Columbus, Ohio is smack dab in the middle of the Midwest.
After Untied Airlines released us from their unfriendly skies, we were dreading the heatwave that was heavily publicized in the area. Mercifully, as your author and StreetMuscleMag guru Vinny Costa deplaned, we were met with a pleasantly low-key swelter and news that the next few days were going to be relatively balmy and cool.
We were elated. Perfect weather to be at one of the most important car shows in the country.
Having never been to a Goodguys PPG Nationals, the anticipation of this hot rod hootenanny was a bit daunting. According to the Ohio Expo News, the event has “6,500 of the country’s finest 1987 & older hot rods, customs, muscle cars, trucks and classics on display and the crowning of the Goodguys 2018 PPG Street Machine and Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year.
The big daddy show in Columbus, Ohio also features over 450 vendor and manufacturer exhibits showcasing the latest and greatest products and trends, the earth-shaking Goodguys Friday Night Vintage Drags at National Trail Raceway, a Swap Meet & Cars For Sale Corral, the Goodguys AutoCross timed racing competition featuring the ultra-intense “Sponsor Shootout”, Nitro Thunderfest Dragster Exhibition, Live Music Stage Shows, how-to seminars, a model and pedal car display, a free Kids Zone, Builder’s Choice awards and so much more!
All that and late model American made or powered muscle cars, customs and trucks are welcome on July 8th for Spectre Performance All American Sunday.
With 6500 cars onsite it’s a sweet challenge to take it all in, but here’s a sampler of Rod Authority’s favorite cars–in no particular order from opening day of the show.
C-R-A-Z-Y 1927 Ford Roadster
Looking for all intents and purposes like a gigantic roller skate, this rear engined, front-wheel-drive 1927 Ford roadster wins the “What The Heck?” award at the show. Running a 1948 Buick Straight 8 and laying down power through the FRONT wheels, this rod was a standout. Built by owner Steve Grimes from Columbus, Ohio it looked like it was in 5/8 scale with the giant wheels but whew, what a doozy.
Scott Truss’s 1960 Plymouth Big Block Hemi Coupe
We’ve all seen this old, finned Mopar over the last few years, but it never gets old. Scott Truss from Calgary, Alberta showed the car this year with flipper hubcaps which we think is a big improvement over the modern aluminum wheels that the car used to ride on.
The big block, 572 Hemi, bagged suspension and killer custom, Von Dutch-esque interior by Armando’s Custom Interiors, remain and impress as always. The square, space age steering wheel might be our all-time favorite and its showcased here in Virgil Exner’s swan song, finned masterpiece.
Patina’d 1960 Cadillac Coupe DeVille
We dug this slammed Caddy Coupe with a weathered midwest sheen. Bagged and riding on cream colored, 20-inch Mob steelies and bullet centers, it sat just right in the parking lot at the Crown Plaza afterparty on Friday night. In juxtaposition to it’s scruffy exterior, the interior was minty fresh in mint green. Big block power, disc brakes and for sale too. $28,500.00
1936 Ford Roadster Built by Hollywood Hot Rods
We really dug this 1936 Ford with multiple Lincoln accessories grafted on. Running a H&H Flathead Lincoln V-12, this thing was resplendent in a stunning Porsche gray that looked pastel pea green under the lights. The interior saw the Lincoln treatment as well with Zephyr dash and expertly stitched coffee-colored leather. Breathtaking concept and build.
1951 Chevy Truck
We really dug this old Chevy truck. Built by a duo consisting a self proclaimed, “electronics installation expert and a German toymaker,” it was a killer. With a 445hp, 383 stroker V8, Heidt’s suspension, and slammed on a Digital Air Bag system, the red and black paint and mahogany bed were the frosting on the cake.
And there you have it. Rod Authority will be at the 2018 Goodguys 21st PPG Nationals reporting on the show through Sunday. Be sure and check back here–and Rod Authority Facebook–for live video feeds, updates and commentary.
Also, the Street Rod of the Year and Street Machine of the Year awards are arguably the biggest news of the year here and we’ll bring you the winners at our earliest.
See you soon..