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    The Goodguys Columbus event overflowed with cars shaped by the finest craftsmen, which resulted in some impressive street machines.
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    THE AUTO BUILDER
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    The Ugly Duckling

    Experience the remarkable metamorphosis of a 1954 Dodge pickup as it evolves from a utilitarian workhorse to an award-winning showstopper. Immerse yourself in the meticulous craftsmanship by Hot Rod Garage, featuring a Mopar 360 crate engine, custom bodywork, and a DuPont Super Jet Black exterior. Marvel at the interior’s camel Ultraleather, Budnik steering wheel, and Vintage Air Gen III system. Discover how Charles Black’s once-overlooked ’54 Dodge became a masterpiece, earning accolades and recognition at events nationwide.

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    BLACK AND BLUE AND FAST ALL OVER

    In the past, we’ve told you numerous stories about obsessed owners who spent years, in some cases decades, chasing down a particular car. Sometimes, people who aren’t quite that devoted still spend a lot of time looking for a particular model, or a car equipped with a certain options package. Other enthusiasts have broader tastes, and one of those enthusiasts is Kurt Klopping of Omaha, Nebraska. When we asked Klopping whether he had specifically been looking for a Camaro like the ’72 that he now owns, he responded, “Nah. If it’s cool, you own it.” Sounds fair enough to us, and to prove his point, Klopping noted that he also owns a ’55 Buick two-door special, a ’65 Dodge Coronet 500 and a ’65 Buick Skylark convertible.

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    ’80s FLASHBACK

    Everyone is talking about old-school-this and old-school-that, but we here at The Auto Builder don’t really care about old school, true school or new school. What we do care about is bringing our readers the best damn cars from around the world. Whether we are featuring drift, show, street or drag cars, one thing is certain: we will bring you the best cars that are out there. And sometimes the best is simple and to the point, as if you built the whole car in your garage.

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    GOODGUYS COLUMBUS 2008

    Exploring the Biggest Event of Its Kind and Loving It!

    We are continually challenged by what has previously been accomplished within a hobby that has captured the hearts of enthusiastic Americans; and just when it seems automotive imagination has reached its pinnacle, we are once again reminded of an endless flow of accomplishment and creativity that stretches the limits of the cars we build.

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    Picture of Stephen K. Anderson

    Stephen K. Anderson

    Photography by Josh Mishler

    11th Goodguys PPG Nationals: A Celebration of Street Machines and Rods

    Nowhere was this more evident than at the 11th Goodguys PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio. A familiar facility to rodders for decades, and certainly one of the premier events that draws an impressive mix of cars, this is where top honors for two key car categories are decided—street machines and street rods.

    Top Honors in Street Machines and Street Rods

    As expected, there was an incredibly strong showing on both fronts, and while the carefully chosen Street Rod of the Year finalists were a big part of the buzz, it’s the Street Machine of the Year category we’re centering on here.

    A Show for Every Car Enthusiast

    Whatever your preference, and no matter the vintage, style or level of detail of the cars you most enjoy, spectators came away from the Goodguys PPG Nationals filled with new ideas, great memories and anticipation for all that’s to come as our hobby continues to evolve.

    Having debuted as a Great 8 Ridler finalist, J.F. Launier’s ’55 Chrysler wagon made quite an impact running the autocross, as it showed an entirely different view of this fine machine.
    George Poteet’s ’61 SOHC 427 “Camliner” was fresh from Bobby Alloway’s shop. The idea here was to refine one of the most beautiful Fords of its time, and it came off well.
    Kenny Davis’ ’69 Camaro takes a modern approach, with just enough polish and chrome. Inside, the Recovery Room red upholstery sets it off, while an awesome aluminum ZL1 454 Chevy makes the most of a paddle-shifted five-speed.
    The stance of Ed Velasco’s ’72 Ford Maverick makes a great statement. These nice-looking cars have real potential if you’re looking for something different.
    Some may not have noticed that this brilliant red ’Cuda has been reworked in many ways, making for a flawless example of a classic. An advanced suspension and a Hemi engine add to package.
    Rich Downing’s ’66 Rambler American sits low over American rims, offsetting the sea-foam-green exterior. Tan leather retains the car’s original styling, as does the 232ci six-cylinder.
    The wildest and most capable car on the autocross was Ken Thompson’s ’62 Falcon. The tubular SCCA Trans-Am chassis supports a turbocharged ’65 Ford four-cam Indy/F1 V-8 with sequential injection, producing beyond 1,000 hp. The race-based machine was finished just before the event, so no runs this year. But just wait!
    Keith Stephens’ ’69 Chevelle blends deep blue hues against silver, leading into hot licks on the rear quarters. This same look highlights the engine compartment and interior.
    Think back on all the ’53 Willys Aero Eagles you’ve seen, and Greg Mullins’ may be the only one. Complete in all its original detail, this rare car features a capable drivetrain.
    It’s amazing more people don’t follow Merle Eschman’s lead and build a ’64 Ford Falcon. Powered by a 302 through a five-speed and well suspended, it’s as capable as it is sharp.
    You don’t often see ’67 Ford Galaxies, which makes Steve Allen’s Street Metal Fabrications’ creation that much more appealing. With a 428 and a Paul Atkins interior, this is one fun ride.
    Terry Stinehelfer’s ’55 “Thundersnake” captures the essence of a Cobra but with the lines of a ’55 T-Bird. With a 427 FE engine, it runs well and drives nicely on C4 Corvette suspension.
    Fred Morrison’s ’55 Nomad is one of the top cars this year, a showcase for Dan Wickett’s amazing capabilities with its many clever bits. Beyond its visual appeal is the capability proven at the autocross, where it ran well.

    2008 STREET MACHINE OF THE YEAR 

    The year’s Street Machine of the Year awards went to the Chevys, as two ’69 Camaro coupes, a ’68 and a ’69 convertible and a ’70 Nova made it to the finals. And while visual appeal still accounts for most of the points, the autocross certainly weighed in on the results.

    The Ring Brothers did it again, enabling Erv Woller to take home the Street Machine of the Year award with his amazing ’69 Camaro.

    Jeff Hanson whipped the wheel and clipped the cones in his ’69 Camaro, pushing the 427 LS7 to the extreme, and had fun doing it.
    Builder Roger Burman spared nothing, running Kevin Alstott’s ’68 convertible through the cones. He dispelled all doubts as to its potential.
    Extremely subtle, Gary Abraham’s Rad Rides By Troy-built ’70 Nova had engine trouble but still managed to qualify for the finals.
    James McLeod’s mirror-black ’69 Camaro convertible displayed loads of detailing while laterally testing its capability to the fullest.
    Goodguys’ John Drummond celebrates the victory with a very happy crew who came away smiling.

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