Goodguys East Coast Nationals - Rockin' In Rhinebeck

Pat and Donna McNeely's '39 Merc convertible is one nice ride. This Commack, NY-based ragtop sports a 370hp John Barrett small-block Chevy, Fatman Fabrications suspension, a beautiful Dondi interior, and a cool Candy Green paint job from Bel-Air Auto Collision.

Big Joe Iannone's first foray from customs to hot rods was a definite home run! His old-school hammered A-coupe sports a 368-cube SBC backed by a four-speed and has been hammered 'n' channeled and graced with a helping of heavy-duty metalflake.

One of the nicest contemporary rods I'd seen in a long time was Frank Chicherchia's SpeedStar coupe. This sterling silver beauty had no expense spared in its construction and has a list of features way too long to get into here. This is a car you've got to see in person to appreciate.

I found Bill Barrett's Deuce over in the Homebuilt Heaven corral and instantly fell in lust. This traditional-style '32 is a sparkling example of a homebuilt hot rod done right. Congrats, Mike, your hot rod's a definite winner in my book.

North Carolina hot rod builder Rich Oakley is always good for at least a couple of outstanding hot rods a year, and his competition-inspired '29 roadster is a shining example of his talents. The drilled framerails, six-deuce carb setup, and relocated radiator set this bad boy apart from the crowd.

Gene Morin's West Hartford, CT-based full-fendered roadster is a gem, and perhaps one of the classiest Deuces I've seen in a long, long while. And believe it or not, Gene's '32 is another homebuilt hot rod-right down to its flawless glass-smooth paint job. You'll be getting a closer look at this one as a full feature in an upcoming issue as well.

High Point, NC's Don Raker is the rightfully proud owner of this awe-inspiring '29 A roadster, and as politically incorrect as it might be to say, it was my favorite car of the show. Keep your eyes peeled for a full feature on this beauty in the near future! In addition to the other rod on this page, it's also an example of builder Rich Oakley's incredible talent.

Al Liebmann motored up to Rhinebeck from New Jersey behind the wheel of this way-cool five-window to join in on the fun. The all-steel coupe features a healthy 348 backed by a TH400 and rolls on a traditional favorite-Radir five-spokes.

Another shoe-in for Top 10 recognition was Dick Applegate's flawless '40 sedan. This awesome ride is a shining example of the caliber of street rods you'll see at Rhinebeck each and every year, and it's definitely one of the finest standards on which I've laid eyes.

Mike Gibb's Deuce pickup is one heck of a nice hauler. The Warwick, RI-based '32 is powered by a Tri-power-equipped, 327-cube, small-block Chevy backed by a TH350.