It was a busy spring for the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association. The season started with four big events in a row beginning in Scottsdale, Arizona and winding up a month later in Del Mar, California after stops in Texas and Northern California.
The first major awards of the season were presented along the way including the Goodguys 2011 Mother's West Coast Custom of the Year and the Goodguys 2011 March Performance Street Rod d'Elegance.
In Pleasanton it was Joe Proski's traditionally styled '50 Merc that took home the West Coast Custom of the Year crown. After years of running the car in its 90's trim, Squeeg Jerger of Squeeg's Customs in Chandler, Arizona talked Joe into a complete overhaul, transforming the car from a dated custom rod into a timeless, traditional custom. The Squeeg's team did yeoman's work relocating the bumpers, adding a drip rail, reworking the doors and new grill, completely reworking the interior and smoothing it all out before applying the custom mixed PPG merlot paint.
Joe spent his entire professional career as the head strength and conditioning coach for the Arizona Suns NBA team but now enjoys retirement behind the wheel of his award winning Merc custom.
Down in Ol' Del Mar, Jeffrey Chandler's '33 Ford roadster was crowned this year's Street Rod d'Elegance. Designed by Chris Ito, every inch of Chandler's one-off all steel roadster was completely hand formed and fabricated by Steve's Auto Restorations in Portland, Oregon. The hand built chassis with tubular cross-members features a split dropped axle that allows the front wheels to articulate independently of each other and a wickedly sleek stance. A Mustang Cobra IRS transfers the power from a supercharged Mustang Cobra 4.6 liter engine. The cutting edge burgundy & black two-tone street rod was upholstered by Sid Chavers.
Both winners will receive custom Snap-on toolboxes (vinyl wrapped to feature images of their award winning cars) as well as travel accommodations to the Goodguys 14th Southwest Nationals November 18-20 at Westworld in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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