One of the joys of living in California is the year-round car scene – no salted roads, no hurricanes, no dead batteries and stale gas after months of sitting, and if you’re always out cruising, you may not even feel the occasional earthquake! For the past two years, the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association [2] has been taking advantage of the fair skies and 70-degrees-in-November SoCal climate by holding their year-ending event in beautiful sea-side Del Mar, California. The 2nd Fall Del Mar Nationals [3] brought car enthusiasts from as far as Canada to the Del Mar Fairgrounds, just north of San Diego, for three days of car show enjoyment November 23-25, 2012.
The venue at Del Mar, which also hosts the San Diego Fair each summer and thoroughbred racing in the fall, makes for an interesting place to hold a car show. Two large indoor pavilions hosted a variety of vendors, special events, and cars on display, while the “black lake” of asphalt outside had special areas set aside for homebuilt projects, woodies, muscle cars, deuces, daily drivers, trucks, and young owners, on top of a challenging autocross course, swap meet, and car corral for those looking to provide you with your next project vehicle.
Salt of the Earth
While it’s possible to spend an entire day at a Goodguys show just looking at the ‘regular’ cars on display, there always seems to be some special themed exhibits to draw your attention as well. In our case, we made a beeline to the Bonneville [5] Salt Race Car display, where the same creativity and passion that kindled the original hot rod movement back in the 40s and 50s was still burning bright. It’s only fitting, as both drag and land-speed racing saw their start in SoCal, fed by participants from military towns like San Diego and engineering talent from the epicenter of aeronautic industry in Los Angeles.
Lots to See, Lots to Do
One of the challenges to the hot rod hobby has been to make sure there’s a ‘next generation’ of enthusiasts, and that’s a task that Goodguys has taken head-on. While the hot rod and custom scene may have begun as a youth movement, today the most frequent impression the outside world gets is that it’s a world that includes only those with the cubic dollars necessary to pay for a half-million dollar build – in other words, “old people”. It’s reassuring to see special activities at the Goodguys events that are designed to plant that seed in today’s kids and teens.
Another nod to the changing demographic among car enthusiasts is the addition of Super Sunday, when domestic vehicles of all ages, not just 1972 and earlier, can participate in the Goodguys fun.
While vintage vehicles might be inaccessible to a 20-something on a limited budget, the cars of the 70’s and 80’s are reaching the bottom of their depreciation curve, and just like earlier cars, they’ll provide a canvas for the next generation’s artistic expression, perhaps with a little inspiration from seeing what’s possible at a Goodguys meet.
[14]Better Bring Some Walkin’ Around Money
Of course, if the acres of cars on display happens to inspire you, Goodguys provides an outlet for that desire in their “for sale” car corral and swap meet section. We spotted everything from basket case trailered shells perfect for those looking to turn their retirement hobby into a full time job, to perfectly restored musclecars ready to roll (for the right price, of course). Cars, parts, and memorabilia were all in good supply at Del Mar.
More in Store
Of course, there’s too much going on at a Goodguys event to do it all justice in a single piece, so don’t forget to check out our Top 10 Favorites article!
Car Show Results
Special Awards
2013 Hemmings Muscle Car of the Year Finalist – Jerry Parisi, Carlsbad, CA – 1960 Pontiac Ventura
2013 Intro Wheels Muscle Machine of the Year Finalist – Steve Keefer, Brentwood, CA – 1969 Camaro
