Builders
Let’s be honest—there was a time when trucks were the stuff you parked behind the show field, used to haul parts, or maybe pulled your “real” hot rod to the event. What once might have been considered second-tier to muscle cars and traditional hot rods is now front and center, with classic pickups, slammed cruisers, high-horsepower haulers, and fully reimagined showstoppers filling the Ohio Expo Center grounds.
In 1955, Chevrolet didn’t just redesign a car—they ignited a movement. The Tri-Five Chevys (that’s shorthand for the 1955, 1956, and 1957 models) arrived like a thunderclap and never really left. These machines were leaner, lower, and louder—in both looks and performance—ushering in a new era of V8-powered excitement. The shoebox shape, the tailfins, the grille teeth…every detail had attitude. And the world noticed.
From suspension breakthroughs to slick bolt-ons and next-gen wiring solutions, this curated collection of fresh hardware gave attendees a first look at what’s about to hit the streets—and the shelves. With awards on the line and plenty of eyeballs walking the floor, companies brought their A-game, packing the display cases with smart engineering, clean design, and purpose-built upgrades. Whether you’re a pro builder or garage warrior, this was the place to get hands-on with the future of hot rodding.
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.
The automotive and motorsports world has lost one of its most influential figures with the passing of Angelo “Junior” Giampetroni. A pioneer, promoter, and passionate builder, Angelo helped shape the hot rodding and drag racing scenes from the postwar boom through the modern era. His impact can be felt not just in Detroit, but across the globe—from gritty speed shops to high-level factory performance programs. Angelo wasn’t just part of the culture—he connected it all together.
The automotive aftermarket community mourns the recent passing of Marla Moore, a true pioneer, mentor, and friend. With a career spanning more than 35 years, Marla’s professional achievements were matched only by the love she had for her daughter Madison—and the deep faith that guided her every step.
The inaugural High Performance Expo (HPX) brought together a powerhouse lineup of vendors, builders, and performance innovators. Amid fierce competition from dozens of standout products, two companies took home the top PerformancePlus HPX honors—showcasing the cutting edge of high-performance innovation.
On May 19, 2025, the hot rod community lost one of its most respected and beloved figures—Tom Prufer. For those familiar with polished frames, hand-fabricated parts, and the unmistakable smell of hot oil on cold mornings, Tom was more than just a builder—he was a quiet giant in the world of traditional rods and custom craftsmanship.
Whatever your preference in cars, Boyd Coddington took them to new heights through his exceptional ability to unite highly creative forces in a common effort, from the design stage to show-winning results.
Most car guys know all about rare cars, and this certainly is one of the rarest Ford Mustangs on the road. In what some may consider an odd collaboration, Carroll Shelby International Inc. and celebrity customizer West Coast Customs (WCC) have teamed up to produce a line of limited-edition high-end 2006 Ford Mustangs. Starting with only 25 stock 2006 Ford Mustang GTs, the Shelby/West Coast Customs team has a solid foundation on which to build, and build it did.
