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Trucks of the Grand National Roadster Show 2025

Big, Bold, and Built to Impress—Trucks Prove They Belong in the Custom Scene

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.

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Picture of Jamie Dent

Jamie Dent

Photography by Scott Killeen

The Grand National Roadster Show 2025: A Celebration of Craftsmanship

If there’s one place to see the best of the best, it’s GNRS. Held at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, this 75-year-old institution is where hot rodders and custom builders come to flex their creativity. This year, the show wasn’t just about the usual suspects—trucks stormed the gates and made themselves impossible to ignore. From meticulously restored classics to wild, full-custom builds, the truck scene brought its A-game, proving once and for all that they’re every bit as worthy as their coupe and muscle car counterparts.

The Appeal of Custom Trucks

Why trucks? Simple. They’re big, bold, and ready for just about anything. A truck is a blank slate with endless potential. Want a street-scraping cruiser? No problem. How about a supercharged, tire-shredding monster? Easy. Builders are pushing the boundaries, stuffing these rigs with insane powerplants, radical suspensions, and paint jobs that look a mile deep. The combination of brute force and fine craftsmanship is making trucks the go-to platform for innovation in the hot rodding world.

The Future of Trucks in the Custom Scene

If you think this is just a passing phase, think again. Trucks are here to stay. The GNRS proved that custom trucks aren’t just gaining traction—they’re leading the charge. With more builders investing in high-end truck builds and shows giving them prime real estate, expect to see even crazier, more innovative creations hitting the scene in the coming years. The lines between traditional hot rods, muscle cars, and trucks are blurring, and that’s a very good thing.

Award-Winning Trucks at GNRS 2025

Of course, GNRS isn’t just about showing off—it’s about winning. This year, trucks walked away with some serious hardware:

  • Sweepstakes Truck: Troy Peck’s 1969 Ford F-100 – This award honors the best truck in show, recognizing excellence in design, craftsmanship, and innovation.
  • Sweepstakes Rod: Larry Jacinto’s 1941 Willys Pick Up – Given to the best hot rod-style truck, this award celebrates the fusion of traditional hot rod elements with truck functionality.
  • Triple Gun Award of Excellence: Jimmy Hervatin’s 1952 Ford Pick Up – This prestigious award is given to a vehicle that demonstrates outstanding build quality, attention to detail, and superior execution across all aspects of customization.

These winners didn’t just participate—they dominated. With builds that pushed creativity, power, and detail to the max, they proved that trucks are not just part of the hot rod conversation; they’re leading it. The GNRS 2025 made one thing clear: the custom truck revolution isn’t coming—it’s already here.

1969 F100 “Time Capsule” – Scott’s Hot Rods ‘N Customs

1st Place in Class & Sweepstakes Truck

Troy Peck’s ’69 F100 Bumpside is an outright savage—a perfect blend of old-school cool and modern performance that makes you wanna drop the hammer and never look back. Built on a Scott’s Hotrods ‘n Customs SuperSlam chassis, this thing sits mean and low, with 2×4 frame rails and an 8-point round tube X-member keeping it all locked down. Up front, it’s got Scott’s IFS with a one-piece crossmember, tubular control arms, and Slam Specialties bags that bring it right to the pavement. RideTech shocks, Wilwood six-piston brakes, and a power rack-and-pinion setup mean it’ll carve corners like it’s on rails, while that torsion spline sway bar up front keeps body roll in check. Out back, Scott’s 4-bar rear suspension, a Watt’s link, and a Moser M9 rear end with a 3.70 TrueTrac third member make sure all that power hooks up properly. Oh, and those 13-inch Wilwood four-piston disc brakes? They’ll bring this beast to a dead stop before your brain catches up.

And speaking of power, this rig’s packing a Ford Performance 5.0L Coyote that cranks out 465 horsepower, backed by a 6R80E transmission with a custom drop-out mount. Stainless headers and a MagnaFlow exhaust give it the kind of rumble that makes the hair on your arms stand up. The whole thing is wrapped in a killer Axalta custom blue paint job, sitting on a set of Hot Rods By Bod Sub Zero wheels—20×8.5 up front, 20×12 out back—wrapped in meaty Michelin rubber. Inside, you get Dakota Digital custom gauges, Vintage Air, and a full custom interior that’s as clean as they come. This F100 isn’t just a show queen, though—it’s built to be driven, and with a fully TIG-welded chassis, high-end parts, and a lifetime guarantee, it’s ready to eat up miles and melt some tires in the process.

