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Spotlighter
Triple Crown of Muscle Cars 2024
Builders Flex Their Muscle Cars in the ultimate throw down for the crown
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen & The Auto Builder Staff
A Showcase of Power and Craftsmanship
The Triple Crown of Rodding isn’t just an event—it’s a battleground where the world’s finest muscle cars and custom rods come to claim their place among legends. In 2024, this showcase of horsepower and craftsmanship cemented itself as a must-hit for anyone who eats, sleeps, and breathes the rumble of a V8. If you’re obsessed with torque and tire smoke, this was the event of the year.
Mind-Blowing Muscle Cars on Display
Picture this: row after row of mind-blowing muscle cars, each one built to perfection. Whether it was a ‘70 Hemi ‘Cuda with its unmistakable stance or a Pro-Touring Camaro designed to dominate both the track and the street, the quality on display was unreal. This wasn’t just about showing off restored classics; it was about pushing the boundaries of custom builds. These machines weren’t just restored; they were reborn, enhanced, and tuned to a razor’s edge. Every car told a story—of horsepower, precision, and passion.
Fierce Competition for the Crown
And man, the competition? Brutal. These rides didn’t just look good; they packed the performance to back it up. The builders went all-in, leaving nothing on the table. Whether it was flawless bodywork or killer custom interiors, these cars were ready to throw down for the crown. Sure, not every muscle machine left with a trophy, but if you were there, you know each one was worthy of high praise.
The Challenge of Judging Excellence
Judging these beasts wasn’t easy—how do you even pick favorites when every car in the lot could be on a magazine cover? But that’s what makes the Triple Crown of Rodding so special. The cars here weren’t just vehicles; they were statements—built to challenge everything we know about power, design, and innovation.
A Glimpse into the Future of Hot Rodding
From classic muscle cars that roar with old-school soul to modern builds pushing the envelope of performance and style, the 2024 Triple Crown was a glimpse into the future of the hot rod world. If you missed it this year, no worries, we’ve got you covered in our exclusive coverage. You’d better start planning for 2025—this is the event that leaves car guys and gals hungry for more, year after year.
1966 Chevrolet “Calamity Corvette”- Arizona Custom Car Design
Arizona Custom Car Design had one mission: turn a factory Small-block Corvette into a jaw-dropping masterpiece. And man, did they deliver. After a rough start at another shop, the car landed in their hands needing serious help. Partnering up with Dynamic Corvette’s ZR1 widebody kit, they started by reshaping the body lines to make it all look like one factory-fit unit, even though it’s far from stock. The idea? Take the classic body and drop it onto a modern platform, making it look like it was born that way.
Arizona Custom Car Design transformed this Corvette with a Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis, Baer brakes, and AG Luxury wheels, ensuring top-tier performance and style. Under the hood, a Chevrolet Performance LS3 495hp crate motor, paired with custom hood hinges, made the engine bay a showpiece. Inside, The Custom Stitching Co. brought luxury with whiskey leather and cream Alcantara from Apex Leather. After months of meticulous work, the car made its stunning debut at The Triple Crown of Rodding, showcasing the power of vision and expert craftsmanship.
1968 Chevrolet “Nova X”- Mike House
Mike House’s LS-swapped ’68 Nova hit the Triple Crown of Rodding in Nashville, and it’s the kind of car that keeps you coming back for a second look. At first glance, it’s clean, but the more you dig in, the more custom work jumps out. It’s sitting on Boze Alloy wheels and packed with an interior by L&L Street Rods. That silver and black paint? Sharp as hell, especially with just the right pop of highlighter yellow to make it stand out. This pro touring beast is all about subtlety, power, and killer attention to detail.
1966 Ford Mustang- Hot Rods by JSK
Jay and Tonya Johnston’s ’66 Mustang is the kind of build that stops you in your tracks. No wonder it scored a Top 5 finalist spot for Goodguys Street Machine of the Year in Columbus earlier this year. This pony’s got all the right moves—riding on a Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis and packing a supercharged 5.0 Coyote under the hood. It rolls on Schott Wheels, and inside, it’s dialed with Classic Instruments gauges and Vintage Air A/C to keep things cool. This isn’t just a looker—it’s a full-blown performer with the attitude to match.
1962 Chevrolet Bel Air – Wooding’s Auto Body Works, Inc
Check out Norwood Wooding’s ’62 Chevy Bel Air, rocking the show at The Triple Crown of Rodding! This stunning bubble top is a perfect mix of classic style and modern muscle. The deep maroon paint is as smooth as glass, and while it looks stock at first glance, there’s a beast hiding under the hood: an LS3 Corvette engine that’ll definitely get those tires smoking! With Billet Specialty wheels and Wilwood brakes peeking out, this ride isn’t just for show—it’s built to go. Norwood’s craftsmanship shines through, and you can see his family’s legacy of hot rodding in every inch of this flawless machine.
