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More Highlights from The Grand National Roadster Show 2025

March 12, 2025

Celebrating the Life of Marla Moore

June 22, 2025

We met Jeff Jordan at the 2004 Texas Street Machine Nationals, held at Lady Bird Johnson Park outside the city limits of picturesque Fredericksburg, Texas. Jeff and his Torch Red ’56 Chevrolet stepside pickup were attending the event, along with his brother, Rick, who owns a similarly hued Pro Street ’83 Chevrolet Silverado. We quite logically assumed that both Jeff and Rick were from Texas, but the reality was that brother Jeff had towed his ’56 all the way from Gilbert, Arizona, to attend the event and hang out with his brother, who lives in Harlingen, Texas. Not only would both Jeff and Rick’s Chevys win spots on the Texas Nationals Top 10 Truck list, but Jeff’s immaculate ’56 big-window also won the C&C Productions Long Distance award. Now let’s take a look at this beautiful half-ton hauler. “I built this truck with my son, Jeff Jr., as a father-and-son project, and it took 10 years to complete,” says Jeff Sr. Ten years?

A Tough Act to Follow

Though clutches rank below power-adders on the desirability scale, they are every bit as important. In fact, you’d be better off not spending the time and money on a trick blower or turbo kit if you do not plan on upgrading the stock clutch assembly. Sure, it is possible on some applications to improve the performance of your motor without a clutch and pressure plate upgrade, but you can only take things so far. Eventually, the engine will let you know by racing to the moon when you least expect it. Your clutch will likely slip under full throttle, and most probably at the highest load. Better hope you have a rev limiter or things can really get ugly. But have no fear … Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT) has come up with a variety of effective combinations to cater to the needs of performance enthusiasts and racers.

REMEMBERING KEN BLOCK

The automotive and racing world was rocked by the sudden passing of racing phenom, internet sensation, and master of all-things automotive Tom-foolery, Ken Block on January 2nd. Hoonigan, Block’s automotive lifestyle and clothing brand, reported that Block was riding snowmobiles at his Utah ranch, where a single snowmobile incident on a steep incline claimed the life of the 55 year old.

Spotlighter

Southeastern Hot Rod Show 2026

Dalton, Georgia’s Premier Traditional Hot Rod Gathering is Puttin’ The Hot Back in Hot Rod!

The Southeastern Hot Rod Show once again filled the North Georgia AG Fairgrounds in Dalton, Georgia, with the sights, sounds, and spirit of traditional hot rodding. Drawing enthusiasts from across the Southeast, the annual gathering showcased an impressive collection of pre-1972 hot rods, muscle cars, trucks, and custom-built machines, all brought together by a shared passion for craftsmanship, performance, and automotive history.

Author

Jamie Dent

Photography by Scott Killeen

A Showcase of Traditional Hot Rod Excellence

More than just a car show, the event delivered a full weekend experience with a swap meet, food vendors, live music, specialty displays, and plenty of opportunities for enthusiasts to connect with fellow builders and collectors. From meticulously restored classics to innovative custom creations, every corner of the fairgrounds offered something worth stopping to admire.

Whether attendees were searching for inspiration for their next build, hunting for rare parts, or simply enjoying the company of fellow gearheads, the Southeastern Hot Rod Show provided the perfect setting to celebrate automotive creativity and craftsmanship.

Prestigious Awards Recognize Outstanding Builds

The Southeastern Hot Rod Show is widely known for presenting some of the most respected specialty awards in the region. Honors such as Best of Show presented by J&B Microfinish, the Southeast Outstanding Roadster Award, the Best ’32 Award from Jon Wright’s Custom Chrome Plating, and the Vintage Air “Just Too Cool” Award highlighted the exceptional quality of vehicles on display.

Additional awards recognized excellence in engineering, fabrication, authenticity, and overall craftsmanship, ensuring that builders from every corner of the hobby had an opportunity to be recognized for their dedication and hard work.