1941 Willys Pickup – Veazie Bros. Fabrication

1st Place in Class & Sweepstakes Rod Winner

Larry Jacinto’s 1941 Willys pickup isn’t just another show truck—it’s a statement, a tribute, and a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Built by the Veazie Bros. Fabrication, this Willys carries the legacy of trendsetter Bob Bauder and honors the memory of John Peake, making it more than just metal and horsepower. The bodywork and paint, flawlessly executed by Mick’s Paint, bring out the truck’s aggressive stance, while the interior, stitched to perfection by Ron Mangus Interiors, adds a level of refinement that perfectly complements the raw power under the hood. Every detail, from the glasswork by Kotto Auto Glass to the precision wiring by Jax Motorsports, was executed with the kind of care that turns great builds into legends. And that’s exactly what this truck has become—an award-winning showstopper that made an unforgettable debut, taking home the Sweepstakes Rod Trophy and first place in its class.

At the heart of this beast is a blown and injected LS3 built by Jeff Ginter Racing Engines, delivering relentless power through a 4L80 transmission from Maximum Overdrive Transmissions. Out back, a Halibrand “Champ” Quickchange rearend from Speedway Engineering ensures that this Willys doesn’t just look the part—it performs like a true hot rod should. The entire build is a perfect fusion of old-school hot-rodding attitude and modern engineering, a fitting final project for Bauder, whose influence on the custom car world will never be forgotten. Larry Jacinto’s Willys is more than a winner—it’s a rolling tribute to the artistry and dedication of some of the best builders in the business.

1952 Ford F-1 Pickup “Lit-Up” – by Jimmy Hervatin

Triple Gun Award of Excellence

Jimmy Hervatin’s 1951 Ford F1, known as Lit Up, isn’t just another custom—it’s a full-blown work of art, straight out of a Keith Weesner illustration and brought to life by one man’s relentless dedication. Jimmy didn’t just build this truck—he built it, every inch, every panel, every weld, shaping metal like a true craftsman. He started back in 2010 by tearing down a donor truck, sandblasting the cab, and immediately getting to work on a serious chop and section job. The top got a wicked 5 ½-inch chop in the back and 6 inches up front, while the body was sectioned 1 ½ inches for the perfect proportion. But Jimmy wasn’t about to let the rear window turn into a tiny slit, so he only dropped it 3 inches, narrowed it to 28 inches, and placed it just right. He even built a wooden buck and used a homemade Yoder hammer to hand-form a brand-new roof. And that was just the beginning. When he mocked everything up, he decided the stance wasn’t low enough—so instead of hacking up the stock frame, he built a brand-new one from scratch, dropping the truck a full 10 inches.

The final product is pure ‘50s custom magic, featuring a 1954 Oldsmobile 324 under the hood, backed by a T5 5-speed and an Edelbrock tri-power setup. The body? Completely reshaped, with shaved door handles, custom running boards, and a smoothed-out new bed. The paint, also done by Jimmy, is a killer combo of light blue pearl, tri-coat pearl white, and red flames loaded with gold flake—flawless from every angle. And because he wasn’t about to let someone else finish what he started, Jimmy even handled the upholstery, stitching a custom headliner, insert door panels, and a tonneau bed cover himself. Lit Up didn’t just turn heads—it cleaned up on the show circuit, winning awards at AMBR, West Coast Kustoms, and taking home the Triple Gun from Vintage Color Studio. Seeing it in bare metal was impressive, but the finished truck is nothing short of legendary. Jimmy Hervatin didn’t just build a custom—he proved what one man with talent, patience, and a vision can accomplish.

