Top 12 Classic Car Builds of 2017

In 2017 this group of top Builds made the show circuit, with stops at premier classic car events such as Detroit Autorama in Michigan, Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, CA, Hot August Nights in Reno, NV, Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, KY, and Goodguys PPG Nationals in Columbus, OH. Along the way, these best of the best wowed show attendees and received some of the most coveted awards in the hobby. Here are our picks for a 12-bay dream garage, filled with 2017’s crop of masterpieces.
1936 Packard “Mulholland Speedster”
Builder: Hollywood Hot Rods of Burbank, CA
Awards: National Roadster Show America’s Most Beautiful Roaster, Hot August Nights Cup, and Goodguys Street Rod d’Elegance
1933 Ford Roadster “Renaissance Roadster”
Owner: Buddy Jordan of Portland, Oregon
Builder: Steve’s Auto Restoration, Portland, OR
Awards: Detroit Autorama Ridler Award and Goodguys “Most Beautiful Street Rod”
By winning the coveted Ridler award at the Detroit Autorama, this Ford roadster gets an automatic entry in any list of dream cars for 2017. Elegant, inside and out, this stunning burgundy Tudor, checks off all the boxes. It’s definitely hard not to stare at this piece of automotive jewelry. See More…
1941 Ford Pickup “Gold Standard
Owner: Ed Sears of Annapolis, Maryland
Builder: One Off Rod & Customs of Middletown, DE
Awards: Detroit Autorama Great 8 Finalist and Goodguys Truck of the Year (Early)
1932 Ford Tudor “GTP”
Owner: George Poteet of Memphis, Tennessee
Builder: Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop of Gadsden, AL
Awards: Detroit Autorama Great 8 Finalist and Goodguys Street Rod of the Year
There are probably more Deuce Coupes built than any other hot rod, but it would be difficult to find one that has been taken to the level of this black beauty. Looking at the racked silhouette is the first clue that this car is something special. Then, when you see the custom Y block 312 engine and unique interior, it’s obvious that this is a one-of-a-kind Deuce. See More…
1954 Corvette “Transitions”
Builder: Griffey’s Hot Rods and Restorations of Knoxville, TN
Awards: Great 8 Finalist, NSRA Pro’s Pick (NSRA’s most outstanding car for 2017) and a top contender for Goodguys Custom Rod of the Year
1937 Ford “After Shock”
Builder: Rick Dore Kustoms, CA
Awards: America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) Finalist and Outstanding Engineering Award, both at the Grand National Roadster Show
1951 Ford “GT-51 Coupe”
Owner: Bruce Leven of Auburn, WA
Builder: Wicked Fabrication of Auburn, WA
Awards: Grand National Roadster Show’s Best Custom and Goodguys Custom Rod of the Year
If Ford had decided to challenge Ferrari on the track a decade earlier, this is probably what the race car would have looked like, although perhaps not quite as refined at this over-the-top show car, with its lavish use of chrome and fancy two-toned leather seats. Nevertheless, all the important race car setup is in place to make this a true track star, starting with a modern tuned suspension, 4-wheel disk brakes, juiced up Lincoln power, and streamlining body mods. Wouldn’t you want to do some hot laps on a twisty road course in this Shoebox?
1949 Chevy C10 Pickup “Heirloom”
Builder: Collvins Collision and Customs of Mount Vernon, Texas
Awards: Detroit Autorama Great 8 Finalist and Goodguys Truck of the Year Finalist
1966 Corvette “Split Ray”
Builder: The Auto Shoppe of Burlington, Vermont
Awards: Detroit Autorama Great 8 Finalist
There’s nothing new about a wide-bodied second generation Corvette; however, this very unique Vette was widened by cutting down the center and then adding 6 3/8” between the two halves. Then, two extra tail lights were added to the rear and the front was massaged to compensate for the wider stance. In the cockpit, the interior was modeled after the C7s, and up front, modern Corvette power upgrades were installed. What makes this Build so spectacular is that it doesn’t look really modified, but rather a professionally enhanced version of the iconic “mid-year” Corvette body style. See More…
1930 Ford Model A Coupe “After Thought”
Builder: Cal Automotive Creations of Bennington, NE
Awards: Detroit Autorama Great 8 Finalist
1932 Ford Pickup “Time Merchant”
Builder: Goolsby Customs of Hueytown, AL
Awards: America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) Finalist, and Outstanding Paint, Outstanding Undercarriage, and Outstanding Engine — all at the Grand National Roadster Show
It’s the gorgeous blue paint that first grabs your attention, but the rich contrasting interior and wooden bed seals the deal. But, that’s not all. When you see those bicycle-type fenders, you know you’re in the midst of a one-of-kind, slamming pickup. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the “Time Merchant” incorporates several donor items from an Olds, including the chromed-out engine, dash instruments and wheel caps. This is one sweet ride.
1950 Studebaker Starlite Coupe “Tribute to Memphis Bell, B17 Flying Fortress”
Builder: Anton’s Hot Rod Shop of Hiram, OH
Awards: Builder’s Choice Showcase at National Street Road Association, Louisville, KY
This article has been prepared in collaboration with Cars-On-Line. For weekly news about the collector car hobby, subscribe to their newsletter. For live reports from many of the national car events across the country, follow eClassicAutos on Twitter and Facebook, and mark your calendar for upcoming car shows and auctions by checking out our Events Calendar. If you didn’t see a 2017 Custom Build in our list that you feel should be there, contact us. |