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CRUISIN’ THE COAST 2026: DAY 4 – Biloxi Block Party & D’Iberville

By Wednesday, October 7, Cruisin’ The Coast 2026 had hit its stride, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast was looking more like a rolling automotive museum than a vacation destination. Hot rods, muscle cars, customs, and classic trucks were everywhere, with thousands of enthusiasts making the most of the event’s 30th anniversary celebration.
Day 4 brought one of the week’s biggest attractions, the Biloxi Block Party, along with autocross competition, tire-smoking drifting, and an evening of celebrity appearances and live entertainment. If you couldn’t find something to get your motor running, you probably weren’t looking hard enough.

Ford’s Garage Rolls Into Chattanooga

There’s something about old cars, vintage gas stations, and a good burger that just seems to go together. Now, Chattanooga, Tennessee, has a new destination that brings all three under one roof.
On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Ford’s Garage officially opened its doors near Hamilton Place Mall, marking the restaurant chain’s first location in the Volunteer State. The Auto Builder was there on opening day to check out this latest addition to Chattanooga’s automotive scene, and it’s safe to say this isn’t your typical burger joint.

The Last Roadster

Whether you’re a newcomer to street rodding or a long timer, the name Andy Brizio is almost certainly familiar, and for good reason. He has, in one way or another, been closely involved with this hobby since he was a youngster growing up in San Francisco. Yet after more years and cars than he cares to remember, this street-rodding legend has decided to build one last roadster.

STRATOCRUISER

Through the years, Dave Lane has owned a wide variety of vehicles, ranging from Hyundais, Hondas and MG Midgets to vintage Deuces and T-Birds. He’s also had his share of General Motors products, including a ’28 Pontiac sedan, a ’35 Chevy coupe, and now this beautiful ’59 Chevy Kingswood wagon.
Mind you, this big Bow Tie hasn’t always looked this good. In fact, were it not for many tireless evenings and weekends with family, and friends like Robert White and Paul Radcliff nearby, it might still look as it once did. However, the time was spent and the effort rewarded in a car that is every bit a driver, and a pretty one at that.

IT TAKES A KEEN EYE

Tucked away in rural Northern New Jersey is a collection of some insanely cool hot rods and I know the mildly insane guy that built ‘em. I’m proud to say I knew Lance Sorchik even before “Jersey Suede” hit the road. It’s hard to believe 45-years have passed since that fateful day when a “mild-mannered” guy stopped by our Rodder’s Digest Magazine booth at the 1982 Nats East carrying a portfolio of his artwork.

SELECT COMPANY: THE 2026 TRIPLE CROWN OF RODDING TOP 30 & CELEBRITY PICKS

Now in its fourth year, the Triple Crown of Rodding had given builders and enthusiasts plenty of reasons to circle the calendar. The 2026 edition added another impressive lineup to that reputation, bringing together cars and trucks whose appeal went well beyond a polished exterior. These were builds that rewarded a closer look, with craftsmanship, creativity, and thoughtful execution giving each its own identity.

JEEP INVASION 2026: THE SMOKIES GOT CRAWLED

For three wild days in August, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, didn’t just welcome the Jeep community—it was completely overrun by it. The 2026 Smoky Mountain Invasion stormed into the LeConte Center August 20–22, bringing an army of Jeep owners, clubs, builders and aftermarket heavy hitters from across the country.

ONE REMARKABLE DAY WITH THE LEGENDARY XR-6

It was summer of 1981 when the phone rang. On the other end was Bob Juliano, calling to tell me about a car we might be interested in for Rodder’s Digest Magazine. The car was none other than the 1963 Oakland Roadster Show winning, XR-6. While the XR-6 remained on the show circuit well into the sixties, it had become somewhat forgotten of late.

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