1969 Dodge Charger “Betty” – Cars Reimagined
Check out this jaw-dropping 1969 Dodge Charger Hellephant “Betty”, designed by Don Gasiunas and Travis Highlander. “Betty” is a build that’s taken muscle car madness to a whole new level! This Mopar custom rides on an Art Morrison Enterprises Sport GT chassis. Under the hood, you’ll find a supercharged 426 Hemi crate engine cranking out a jaw-dropping 1,000 horsepower and 950 lbs of torque. This beast is one of only 100 units worldwide, and this is #4 of the limited run—talk about rare!
Don Gasiunas and his team knocked it out of the park with this one, blending classic Charger styling with cutting-edge performance. It’s not just about raw power; this baby earned multiple awards at the 2024 Toronto Motorama, including the coveted ‘Best Engineered’ and ‘Best Interior’ titles.
Don and his team designed a custom 1969 Charger Real Ram Air Hood and will be releasing 100 units worldwide for sale. From the custom Real Ram Air hood to the high-performance Baer brakes, every detail screams innovation. Step inside, and you’re enveloped in luxury with precision-stitched leather and strategic lighting that won ‘Best Lighted Display’ at the 2024 Toronto Motorama. This Charger is a masterpiece of automotive artistry, proving once again that muscle cars can be both classic and contemporary. Buckle up; this ride is ready to dominate the streets!
1958 Chevrolet Bel Air “California Dreamin’”- George Donaldson
Check out George Donaldson’s jaw-dropping 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air, aptly named “California Dreamin’.” Built and painted by George himself, this ride showcases some of the best paint work we spotted at the show. The metal flake in that gold is like a million points of light—stare at it too long, and it might just knock your eyes out!
This two-tone ’58 Impala is more than just a car; it’s a tribute to the vibrant car culture of the ’60s. The custom grille mods add a unique touch that pairs perfectly with the choice of spoked wheels. The crisp white paint flows seamlessly across the top, accented by some slick scallops and sharp pinstriping. “California Dreamin’” isn’t just a name; it’s an experience that transports you straight back to the golden age of cruising.
1969 Pontiac GTO “Over Lord” – Miranda Built
Feast your eyes on this jaw-dropping 1969 Pontiac GTO “Over Lord”, rocking a two-tone brown, satin over slick paint scheme with a gold pinstripe that’s a game changer. Who would’ve thought that two-tone brown could look this good! This GTO wears that paint like a champ, and the way they cut the two-tone edge? Super slick, if you ask us.
Inside, you’ve got a tan custom leather interior that’s the icing on the cake for this Miranda Built masterpiece showcased at the Goodguys Summit Racing Nationals. This Pontiac has an aggressive stance, but there’s a playful edge that peeks through in just the right spots. The interior strikes that perfect balance of “almost over the top” without crossing the line. It’s the ideal blend of modern flair, custom touches, and high-end luxury—seriously, we’re in love with that interior!
Pop the hood, and you’ll find a reworked LS1 engine that’s cleanly installed. This ’69 Goat was built to be driven, so there are no flashy custom panels—just a color-matched engine and the essentials to keep it running smoothly. Plus, everything from the suspension to the brakes has been upgraded with modern tech, ensuring it turns and stops as good as it looks while handling all that added horsepower. We’re massive fans of this 1969 Pontiac GTO, and Miranda Built absolutely nailed it!
1972 Plymouth Cuda – Campbell Auto Restoration
Jason Johnson’s ’72 “Bar-a-Cuda” is a masterclass in Mopar muscle. With every badge, mirror, and handle shaved, this Cuda is as slick as they come. Massive Budniks wrapped in Pirelli P Zeros keep it stuck to the road, and an Art Morrison chassis paired with Detroit Speed suspension make it handle like a dream. Under the hood? A monstrous 528ci Hemi, mated to a Tremec 6-speed, sending power to a beefy Dana 60 rear. This is one ‘Cuda that means business!
1959 Chrysler 300 “1000X” – American Legends Hotrods and Muscle Cars
Check out this incredible custom 1959 Chrysler 300 that takes pro-touring to a whole new level! Owner Randy Kohltfarber had a vision for modernizing this classic, and he nailed it after scoring a ’59 Chrysler 300 E on eBay. Teaming up with Tony Arme from American Legends Hotrods and Muscle Cars, they turned this beauty into a head-turner with a sleek two-tone paint job, custom 3D-printed taillights, and flush glass that screams “look at me!”
Under the hood, you’ve got a blown 6.2-liter Hellcat Hemi V8 cranking out a jaw-dropping 1,000 horsepower, all backed by a Bowler-prepped Tremec six-speed transmission for smooth shifts. This bad boy rides on a custom Roadster Shop FastTrack chassis loaded with air springs, Wilwood disc brakes, and killer Avant Garde wheels. It’s not just about looks—this Chrysler is built to handle the road and put that power to the pavement!