2013 Street Rod Headquarts Truck of the Year – Early Finalist – George Cameron, Bonita, CA – 1950 Chevy
Goodguys Builder’s Choice Top 10
- Ben Von Kleinsmid, Newport Beach, CA 1932 Ford
- Chandler Family, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 1940 Ford
- Tom Kelly, Bellflower, CA 1957 Chevrolet
- Larry Henderson, Carlsbad, CA 1951 Henry J
- Hilton Vail, El Cajon, CA 1955 Chevy Pickup
- Scott Van Steenwyk, Rossmoor, CA 1933 Ford
- Paul Friedrich, Anaheim, CA 1957 Oldsmobile
- Mike Toberman, Anaheim, CA 1955 Chevy
- Andy & Mary Houchtelin, Bakersfield, CA 1960 Ford Pickup
- Steve Keefer, Brentwood, CA 1969 Camaro
Goodguys Pick – George & Joyce Cowman, Poway, CA 1937 Buick
General Awards
Best Ride on American Racing Wheels: Don Walker, El Cajon, CA 1965 Chevy
Best Ride on BFG’s: Larry Johnson, Vista, CA 1972 Dodge Challenger
Best Ride on Billet: Dean Hart, Escondido, CA 1950 Mercury
Chevy Truck Pick: Chuck Cena, Temecula, CA 1969 Chevy C-10
Chopped and Dropped: Chuck Elliott, San Juan Capistrano, CA 1950 Mercury
Chris Alston Chassisworks Mighty Mustang: Denver & Coroline Wells, El Mirage, AZ 1967 Mustang
Coker Tire Best Wide Whites: Mark Hopkins, San Marcos, CA 1956 Ford Victoria
Cool Camaro: Travis Wells, St.George, UT 1967 RS/SS Camaro
Cool Convert: Earl Asbury, Poway, CA 1966 Cadillac
Cool Corvette: Peter, San Clemente, CA 1963 Corvette
Cool Cruiser: Thomas Crellin, Spring Valley, CA 1953 Lincoln
Cool Custom: Mark Henry, Lakeside, CA 1947 Monarch
Dare to be Different: Jorge Torres, Hemet, CA 1950 Plymouth Coupe
Deuce Doin’s Pick – 80th Anniversary: Jose Serrano, San Diego, CA 1932 Ford
Eckler’s Classic Chevy Pick: Wayne Arguello, San Diego, CA 1961 Chevy Impala
Fat Fendered Pick: Chuck Parker, Litchford Park, AZ 1937 Ford
Flowmaster American Thunder: Dave Pepper, Lakeside, CA 1972 Chevy Suburban
Ford in a Ford: Chuck Waltman, Temecula, CA 1956 Ford Pickup
Ford Muscle Pick: Bill Sandretto, Fallbrook, CA 1967 Ford Mustang
Ford Truck Pick: John Hemphill, Studio City, CA 1947 Ford Truck
Goodguys Gazette Pick: Jim & Tami Austin, San Diego, CA 1949 Chrysler
Goodguys Staff Pick: Dave & Denise Snyder, Norco, CA 1951 Chevy Suburban
Goodyear Ya Gotta Drive `Em Pick: Al Coloman, Tucson, AZ 1961 Pontiac
Host Club Pick Bob & Leanne Kleiner, Glendale, AZ 1954 Kaiser Manhattan 2 Door
Hot Hauler: Dwayne & Martha Richardson, San Marcos, CA 1953 Ford F-100
Hottest Hot Rod: Gerry Sevigny, Bonsall, CA 1940 Willys
Jet Hot/ HPC Coatings Young Guys Pick: Zane Graham, Oceanside, CA 1971 Camaro
LMC Trick Truck Corral Pick: Jim & Brenda McWhorter, Bakersfield, CA 1957 Chevy Truck
Lokar One Fine Deuce: Ray & Kris Hamblen, Fallbrook, CA 1932 Ford
Long Distance Award: Raymond Witt, Ontario, Canada 1946 Ford Convertible
Magnum Axle/Real Hot Rod: Gary Loope, Corona, CA 1929 Ford
Meguiar’s Magnificent Masterpiece:
- John Souza, Alpine, CA 1951 Ford
- Rick Blank, Poway, CA 1955 Ford
Memory Lane: Ken Alden, San Diego, CA 1961 Pontiac Ventura
Mighty Muscle Pick: Walter Gefron, San Diego, CA 1967 Ford Mustang
Mopar Muscle Pick: George Bittle, Oceanside, CA 1967 Dodge Charger
Period Perfect: Jim Bostick, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 1955 Chevy Gasser
PPG Paint Pick: Edward Evans, San Jose, CA 1952 Ford Pickup
Preacher’s Pick: Nancy & Vince Ciccia, Vista, CA 1960 Chevy
Real McCoy Award: Daniel Daviess & Burnham Family, Danville, CA 1929 Ford Roadster
Restored Award: Ted Shilts, San Diego, CA 1956 Ford Victoria
Right on Resto: Dean Harrison, Temecula, CA 1936 Ford
Rodders Rep Pick:
- David Hughes, Chula Vista, CA 1969 Camaro
- Adam Robinson, Escondido, CA 1966 Chevelle
- Alan Behrse, Victorville, CA 1929 Ford
- Bob & Sandi Johnson, Phelan, CA 1954 Studebaker
Sexy Sedan: Ivan Gorbulev, Murrieta, CA 1968 Nova Chevy II
Shoe Box: John Souza, Alpine, CA 1951 Ford
Slick & Smooth: Ric Longo, Temecula, CA 1956 Ford
Slick ’60s: Richard Abate, Orange, CA 1961 Impala
