Remembering George Poteet
July 17, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
Two-Hour Tech
Improving your S197 Mustang doesn’t have to be an arduous affair. You’re supposed to enjoy working on your car, RATHER than dreading getting off work because you “have” to wrench on the Ford. With that attitude in mind, we recently spoke with Al Kamhi, of Control Freak suspensions, to get his advice on what enthusiasts could do to further the concept of upgrading a Mustang in just an hour or two. But there’s a catch: the upgrade had to make a real difference in the car’s performance.
STEP IT UP
The legacy of the Ford Bronco is stronger than ever, thanks to the versatility and customization options of the sixth-generation Ford Bronco. This platform is built for off-road performance and on-road comfort and there are a multitude of custom factory packages that build upon that platform. Because of the factory design and immense aftermarket support, the options are limitless for these future icons of off-roading.
BEYOND THE ENVELOPE
There’s no question that this ’68 Camaro pushes buttons, limits, and envelopes. This unique creation even pushes our understanding. It’s part nostalgia, part Blade Runner, brought together through a great deal of thought, creativity, and sheer talent.
Spotlighter
“Gray Madder” Takes Home the 2025 Ridler Award
A '55 Nomad That’s Pure Hot Rod Perfection
If you know anything about hot rodding, you know the Don Ridler Memorial Award is the big one. The best of the best show up to the Detroit Autorama every year, hoping to take home that trophy, and in 2025, it went to a killer ‘55 Chevy Nomad called "Gray Madder." Owned by Tom and Christy Bresnahan and their son Josh, this thing is an absolute showstopper, built with insane attention to detail and packed with killer custom touches.
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Julie & John Aschenberg
Built to Win by Southern Comfort Customs
Hailing from North Carolina, the crew at Southern Comfort Customs knocked this build out of the park. The Nomad sits on a rock-solid Art Morrison chassis with a trick hydraulic suspension setup, which means it’s got the stance and the ride to match. And let’s talk about power—because this thing’s got plenty.
LS3 Power with a Nod to the Past
Under the hood, you’ll find a rowdy LS3 pumping out serious power, breathing through Ultimate Headers and managed by a Holley EFI system. A 6L90E six-speed automatic backs it up, making sure all that horsepower gets to the pavement. And in a genius move, they worked in a custom billet air cleaner using pieces from an old-school 265 small-block unit, blending modern tech with classic vibes.
Custom Styling That Nails It
This isn’t just a go-fast machine—it looks insane too. The body is covered in Glasurit 55 paint, and the one-off billet grille sets the tone up front. Chrome and billet details are everywhere, giving it that perfect mix of class and aggression. The wheels? Full custom from Evod Industries—18x10s in the front and 20x12s in the rear, wrapped in Diamond Back Classic rubber. It’s got the stance, it’s got the style, and it just flat-out works.
Inside the Cabin—Modern Comfort Meets Classic Cool
Step inside, and the details keep coming. Dakota Digital gauges sit in a slick custom dash, with a one-off steering column by Kevin Fugate. The leather interior? Hand-stitched perfection by Jeff Shores. And because no hot rod should be a sweaty mess, it’s got Vintage Air to keep things cool.
A Well-Earned Spot in Hot Rod History
The Bresnahan family and the mad scientists at Southern Comfort Customs didn’t just build a car—they built a legend. The “Gray Madder” Nomad is everything a Ridler-winning hot rod should be: wild, innovative, and straight-up badass. Congrats to the team for bringing this one to life and taking home the biggest award in the game!
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