More Than a Car Show

Beyond the vehicles and awards, the event showcased the generosity and camaraderie that define the hot rod community. A silent auction was held throughout the weekend with proceeds benefiting the ReClif Center for families with children with autism. Thanks to the support of sponsors, vendors, and attendees, the auction provided an opportunity for enthusiasts to give back while enjoying the event.

The combination of outstanding vehicles, quality vendors, great food, and a welcoming atmosphere helped make the weekend memorable for participants and spectators alike.

Keeping the Hot Rod Tradition Alive

As the final awards were presented and the fairgrounds began to empty, one thing remained clear: the Southeastern Hot Rod Show continues to be one of the Southeast’s premier gatherings for traditional hot rods, street rods, muscle cars, and custom trucks. With exceptional vehicles, passionate builders, and a strong sense of community, the event remains a must-attend destination for anyone who appreciates the artistry and heritage of American hot rodding.

BEST OF SHOW AWARD WINNER
1932 Ford Roadster

Owners: Ann & Andrew Bowen
Builder: Dan Kerbo

AMBR 2019 finalist and now a winner! The coveted Best of Show Award, presented by J&B Microfinish at the Southeastern Hot Rod Show, went to this stunning 1932 Roadster. Pictured are Andrew Bowen and the builder of the award-winning hot rod, a project that represents an incredible 12 years and more than 8,000 hours of craftsmanship. Along with the top honor, the team also took home a $500 award from Summit Racing Equipment. A well-deserved recognition for an extraordinary build.

BEST ENGINEERED AWARD WINNER
1932 Ford 5-Window Coupe

Owner/Builder: JD Keith

Congratulations to JD Keith for winning the prestigious Hank Young Best Engineered Award at the Southeastern Hot Rod Show! This beautifully executed ’32 Ford 5-Window Coupe showcases the perfect blend of traditional hot rod style and modern craftsmanship. From its aggressive stance to the tasteful black-and-white houndstooth interior accents, every detail reflects careful planning and exceptional execution. It’s easy to see why this outstanding build earned one of the event’s most respected honors.

“BEST ’32” AWARD WINNER
1932 Ford 5-Window Coupe

Owner: Bob Waters
Builder: Greening Auto Company

Congratulations to Bob Waters for capturing the prestigious Best ’32 Award, presented by Jon Wright’s Custom Chrome Plating, with this exceptional Jesse Greening-built 1932 Ford Woody. From its flawless fit and finish to the remarkable attention to detail throughout, this Woody represents hot rodding craftsmanship at its highest level.

The details are simply incredible—even every screw on the vehicle was clocked in the same direction, reflecting the dedication and precision poured into every aspect of the build. Special thanks to Jon and Janet Wright for sponsoring one of the most coveted awards in the hobby. For any 1932 Ford owner, this honor is about as prestigious as it gets, and this stunning Woody is a deserving recipient.

“SORA” AWARD WINNER
1969 Ford MUSTANG

Owner: Tammy and Tony Ray
Builder: Tallant’s Rod Shop

Congratulations to Tammy and Tony Ray on earning the inaugural Southeast Outstanding Roadster Award (SORA) with their exceptional 1969 Ford Mustang at the Southeastern Hot Rod Show in Dalton, Georgia. As a brand-new award created to recognize outstanding craftsmanship, design, engineering, and overall style among the Southeast’s finest custom vehicles, SORA immediately establishes itself as one of the region’s most prestigious honors.

Built by Tallant’s Rod Shop, the Lightning Blue Mustang combines classic muscle car styling with modern performance, featuring a 525-horsepower 427 Dart engine, Tremec Magnum six-speed transmission, custom interior by Don Kite Customs, and an impeccable level of fit and finish throughout. The Rays’ Mustang embodies everything the SORA award was created to celebrate—quality, creativity, functionality, and attention to detail—making it a fitting first recipient of what is sure to become a coveted annual tradition.