Chicago World of Wheels 2022
The Chicago World of Wheels is back! And, it was evident from the excitement of the crowd, car enthusiasts were ready to rock and roll. Estimated attendance for this 59th annual three-day show was more than 38,000. With over 1000 vehicles on display at the Stevens Convention Center outside Chicago, there was something for all gear heads to enjoy. This included 750 Hot Rods, Muscle Cars, Low Riders, Custom Bikes, and Trucks on the main show floor, and on the second floor, there was a major block party of 270 Tuners.
On hand to sign autographs were special guests Chip Foose from Foose Design and Danny Koker & Kevin Mack from Count’s Kustoms.
Legend Cup Winner
As with any car show, the question is “Who has the best ride?” At the Chicago World of Wheels motor fest, the top car is awarded the Legend Cup, which has become one of the most highly-coveted awards in the industry. Initially, the show field is narrowed down to the 20 best. From this group, the top six, known as the “Select Six,” are chosen. It’s quite an accomplishment to be in this final group, considering the caliber of vehicles competing. Then, from this group of finalists, an overall winner is picked.
This year’s winner was a 1941 Chevy Fleetline, owned by Wes Rydell of Grand Forks, ND, and built by Rad Rides by Troy of Manteno, IL. Although Chevy did not build a two-door coupe, the team at Rad Rides by Troy created a stunning one-off custom build with all modern technology under the skin. In the video below, Wes describes “Fleet 41” and his plans after the car has completed the show circuit.
Select Six
These are the Select Six for the 2022 Chicago World of Wheels. Each one of these custom builds is an example of high-end design, fabrication, and creativity. It couldn’t have been easy to select the winner of the Legend Cup from this stellar group of finalists.
1932 Ford Roadster, “Boost Deuce”
Builder: Nicholas Paint and Fab, Watseka, IL
Owner: John Sutherland, Pekin, IL
1941 Chevy Fleetline, “Fleet 41”
Builder: Rad Rides by Troy, Manteno, IL
Owner: Wes Rydell, Grand Forks, ND
1936 Pontiac, “Prohibition”
Owner & Builder: Glenn See, The Garaj Mahal , Maryville, TN
1933 Ford Roadster, “P33 Venom”
Builder: Garrett’s Rod Shop, Columbus, OH
Owner: Virgil Winland, Columbus, OH
1951 Studebaker Pickup, “Bertha”
Builder: U.S. 12 Speed & Custom, Buffalo, MI
Owner: Jim & Rhonda Sappenfield, Buffalo, MI
1968 Road Runner, “Nevermore”
Builder: Charlies Custom Creations & Machine, Nashville, TN
Owner: Charlie Swanson, Murfreesboro, TN
Top Twenty and Other Eye-Catching Cars
1964 Chevy Impala, “Dream Blue 64”
Owner: Javier Zamora Jr., Chicago, IL
Walk Through Chicago World of Wheels