Slide inside, and you’ll find modern leather upholstery over original swivel seats and custom 3D-printed door panels, topped off with Dakota Digital gauges. The attention to detail is insane! This Chrysler 300 isn’t just a nostalgic nod to the past; it’s a bold statement about the future of classic cars, proving that you can blend old-school vibes with cutting-edge performance and style. Buckle up—this ride is ready to dominate the streets!
1971 AMC Javelin AMX – Tim Kemp
You don’t see these every day, especially in this kind of condition. This ’71 Javelin AMX is a real gem, marking the first year for the Javelin AMX and first year for AMC’s big 401 V8—making it a serious contender in the muscle car scene. Other than the modern sized Cragars, this thing looks like it’s been frozen in time since 1971. From the beefy fender lines to the twin-canopy roof and those full-width tail lights, it’s got all the cool details that make it stand out. Throw in the Go Package and the 401, and you’ve got a legit street brawler with some killer style. It’s one of those underrated cars that deserves way more love!
1970 Dodge Challenger “Sinister” – Eric Brockmeyer
Rich and Cindy Purdie’s 1970 Dodge Challenger “Sinister” is a total head-turner, especially with that insane “Toxic Guacamole” paint. This custom mix from House of Kolor is an eye-popping, electric green that practically glows in the sunlight, perfectly offset by sleek bronze accents that scream modern muscle. The widened rear quarters and raised wheel arches give it a seriously aggressive stance, while the tucked bumpers and custom splitter dial in the attitude even more.
Step inside, and you’ll see that Steve Holcomb from Pro Auto Custom Interiors has knocked it out of the park. The custom leather interior, designed by Eric Brockmeyer, fits right in with those bronze highlights, creating a cohesive and sharp look. From the reworked dash to the tailored console and modernized door panels, every inch feels custom-crafted for this beast. It’s a perfect blend of elegance and raw power that matches the striking “Toxic Guacamole” exterior and the Hellcat HEMI lurking under the hood. With its killer body mods and standout features like a tucked bumper and custom splitter, “Sinister” isn’t just a car; it’s a next-level street machine!
1964 Ford Falcon – Steve Pryor
Check out Steve Pryor’s 1964 Ford Falcon from Centreville, MD—this beauty’s got slick red paint that pops and a custom tan leather interior that screams class. Under the hood? A tidy engine bay cradling a Carter ABD carbed big block Ford engine with dual cold air intakes. This ride is clean, mean, and ready to tear up the streets!
1964 Chevrolet Nova “Root Beer Float” – Lo-Man Rods
Ah, the nostalgia of the first car! For Shari Doggett, that cherished ride is her ’64 Nova, a gift from her dad for just $50 back in ’73. Originally a farm vehicle, it underwent a stunning transformation at Lo-Man Rods into the eye-catching ‘Root Beer Float.’ Under the hood lies a Blueprint Engines 383 small block, paired with a 200R4 overdrive transmission, topped with an Inglese intake and four Weber IDF carburetors.
The immaculate engine bay showcases meticulous attention to detail, while the PPG Root Beer finish gleams in the sunlight. Inside, the modified bench seat features almond-colored leather with Deco Bronze woven inserts, complemented by a hidden Sony radio and Kicker speakers. With a Scott’s Hotrods front suspension and Competition Engineering rear frame rails, this Nova is a perfect blend of style and performance, ensuring Shari and Paul keep creating lasting memories together!
1961 Chevrolet Corvette – Steve Weaver
Check out this stunning 1961 Corvette owned by Steve Weaver from Vaiden, MS! With its sleek black and silver paintwork, this classic beauty is a real head-turner, and the custom red interior adds a touch of bold elegance. Every detail of this Corvette shines, showcasing Steve’s dedication to keeping this iconic ride in pristine condition. Whether cruising down the highway or parked at a show, this ’61 Corvette is a timeless classic that demands attention!
1959 Chevrolet Impala – Steve Cook Creations
Check out David and Robin Rush’s 1959 Chevrolet Impala—a true showstopper that turned heads at the 2024 Grand National Roadster Show, snagging the coveted Al Slonaker Memorial Award. This beauty, crafted by the talented folks at Steve Cook Creations in Oklahoma City, boasts a long, low, and swoopy design that’s simply irresistible. The flawless BASF Adventurine Green Pearl paint shines like no other, and the symmetry in the engine bay is a testament to top-notch craftsmanship.
Pop the hood, and you’ll find a modern LS engine that’s been cleverly dressed to look like a classic 409 W. This Impala rides on a Roadster Shop chassis with Baer brakes, ensuring it not only looks incredible but performs like a dream. Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by an interior that perfectly blends vintage charm with contemporary style—check out that square-bottom steering wheel and the luxurious leather upholstery. It’s a ride that encapsulates the best of both worlds, making it a standout on any stage.
