THE LONG HAUL
April 26, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
Corvette Expo 2026 & Chevys in the Smokies Take Over Pigeon Forge
The Great Smoky Mountains are famous for the blue haze that gives the range its name—but during the 49th Annual Corvette Expo 2026 and Chevys in the Smokies, the mountains were a little smokier than usual. Some of that haze came from cammed-up V8s, hot rubber, and thousands of horsepower rolling into Pigeon Forge for one of the biggest Chevrolet performance events in the region.
Goodguys 2025: Street Rod and Street Machine of the Year Bring the Heat to Columbus
If you’re into big power, insane craftsmanship, and the kind of custom cars that stop people mid-sentence, then Columbus, Ohio in July is the place to be. The Goodguys Nationals isn’t just a show—it’s the showdown. Since ’98, this event has become ground zero for the best in hot rods, muscle cars, and one-off customs that blend tradition with full-throttle insanity.
Lincoln Electric Sparks a New Era: Velion™ Chargers Ignite the Hot Rod Industry’s Electric Revolution
If a hot rodder were to have built an EV charging station, we think it would have looked like the heavy-duty version Lincoln Electric has built. Now for the nuts and bolts information from Lincoln Electric themselves on the new single and dual Velion™ Chargers. Like ourselves most people reading this article may have a hard time comprehending all the abbreviated terminology listed below but here it is to inform you on the knowledge of Lincoln Electric’s EV chargers.
Spotlighter
Brizio Street Rods Shines at GNRS 2025
Brizio Street Rods’ Unmatched Presence at GNRS 2025
The Grand National Roadster Show 2025 was an all-out horsepower spectacle, packed with jaw-dropping rides and elite craftsmanship. But one booth that truly stole the show? Brizio Street Rods. These guys don’t just build cars—they create rolling masterpieces that blend power, style, and history into one breathtaking package.
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen
A Hot Rodder’s Dream Display
Stepping up to the Brizio booth felt like flipping through the greatest hits of hot rodding. Flawless paint, precision-tuned engines, and stance so perfect it stopped people mid-stride. Every ride was meticulously dialed in, proving once again why Brizio is a household name in the world of street rods.
Crowds, Conversations, and Unmatched Craftsmanship
It wasn’t just the cars drawing a crowd—everywhere you looked, people were pointing out details, snapping pics, and swapping stories about their own builds. The booth buzzed with energy, and we made sure to capture plenty of shots of the insane craftsmanship on display.
Brizio Keeps Raising the Bar
Bottom line? Brizio Street Rods brought the heat to GNRS 2025, once again proving why they’re at the top of the game. If this year’s display is any indication, we can’t wait to see what they roll out next.
Inside the Brizio Booth: A Visual Tour
Now, let’s take a closer look at the Brizio Street Rods booth that had everyone talking. From perfectly executed builds to the smallest custom details, these photos capture the passion, precision, and power that define Brizio’s legacy. Scroll through and experience the artistry that makes their hot rods true showstoppers.
Instant T: The Wild Ride That Shook Hot Rodding and Rock ‘n’ Roll
Andy Brizio’s 1915 Ford Model T C-Cab Panel Truck, better known as “Instant T,” isn’t just a hot rod—it’s a rolling legend. Built by one of Northern California’s biggest hot rod names, this wild machine cemented its place in history from the moment it hit the streets.
Built to Cruise, Destined for Glory
Brizio originally built Instant T to drive cross-country to the 1971 Street Rod Nationals in Memphis, Tennessee—because why trailer a car when you can tear across America in style? But this wasn’t just any road-trip machine. With an iconic ribbon paint job by Art Himsl, the truck turned heads and ended up winning “Best Appearing Car” out of 1,500 entries. Not bad for a street-driven hot rod.
From Hot Rod Hero to Rock Star Ride
As if that wasn’t legendary enough, Instant T took an even crazier turn when John Bonham, the powerhouse drummer for Led Zeppelin, spotted it and had to have it. He shipped the truck to England, where it became a part of rock ‘n’ roll history, even making an appearance in Led Zeppelin’s film The Song Remains the Same.
A Timeless Hot Rod Icon
With Brizio’s masterful craftsmanship, Himsl’s mind-blowing paintwork, and a history that straddles both hot rodding and rock music, Instant T isn’t just a car—it’s a cultural icon. Whether parked or roaring down the road, this machine is pure hot rod perfection.
A Few More From the Brizio Booth
ARTICLE SOURCES
Roy Brizio Street Rods Inc
505 Railroad Ave South San Francisco, CA, United States, California 94080
