CleanTools is proud to announce that Gene and Earlene Elpers of Evansville, Indiana were crowned the winners of the 2009 CleanTools Legend Cup award with their 1946 Chevy pickup truck "Ballistic". They were onsite to accept the $5,000 cash prize along with a stunning perennial trophy that stands over five feet tall and honors "the best of the best."
Constructed over a period of seven years, "Ballistic" features hundreds of body modifications ranging from a 1937 Ford-inspired grill to a one-piece molded cab and bed combination. The truck is powered by a fuel-injected 6.1 Chrysler Hemi V-8 and backed by a Chrysler transmission. Gene described the honor of winning the CleanTools Legend Cup as "Super Good!" and that the key to the truck's success has been the attention to detail. "Everything had to be right and had to look just right," Gene added.
Over the course of the three-day event, the CleanTools Legend Cup elite advisory board (consisting of eight of the custom car building industry's most prominent leaders) slowly narrowed the competition to find "the best of the best."
Top Six Select Cars (In no particular order):
1946 Chevy Pickup "Ballistic" - Overall Winner of the CleanTools Legend Cup (see details above)
1947 Ford Sportsman Woodie - This 1947 Ford Sportsman Woodie is owned by Jim and Pat Talaga of Plainfield, Illinois and sports a traditional woodie look and modern powertrain. The maroon body and perfectly finished wood surround a lowered Air Ride chassis and an EFI Lincoln 4.6L V-8 engine.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro "Razor" - Erv and Bonnie Woller's 1969 Camaro "Razor" is the latest creation from the Ring Brothers, and it's racking up trophies at every show. Pushing the pro-touring style to new levels, "Razor" features hundreds of subtle body modifications and an interior reminiscent of the latest concept cars. "Razor" is powered by a limited edition Chevrolet ZL1 EFI big-block and performs as well as it looks.
1933 Willys - John Mai's 1933 Willys captivated the crowd with its stunning candy-orange paint and creative custom touches. The interior features a custom-formed dash, console, and door panels, with seats covered in buttery tan leather. The small-block Chevy V-8 under the hood is just as smooth, with all the components detailed to perfection - including the block and heads.
1933 Ford Pickup "Tangerine Scream" - Scott and Jane Billish's 1933 Ford pickup looks like a screamer, too. Powered by a giant, supercharged Hemi, "Tangerine Scream" features tons of vintage custom tricks. The Edsel grille shell and the glittery upholstery were especially nice. Wide, white cheater slicks and perfect paint completed the package.
1937 Ford Cabriolet "Velocity" - The 1937 Ford Cabriolet named "Velocity" demonstrates how the original shape of a vintage ragtop can be transformed into a slick showstopper. In addition to the spectacular orange candy paint, the extra details like the flowing side-trim and Carson top tie it all together. An EFI Chevy V-8 provides the power and a full tube chassis keeps the Cabrio rolling true.
About the CleanTools Legend Cup
The CleanTools Legend Cup is awarded to the best first-time entry at the Chicago World of Wheels custom car show, as selected by the show's advisory board. Designed by Larry Williams, built by Howe Industries, the stunning CleanTools Legend Cup trophy's perennial base stands five feet tall. The removable cup that sits atop the base, along with a $5,000 cash prize, is presented to the winner, and the winner's name is added to the base of the trophy. Entries are judged according to International Show Car Association (ISCA) rules and by the following criteria: style and design, workmanship, degree of difficulty, engineering, presentation, theme, and detail.