1975 Chevrolet C10 “Lucille 10”– Lakeside Speed and Shine

If you’re a fan of squarebody Chevys, then The Lucille 10 is gonna blow your mind. This ‘75 C10, built by the crew at Lakeside Speed and Shine, is hands down one of the raddest examples of a custom pickup ever to roll into the spotlight. Making its big debut at Dino’s Git Down 2025, this truck didn’t just show up—it dominated. At the 75th Annual Grand National Roadster Show, it took home Best Truck Interior, Best Paint, Best Display, and even a First in Class win. That’s no small feat considering the level of competition at an event like this. But when you’ve got a build that’s this well thought out and executed to perfection, it’s no surprise.

Under the hood, Lucille packs a 427ci LSX topped with a Whipple supercharger, meaning this thing has way more than just good looks—it’s got some serious muscle to back it up. Power gets sent through a 4L80E Gearstar transmission, keeping everything smooth while making sure that big-block punch doesn’t go to waste. The stance is dialed in over Schott wheels wrapped in sticky rubber, with Wilwood disc brakes providing the stopping power. And let’s talk about that interior—Mobile Toys Inc. knocked it out of the park with a fully custom 3D-printed setup that looks straight out of the future. It’s the perfect blend of high-tech craftsmanship and old-school cool, making The Lucille 10 one of the most talked-about trucks on the scene right now.

1949 Willys Pickup – RJ Fabrication

RJ Fabrication, led by the masterful Rob Lindsay, doesn’t just build vehicles—they engineer rolling works of art. Their latest creation, a 1949 Willys pickup transformed into an off-road extra cab monster, is their most ambitious project yet. With 9,000 hours of labor poured into this build, it’s a testament to the team’s craftsmanship, blending classic Willys styling with cutting-edge performance. The cab, stretched using parts from a Willys wagon, was meticulously shaped to look like something Jeep itself might have built, keeping factory lines and beltline moldings intact. The finishing touch? A custom candy paint job laid down by Sylvester’s Customs that makes this Willys gleam like a jewel. But this truck isn’t just for show—it’s built to dominate the dirt. A full chrome-moly tube chassis supports a Triton Engineering front suspension with 22 inches of travel and a custom four-link rear setup offering an insane 30 inches of articulation, the same kind of suspension tech found on Ultra4 race rigs.

Powering this beast is a 427ci LS3, boosted by a 2.9L Whipple supercharger to crank out 870 hp and 930 lb-ft of torque—serious firepower for any terrain. A 4L80E transmission built by Maximum Transmissions delivers the power, complete with modern paddle shifters from Powertrain Solutions. Inside, it’s equal parts rugged and refined, with reupholstered Baja XP seats, two Holley Pro Dash touchscreens, and a trick KC light bar that adjusts from the steering wheel. Cooling was a major challenge, but RJ Fabrication tackled it with a unique airflow system channeling air through the chassis to keep temps in check. Serviceability was also a priority—dry-break fittings, a modular wiring system by Jackson Motorsports, and a removable dash make maintenance a breeze. Even the bed panels were hand-formed aluminum, housing widened stake pockets with integrated electronics and taillights. “This is the highest-end build we’ve ever done,” Rob said, and it’s easy to see why. This Willys isn’t just a custom truck—it’s a next-level engineering masterpiece built to be enjoyed for generations.

1957 Dodge Pickup – Eggleston Kustoms

Dennis Schroeder’s 1957 Dodge pickup isn’t just another custom truck—it’s a full-blown old-school masterpiece, packed with metal mods and dripping with classic custom style. This thing sat on his farm for 35 years, baking in the Kansas sun, before finally getting the extreme makeover it deserved, courtesy of Eggleston Kustoms. And they didn’t hold back. The roof got a 4-inch chop, but instead of hacking up a stock windshield, they grafted in a ’55 Pontiac piece to keep it looking factory-clean. The cab is sectioned, the hood’s pancaked, and the front end got a full facelift with frenched headlights, a rolled pan, one-off bumperettes, and a floating ’57 Chevy grille bar. Out back, it gets even wilder—Sweptside-style bed sides built from ’55 Plymouth quarter panels, custom taillight lenses, and split bumpers that frame up a killer custom rear pan. Wrapped in deep metallic green and rolling on 18- and 20-inch American Racing wheels, this Dodge looks every bit as mean as it is meticulously crafted.

