhouse, making this car a 13-second wonder. Join us as we bid farewell to Project Tin Can, but stay tuned for occasional updates and adventures. Thank you to all who contributed to this unforgettable journey. Old-school enthusiasts, rejoice!
Beyond the Elite 10
The 2024 Triple Crown of Rodding at Nashville Superspeedway brought the heat, and while the Elite 10 took home the big glory, don’t sleep on the rest of the Top 30 winners. These rides didn’t snag the top spots, but they’re anything but second-rate. This show is a heavyweight showdown, and these builds were ready to rumble.
Spotlighter
AN EVENT TO REMEMBER
Goodguys’ 10th PPG Nationals
Author
Stephen K. Anderson
Words & Photography
A Decade of Excellence at the Goodguys PPG Nationals
It’s been said before, and judging from what we saw this year, we agree that the 10th Goodguys PPG Nationals “was one of the finest automotive events ever!”
A Spectacular Showcase of Automotive Artistry
As the years go by, and as the quality of cars continues to exceed expectations, it isn’t surprising that the venues attracting the top cars get more spectacular over time. This year, record crowds in Columbus, Ohio, came out in droves to witness an amazing chrome carnival. Cars of every description, many of which were completed weeks, days, and in some cases only hours before the event, were debuted there, which made for an amazing array of automotive artistry. And if you think you’ve heard this before, know that even the most ardent car nuts were wide-eyed and standing motionless with mouths gaping as they tried to make sense of all the hardware in attendance.
An Impressive Range of Rides
The variety of cars at this year’s show covered the gamut of time and taste, from vintage classics to the latest street rods, leading-edge muscle cars and vehicles that defied description. While some centered on the visual senses and others focused on performance, all were captivating in one way or another, and many provided onlookers with concepts that will undoubtedly find their way into future creations.
More Than Just a Car Show
As always, Goodguys events offer up so many other areas of interest, so it’s easy to get lost in the indoor and outdoor exhibitor aisles, looking at all the components available through the aftermarket today. There were also special seminars held to inform and educate enthusiasts. Add in a swap meet, the car corral, DJ Dave’s continuous tunes, Friday night drags just up the road and lots of great food, and there was no shortage of things to do, people to meet, and cars to ogle over. With the Street Rod and Street Machine of the Year competition, it couldn’t get any better.
See It for Yourself
But rather than trying to tell you about an event that is altogether visual, check out this fantastic array of machinery with your own eyes. It’s nothing short of awe-inspiring and definitely memorable.
One of the more radical muscle cars at the event was Kevin Triplett’s ’69 Camaro with a 632ci engine wedged in front, ahead of a TKO five-speed and an extensively modified interior that is sure to start something.
One of the most exceptional ’56 F-100s to come along was Steve and Becki Haessly’s brilliant red example featuring a neat molded interior and a clear bed floor, exposing all of the beauty that rolls beneath this pickup.
