Goodguys Del Mar Nationals - Where Hot Rods Play

Jeff Sposito, Danville, CA / 1949 Mercury Check out this unchopped, nosed, and decked custom. Tasty pinstriping from Art Himsl on the dash and lots of red vinyl make the inside pop. There’s a ’75 Monte Carlo suspension underneath. Sposito has more plans for the project, but right now he’s having too much fun driving it.

Henry and Mary Ann Rossi, Gilroy, CA / 1932 Ford roadster Starting with a Brookville steel body on a SO-CAL Speed Shop frame, this homebuilt knockout combines the look of an early ’60s hot rod with some beautiful custom touches, including unique hand-carved emblems and trim on the dash, grille, and elsewhere. The spreader bar was once part of a wing strut on a World War II plane.

Brian and Denise Stone, Torrance, CA / 1955 Chevy It’s tough to take a Tri-Five Chevy and depart from nostalgic without going too far, but every detail on this LS1-engined ’55, from the triangulated four-link rear to the ground-level stance to the nickel and brushed bumpers and wild leather interior is imaginative and amazing.

Ryan and Raeleen Vanderhook, Yorba Linda, CA / 1941 Willys coupe As a kid, Ryan used to watch them race at Lions Drag Strip. His all-steel Willys is built from a true ’60s Gasser, and was inspired by the great Big John Mazmanian. The blown ’57 Hemi 392 has ported and polished Junior Johnson heads. Its racing days are over, but it’s still driven and wins a lot of attention.

Nick Kallos, Las Vegas, NV / 1932 Ford roadster Nick Kallos proved a big point when his mostly owner-built, budget ’32 was an AMBR finalist at the Grand National Roadster Show. The chopped and dropped roadster sits on a pinched frame. The sheetmetal mods alone could fill a book. Triple Rochester carbs top a Chevy small-block.

Reginald Jack, Camp Verde, AZ / 1933 Ford roadster Reginald Jack did a great job on this beautifully detailed, just-finished ’33, giving the American Speed body the perfect stance and packing it with a 392ci Chrysler Hemi (not so easy, and only 1/8 inch of clearance when done). The top is retractable and the split bench seat wears brown leather upholstery.

Bruce Ricks, Sapulpa, OK / 1956 Ford Sunliner convertible The 2011 Ridler Award winner, built by Steve Cook, features a body that’s been progressively section wedged and stretched for a truly custom profile. The 427 SOHC engine is fed by dual Autolite 4V carbs. Trim is nickel-plated aluminum. Underneath, there’s a custom tube chassis.

Daryl Ducommun, Larrabee, IA / 1950 Ford coupe Daryl Ducommun’s metallic root beer shoebox, built by Brent Elsen at Dakota Muscle Cars, is custom all over. The glass is flush mounted in the chopped top. Airbag suspension drops it to the ground. The 289 engine is backed by a four-speed. The inside is covered in leather and basket weave Ultrasuede.

Joe Proski, Glendale, AZ / 1950 Mercury Originally built 20 years ago by Squeeg Jerger, the Merc was recently rebuilt by Doug Jerger at Squeegs Kustoms. The engine and suspension is Oldsmobile. Custom elements like frenched headlights and taillights, rounded corners, 3-1/2-inch chop, and Merlot paint, are only partly why Proski’s beautiful sled is the Goodguys West Coast Custom of the Year.