Underneath, this thing is just as dialed-in as the top. The boxed frame holds a Fatman independent front suspension with rack-and-pinion steering, plus a four-link rear setup with coil-overs and a bulletproof 9-inch rear. Power comes from a modern GM 6.0-liter LS3, snarling through a custom exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers and sending power to the pavement through a 4L60E automatic. Inside, it’s just as custom—Eggleston Kustoms blended a ’57 Chevy car dash into the cab, added a custom waterfall console, and set up late-model Chrysler bucket seats wrapped in tan leather and cloth by Eddie’s Rods & Customs. Dakota Digital gauges, a tilt column, and an Impala-style wheel finish it off with just the right mix of vintage and modern. This truck is more than just a showpiece—it’s a rolling statement of what happens when decades of dreaming meet killer craftsmanship.

1961 Ford F-100 Unibody “NIGHTMARE” – Premier Street Rods

The ’62 Ford Unibody from Premier Street Rods is the perfect fusion of old-school cool and modern muscle, built to be driven hard. This truck’s been through its fair share of ups and downs, bouncing between shops before landing with Rick Clutter, who finally teamed up with Premier to get it dialed in. The 347 Stroker, topped with an Inglese 8-stack injection and Holley Terminator ECU, feeds power through a Ford C4 trans to a bulletproof 9-inch rear with 3.70 gears. A full 3-inch Borla exhaust paired with Hedman headers ensures it sounds downright violent. Sitting on a fully custom chassis with AccuAir suspension, it can slam to the pavement or ride smooth and steady on Budnik Knife wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sports. Wilwood brakes bring it to a stop in a hurry, and every panel has been massaged to perfection, with Brandon Sisco refining the metal before Jason Deering laid down a sinister PPG Ford black paint job.

Inside, this thing is all GT40-inspired aggression, thanks to Sew Cal Rods. The custom dash, race-style switches, and low-slung bucket seats give it a supercar feel, while custom leather-wrapped Glide Engineering seats and Motorsport Light Blue trim add a high-end touch. Vintage Air keeps things cool, and a Rockford Fosgate sound system wired up by Premier’s own John Thomas provides the soundtrack. With suicide doors, a pancaked hood, and a reinforced aluminum bed, this truck isn’t just another showpiece—it’s a full-send, tire-shredding masterpiece that proves patience and craftsmanship pay off.

1966 Chevrolet C10 “Fenced In” – Lakeside Rods and Rides

When Dave Gonzales set out to build his dream 1966 Chevy C10, he turned to Roger Burman at Lakeside Rods and Rides, and the result is nothing short of stunning. Nicknamed “Fenced In”, this C10 sits on a Roadster Shop SPEC chassis with air suspension and tucks a set of Billet Specialties 20×8.5 and 22×12 wheels wrapped in Michelin rubber. Under the hood, a 430-horsepower LS3 paired with a 4L65E transmission delivers reliable power, while Baer 14-inch brakes provide serious stopping power. The body is clean and custom, finished in Ford Ranger Saber PPG paint with a blacked-out roof, a one-off tailgate, and subtle fence-themed details tying back to Dave’s fencing business.

Inside, Dan Weber at Weber’s Custom Interiors crafted a sleek yet functional cabin with two-tone brown leather, hydro-dipped woodgrain accents, and a Silverado center console. Dakota Digital gauges, Vintage Air, and Dodge Intrepid seats bring modern comfort, while laser-etched Alcantara adds a custom touch. With a killer stance, a flawless build, and a trophy-winning presence, “Fenced In” proves once again that Lakeside Rods and Rides knows how to build an award-winning C10.

1966 Ford Bronco “PURE” – RMD Garage

If there was ever a 1966 Ford Bronco that embodied meticulous craftsmanship and next-level design, “PURE” is it. This build isn’t just about performance—it’s about precision, detail, and execution, blending classic off-road heritage with a level of refinement rarely seen in custom builds. With an original ‘66 body sitting on a Kincer Freeway Series chassis and powered by a Gen 4 Ford Performance Coyote 5.0, this Bronco is as dialed-in as it is powerful. It’s got the bones to be an absolute trail monster—but let’s be real, it’s so clean you’d probably think twice before ripping through the muddy off-road.