Snap-On Innovation Award: Rob MacGregor, San Bernadino, CA 1969 Chevy C-10
Sooo Low: Andi & Jody Lang, Irvine, CA 1963 Buick Riveira
Speedway Motors Homebuilt Heaven: Richard Dinmen, El Cajon, CA 1956 Ford Pickup
Speedway Motors Traditional Homebuilt Heaven: Cody Hill, Escondido, CA 1949 Ford
Street Rod Headquarters Class Act: Willy Green, La Mesa, CA 1932 Ford Coupe
Suede & Chrome: Mike Trussell, San Diego, CA 1931 Ford
Super Sunday Award:
- Art McHugh, San Diego, CA 2005 Chevy SSR
- Erik Degrate, Paramount, CA 2006 Dodge Magnum
- Ray Hamel, Pacific Beach, CA 2003 Corvette
- Brandi Fluch, Carlsbad, CA 2010 Camaro SS
- Milt Ballentine, Vista, CA 2013 Ford Mustang
Terrific ‘T’: James Ward, San Diego, CA 1926 Ford
Timeless Traditional: Justin Baas, Escondido, CA 1928 Ford
Way Cool Wagon: Gerry Gamet, Murrieta, CA 1957 Ford
Wheel Vintiques Best Bitchin’: Bruce Chandler, Oceanside, CA 1932 Ford 3 Window
Wildcard Just Cause It’s Neat: Butch Engelbrecht, San Diego, CA 1965 Cobra
WIX Filters Way Cool, Gordie Abougough, Kelowna, Canada 1957 Chevy
Wonderful Woody: Joe Free, Vista, CA 1950 Ford Woody
Goodguys AutoCross
Pro Class:
- Bret Voelkel, RideTech 33 Ford Coupe, 54.755
- Rob MacGregor, 69 Chevy C-10, 55.522
- Rodney Prouty, 68 Chevy Camaro, 55.73
- Jeff Schwartz, 65 Pontiac Tempest, 56.236
- Eric Hanson, 33 Ford Coupe, 57.36
- Dennis Russell, 33 Ford Roadster, 58.015
- Robert Pierik, 71 Chevy Camaro, 58.445
- Jeff Schwartz, 49 Chevy 3100, 58.859
- Cheryl Herrick, 67 Chevy Nova, 58.911
- Cheryl Herrick, 65 Chevy II Wagon, 60.405
Street Machine:
- Gerald Lum, 71 Chevy Camaro, 55.441
- Dan Weishaar, 70 Dodge Challenger, 56.576
- Gregg Blundell ,69 Chevy Camaro, 56.896
- John H., 70 Dodge Challenger, 58.037
- Dale Akuszewski,64 Sunbeam, 58.105
- Suzy Bauter, 68 Chevy Camaro, 58.657
- Chris Meyer, 70 Chevy Camaro, 59.022
- Brennan O’Tool, 69 Chevy Camaro, 59.327
- Paul Alderman, 70 Chevy Camaro, 59.374
- Dennis McNeil, 72 Chevy Chevelle, 59.763
- Tom Kamman, 69 Plymouth Barracuda, 59.845
- Robert Hall, 68 Chevy Camaro, 60.001
- Steve Rupp, 68 Chevy Camaro, 60.575
- John Wityak, 65 Ford Mustang, 60.723
- Steve Keefer, 69 Chevy Camaro, 61.18
- Mike Young, 65 Ford Mustang, 61.511
- Richard Trojillo, 69 Ford Mustang, 61.649
- Robb McIntosh, 69 Chevy Camaro, 62.297
- Nick Herrington, 67 Ford Mustang, 62.436
- Bryan Oats, 69 Chevy Camaro, 62.742
- Robbie Coaklin, 68 Chevy Chevelle, 63.691
- Peter Madsen, 56 Chevy 210, 65.395
- Ralph Hollis, 70 Pontiac GTO, 65.396
- Andrew Pelloth, 72 Olds 442, 66.409
- Scott Higgett, 65 Chevy Impala SS, 72.318
Street Rod:
- Will Seeger, 37 Chevy Panel, 67.481
- Ken Butler, 36 Ford Sedan Del, 66.517
Truck:
- Scott Call, 67 Ford F-100, 56.565
- Mike Hickman, 68 Chevy C-10, 57.48
- Marcel Venable, 55 Ford F-100, 59.501
- George Keiss, 67 Chevy El Camino, 65.932
- Tommy Shelby, 56 Ford F-100, 70.111
- Logan Berry, 69 Chevy C-10, 72.752
Super Sunday:
- Tom Kamman, 13 Ford Mustang GT, 55.376
- Joy Wheaton, 00′ Ford Mustang, 58.379
- Kirk Westerfield, 12 Ford Mustang GT, 58.808
- Dennis Russell, 06′ Ford GT, 59.734
- Dave Land, 07′ Ford Mustang GT, 59.94
- Matt Alcala, 12 Ford GT 500, 60.445
- Ethan Bartel, 08′ Ford Mustang, 61.079
- Jeff Wilkinson, 11 Chevy Corvette, 61.933
- Jared Sweeney, 02′ Ford Mustang, 62.003
- Tim Callahan, 66 Chevy Nova, 62.112
- Garrett Gilbeau, 04′ Dodge Neon, 62.171
- Justin Libby, 11 Dodge Challenger, 62.184
- Michael Bartelt, 05′ Pontiac GTO, 61.237
- Joe Chancellor, 07′ Ford Mustang, 62.515
- Peter Witrok, 92 Chevy Corvette, 62.721
- Bill Banta, 06′ Pontiac GTO, 63.314
- Jonathan Lapaglia, 73 Dodge Challenger, 62.525
- Hector Gutierrez, 09′ Saturn, 63.539
- Tim Sears, 07′ Chevy Corvette, 62.621
- Steve Bandtlow, 08′ Ford Mustang, 64.225
- Rick Seitz [30], 06′ Cadillac CTS-V, 65.434
- Mark Gregorich, 34 Ford Coupe, 69.933
- Roma Lascano, 01′ Lincoln Towncar, 72.768
And of course, check out our GALLERY from the show: