In the recent 2024 Grand National Truck Show there were 11 contenders vying for the coveted “World’s Most Beautiful Truck” award. Presented by ARP (Automotive Racing Products) the winner is awarded a $12,500 cash prize with the WMBT Trophy and name on the Perpetual Trophy. The WMBT is a special class with awards for Display, Engineering, Undercarriage, Paint, Engine, Interior, and Detail. All entrants will receive a class award, custom jacket and a contender flag and therefore are not eligible for other class awards. All vehicles must run, drive forward and reverse, turn left and right, under their own power. Vehicles must be able to stop using their own braking system. The judging will be done by a panel of industry experts including builders, media, and automotive designers. They will be looking at fit, finish, originality, design, craftsmanship, engineering, and functionality. The judging process starts with the truck being driven in front of the judging panel at this time a representative will have the opportunity to go over the truck with the judges. Judging will continue to take place with the car in its display though out the show.
Let’s take a look at THE CONTENDERS
First up (by year) is the Holyoak ’32 Ford Roadster Pickup. Built by HS Customs, owned by Untouchables CC member Gary Holyoak in Cedar City, Utah and built in memory of Jim Allen.
We’ve all seen the movie, now we have the truck. The California Kid Express is a ’34 Ford Pickup owned by Bill and Cainya Paul designed by Jimmy Smith with Pete and Jakes Hot Rod Parts and Vintage Fabrication.
Smooth lines flow through this 1950 Ford F1 dubbed “I Hold On”. Owned by Rod and Suzette Bryant of Fort Collins Colorado and built byROn Jones Garage down the road in Windsor. Coyote powered on Kugle suspension it is a beauty.
In my opinion, on of the classiest of trucks is Tim Horner’s ’53 Chevy 3100 “Gatsby” out of Rocklin, California. Built by Justified Performance features an Inglese stacked injection atop an LS3 with a beautiful green coat by Rich Lindgren.
There were two ’56 Ford F-100’s running for the WMBT award. This stunning PPG Byron blue model is owner built by Holden Jung (HJ Customs) from Nampa, Idaho. It goes as good as it looks with a Whipple Supercharged 7.3L Godzilla engine and 10-speed trans.
This was one of my favorites in the contest. “Unpredictable” is a ’57 Ford Ranchero owned, designed and wired by Leo Cid. Paint and assembly by Lucky 7 Customs in Antioch, CA with Bills Hot Rod Upholstery. “Thanks to Wifey and Dad for their support”
Most of what we have seen are very nice trucks, but can be confused as a luxury car with a bed, looking at the detail, paint and interior. Well one truck took our eye as a true TRUCK. The ’59 4×4 Apache Fleetside of Steve Gorgogno from Tooele, Utah. Built by Ekins Garage and features a Nick Ferri 55hp LS, and boxed/plated factory chassis. This candy brandywine beast had an impressive display and ready to tackle any job.
There was one foreign truck in the gallery and it was a beauty in every detail. The green ’63 VW Deluxe Double cab had every option imaginable and displayed very nicely. Built by Marco, Max and Mark Amavizca it sure is the pride of the family.
The most wild truck of them all, taking up two spaces is the 1966 Chevy C-60 “Evel Hauler”. Built by Lakeside Customs as a tribute to THE MOST FAMOUS STUNT PERSON EVER! