Top Five Custom Car Builds for 2022
Cockpit of the ’33 Ford Roadster built by Garret’s Rod Shop
Someone once said that the first car race took place when the second car was produced. While that may be a bit of an exaggeration, the point being made is valid – competition will surely follow when at least two gearheads aim to be the best. Custom car building is no exception. Each project starts as an inspiration, but if the owners have the required resources and the builder has the talent, the dream of winning one of the major automotive awards soon becomes the ultimate goal.
For the builders who strive to compete at the highest level, there are a series of national classic car shows held every year. Major events, such as the Detroit Autorama, Grand National Roadster Show, Chicago World of Wheels, Goodguys Nationals, NSRA Nationals, and SEMA always attract the hobby’s best. Judging for each event has a slightly different focus. At some shows, it is the overall elegance of the build or the engineering involved, or it may be a combination of innovation and craftsmanship. Therefore, a car may be the top pick at one event but not necessarily chosen best in show at another. To be selected to compete at one of these events is in itself an acknowledgment of the builder’s talent, but to win can be the pinnacle of personal achievement in the hobby. Here are the five vehicles that won top honors this year and therefore are arguably the best builds in 2022. Also, we included four additional custom builds we liked that followed the show circuit this year.
1934 Chevrolet “Lucille”
Award: 2022 Grand National Street Rod AMBER award and Goodguys Street Rod of the Year award
Owner: Jeff Breault of Wichita, Kansas
Builder: Devlin Rod and Custom
Vital Stats: Engine, Transmission, Chassis, Wheels, Paint, and Interior
“Lucille” is masterfully understated with just enough brightwork to accent the dark blue body lines. Every part has a look of elegance, with nothing added that would take away from its clean look. Under the skin, the running gear is all modern equipment for carefree cruising. This is one of those cars that takes you by the surprise – the closer you get, the more impressed you will be by the craftsmanship that went into this incredible Build.
For more about Lucille, check out our interview below with the builder, Kevin Devlin.
1931 Chevrolet Independence Coupe “Sho Bird”
Award: 2022 Detroit Autorama Ridler Award
Owner: Rick and Patty Bird of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania
Builder: Pro Comp Custom
Vital Stats: Engine, Transmission, Chassis, Wheels, Paint, and Interior
This year the ‘Ridler’ title went to a 1931 Chevy Coupe called “Sho Bird.” In a competition that always attracts some of the most radical creations on four wheels, Sho Bird took customizing to the next level. Nothing subtle here. With twin turbos hanging on the front of the engine, and a bright candy paint, this is a show car on steroids. Here’s a link with details of ‘Sho Bird’ (Motor Trend)
1931 Chevy Coupe Sho Bird
Photo by Jordon Scott (Motor Trend)
1932 Ford Coupe “Gauntt Coupe”
Award: 2022 Grand National Roadster, Al Slonaker award and Goodguys Street Rod d’Elegance
Owner: Pat Gauntt of San Antonio, TX
Builder: Hollywood Hot Rods
Vital Stats: Engine, Transmission, Chassis, Wheels, Paint, and Interior
Although there may be more customized Ford deuce coupes than any other open-wheeled hot rod, this ’32 Coupe, which may be the best one yet, proved there can never be too. There was a wealth of information about this year’s winner of the Al Slonaker award – Best non-roadster at the Grand National Roadster Show. Both highly detailed and elegantly finished throughout, its design has been compared to automobiles of the European Grand Masters of the ‘30s.
Here are links detailing the body metal work (Modern HotRodding Tech) and finished build (Fuel Curve, Goodguys).
Photos by Steven Bunker & Tyler Clemmensen (Goodguys)
1935 Ford Roadster “Sage”
Award: 2022 NSRA Builder of the Year Award and AMBR finalist
Owner: Joe Faso
Builder: Lakeside Hot Rods and Rides
Vital Stats: Engine, Transmission, Chassis, Wheels, Paint, and Interior
This builder begins with the flowing lines of the ’35 Ford with then tastefully massages the body to give this drop top a cool factor that is off the charts. Enhancing the look, the builder chose a rich green exterior with a burgundy interior that may seem like an unusual color combination. But, for this car, it is absolutely the right choice. In the below interview, the builder, Roger Burman, describes his car and his inspiration for creating this gorgeous ride.
1948 Chevy Loadmaster “Enyo”
Award: 2022 SEMA “Battle of the Builders” winner
Owner: Ring Brothers, from Wisconsin
Builder: Ring Brothers
Vital Stats: Engine, Transmission, Chassis, Wheels, Paint, and Interior
Here is a truly one-off custom truck like no other. Although there is a resemblance of the hauler’s cab with a stubby bed out back, this is only modified sheet metal covering a high-tech racing machine. Still “streetable” but more at home on the track, this open-wheeled racer is infused with F1 independent cantilever suspension, engine cooling fans behind the cab, and an abundant use of light-weight carbon fiber components. The punch for Loadmaster is provided by the custom-built LS 1000 HP power plant.
Here is a link with details of ‘ Enyo’ (Iron & Air)
Photos by David Heller
Of course, there were many more great custom builds that debuted in 2022. Here are four more great custom builds in 2022 that we liked.
1933 Ford Roadster, “P33 Venom”
Award: Chicago World of Wheels – Select Six
Builder: Garret’s Rod Shop
Vital Stats: Engine, Transmission, Chassis, Wheels, Paint, and Interior
1951 Studebaker Pickup “Bertha”
Award: Detroit Autorama – Great 8 and Chicago World of Wheels – Select Six
Builder: U.S. 12 Speed and Custom
Vital Stats: Engine, Transmission, Chassis, Wheels, Paint, and Interior
1936 Pontiac Two-door Sedan “Prohibition”
Award: Detroit Autorama – Great 8 and Chicago World of Wheels – Select Six
Builder: The Garaj Mahal
Vital Stats: Engine, Transmission, Chassis, Wheels, Paint, and Interior
1932 Ford Roadster “The Cusey Roadster”
Award: Grand National Roadster Show AMBR finalist and Invited to Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
Builder: Jamie Johnson’s Hot Rod Haven
Vital Stats: Engine, Transmission, Chassis, Wheels, Paint, and Interior
If you feel we missed a top custom build in 2022, send us a message. We’d certainly like to hear from you.
Also, get ready for 2023. There are rumors that one or more high-profile shops have something in the works next year so it should be another fun ride in ‘23 when these new builds hit the show circuit.
For a look at classic car auction news that made headlines in 2022, go here.
