custom trucks
Hot rodders used to scoff at the idea of trucks stealing the show. Now? They’re the stars. The 2025 Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) proved that trucks aren’t just workhorses anymore—they’re rolling showcases of power, design, and straight-up cool factor. Whether slammed to the pavement or built for full-throttle performance, trucks have carved out their own space in the custom scene, and this year’s GNRS made it clear: the truck takeover is real.
Custom trucks have bulldozed their way into the hot rod world, turning what were once old workhorses from the ’30s through the ’90s into show-stopping, tire-shredding machines. These trucks aren’t just about hauling gear anymore—they’re packing serious muscle under the hood, killer suspension setups, and sleek designs that demand attention at events like the Triple Crown of Rodding.
Trucks are hot, and this interest in trucks has been getting hotter over the years. This is not something that started recently, and now with so many companies like Chevs of the ’40s, Early Classic Enterprises, Street & Performance and SSBC offering specific performance parts, you are now able to find such truck-specific parts as replacement sheetmetal, LS1 engine swaps, tubular suspension components and enormous brake systems.
In both the world of sports and the realm of automotive enthusiasts, there are events that stand out as symbols of excellence. Think of baseball’s All-Star game, golf’s prestigious Masters Tournament, and the excitement of wrestling’s Summer Slam. And now, there’s a new star on the rise in the world of automobiles – The Triple Crown of Rodding (TCOR). This extraordinary event made its debut on September 8-9, in Lebanon, Tennessee, at the Nashville Superspeedway.
Every year, automobile enthusiasts and vintage car aficionados gather in Louisville, Kentucky, for the highly anticipated NSRA Street Rod Nationals. This event is a celebration of automotive craftsmanship, where classic car owners and builders from around the nation come together to showcase their meticulously restored and customized street rods. The show offers a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation, as attendees are treated to a mesmerizing display of vintage vehicles, creative modifications, and impressive engineering.
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show engulfs Fabulous Las Vegas annually. It brings together the biggest names in the automotive world to show off the latest and greatest, whether it’s new products, amazing custom builds, or the newest trends. TheAutoBuilder is excited to be in the thick of it all.
The 2007 Grand National Roadster Show was a huge hit, as the celebration of the ’32 Ford kicked off in great style. Various builders, writers and hot rod industry figures throughout the country voted on hundreds of candidates for the 75th anniversary of the ’32 Ford. Though no pickups made the Significant 75 list it was still a sight to see, as some of the most famous ’32 Fords ever built were present. From the 75th anniversary to the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum located next to the Fairplex, there was a lot to see and do.