Every inch of “PURE” is carefully thought out, from the Wimbledon White BASF RM paint to the custom-machined aluminum trim and show chrome accents that take it beyond the typical restomod. The handcrafted Moore & Giles leather interior is done to perfection, complete with custom-machined door and rear panels and even matching, hand-stitched leather travel bags. Rolling on Detroit Steel Wheels wrapped in Toyo tires, it has a stance that’s both classic and commanding. And the details? White oak-milled roof rack, laser-engraved stainless steel button head bolts, CNC-machined body modifications—all adding up to a Bronco that’s not just built, but expertly designed down to the finest elements. While it’s more than capable of taking on rough terrain, PURE is a truck you might want to keep polished and pristine—it’s that well-built.

1970 GMC C-15 – Tre 5 Customs

If you like your trucks bold, low, and packed with go-fast attitude, then Brandon Walend’s 1970 GMC C15 is gonna grab your attention—and not just because it’s wearing a whole lot of red. Originally built by Vision Rods and Customs, this bagged beauty now lives under the care of Tre5 Customs, who took an already killer truck and turned it into something next level. Sitting low, mean, and dripping in red, it made a serious impact at the Grand National Roadster Show 2025, proving once again that classic GMC style and modern performance are a match made in custom truck heaven.

Under the hood, there’s an LSX376 throwing down the power, while Baer Brakes make sure things stay under control. The stance is absolutely dialed in, riding on LITESPEED wheels—24x9s up front and massive 24x15s in the rear, giving it an aggressive footprint. But it’s not just about looks—this thing has details for days, including a custom wood bed floor with billet hinges and linear actuators that add just the right touch of high-end craftsmanship. Whether it’s on display or laying frame on the pavement, this Tre5 Customs creation is a red-hot masterpiece that brings classic muscle and modern execution together in all the right ways.

1972 Ford Bronco – Lakeside Speed & Shine

Lakeside Speed and Shine has done it twice at the same show, this time delivering a show-stopping classic Bronco restomod that blends vintage style with modern performance. Making its debut at the Grand National Roadster Show, this Bronco didn’t just turn heads—it took home First in Class and the TMI Products Trim Award. And the best part? Owner Kenny Clark got to see the finished Bronco for the very first time at the show.

Under the hood, this beast is rocking a Gen 3 Coyote 5.0, paired with a 10R80 10-speed automatic, giving it the perfect mix of power and drivability. Built on a Roadster Shop RS4 chassis, it’s ready to take on the road (or the trail) with confidence. Rolling on KMC GRS wheels wrapped in Toyo tires, the stance is dialed in just right. Inside, TMI Products crafted a stunning custom interior, while high-end touches like flush glass, welded body seams, a custom grille and bumpers, a fabricated dash and center console, and one-piece power windows make this Bronco stand out. Add in a digital dash, navigation, cameras, and a custom side exhaust, and you’ve got one of the cleanest, most well-executed 4×4 restomods on the scene.

1972 GMC C1500 “Double Mint” – Big 10 Garage

Big 10 Garage absolutely knocked it out of the park with this build—a complete overhaul packed with top-tier details and serious performance. Making waves at the Grand National Roadster Show, this stunning machine locked down First Place in its class, proving that attention to detail and high-end craftsmanship always rise to the top.

Under the hood, a 454 LSX paired with a Magnuson TVS 2650 supercharger delivers serious power, backed by a rock-solid 4L80 transmission. The foundation is a GSI chassis with Ridetech coil-over suspension, giving this truck a killer stance with handling to match. Wilwood brakes keep everything in check, while the custom stainless exhaust with Magnaflow mufflers makes sure it sounds as mean as it looks. Inside, Bryan Cline worked his magic with a fully custom interior, featuring Dakota Digital gauges for a sleek, modern touch. The exterior is just as stunning, thanks to Squeeg’s Kustoms and GK Kustom, who laid down a show-winning paint job. Rolling on American Racing VF502 wheels, this truck blends classic style with modern performance in a way that only Big 10 Garage can pull off.

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