Just after New Year’s, when the cold really starts settling in, one of the first major indoor car shows of the year rolls into town. The O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels Custom Auto Show has become a yearly tradition—mixing hot rods, customs, and classics with a dose of pop culture to create a winter event that gives the whole family a reason to get out of the house.
There’s a real beauty in upgrading a classic without masking its character—and the Intellitronix Analog Gauge Panel AP7001 delivers exactly that for the 1965–1966 Ford Mustang. Designed to drop directly into the heart of your Pony’s cockpit, this panel brings modern instrumentation to the dash while still working with the original factory Mustang bezel.
You can’t fault a man for knowing what he likes, and in the case of Chelsea, Alabama’s Mike George, what he likes is the ’69 Camaro. at the age of 41 years old, he’s managed to own no fewer than 15 of these cars over the years, but none was anything like his current Camaro. In fact, we can’t think of any other ’69 Camaro that’s quite like this one.
It was once said, “To aspire to perfection is the goal of all who create, as anything less confines us to conformity,” and never has this been more apparent than in the numerous rodding creations being shaped today. Never before has so much time, effort and expense been lavished on vehicles that were once pushed aside in favor of newer endeavors.
Hot rodders used to scoff at the idea of trucks stealing the show. Not anymore. The 2026 Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) proved that custom trucks aren’t just workhorses—they’re rolling showcases of power, design, and pure cool. From slammed classics to full-throttle modern bruisers, trucks dominated the floor, making it clear: the truck takeover is official.
Why is it we build top-end hot rods? We all have many different reasons, but the underlying one will always be to get a little attention. Even though it may not be your sole intent, there is a part of you that wants people to tell you “nice car” or, better yet, to win an award at a show every once in awhile. Many hot rodders and builders create their cars to win major awards, which gives your custom creation or your shop “pedigree,” in much the same way the right wins give a racehorse pedigree.
At GNRS 2026, the ARP Booth was a centerpiece of precision, passion, and performance. Automotive Racing Products (ARP Fasteners) has long been a cornerstone of the Grand National Roadster Show, sponsoring iconic awards like the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) Award and the Al Slonaker Memorial Award. Each award offers $12,500 in prize money, and during the show, the Al Slonaker Memorial Trophy is proudly displayed at the ARP Booth, symbolizing ARP’s commitment to hot rod craftsmanship, innovation, and community.
Under the bright lights of the 2026 Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, surrounded by some of the finest hot rods and customs ever assembled, one car quietly—and decisively—rose to the top. Dennis Troggio’s 1955 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, nicknamed “Karma” and built by Buddy Hale and the team at Type One Restorations, claimed the prestigious Al Slonaker Memorial Award, standing tallest among 12 exceptional contenders.
Once your build starts making real power, the factory clutch becomes a liability. The McLeod RST Twin Disc Clutch Kit is engineered for high-horsepower street cars that need serious torque capacity without sacrificing drivability. This is a street-focused twin disc clutch that delivers smooth engagement, consistent bite, and the confidence to put power to the pavement every time.
Getting a ’55 Chevy to sit at the right ride height is as easy as installing a set of 2-inch drop spindles, such as those from Superior Spindles and others. Getting the big ol’ car to slow down offers many more choices as well, and as long as you’re swapping spindles it is an excellent time to install those long-overdue disc brakes. When you think about it, it doesn’t make good sense to put a newly rebuilt tri-5 Chevy on the same road with stock OE cars with ABS four-wheel disc brakes. If ever you came upon a situation where a car ahead of you had to stop in an emergency situation, the performance of even a stock set of disc brakes will far “outdistance” your drum setup, meaning you would not be able to stop in time and could well end up in the trunk of the car ahead of you. Not good.
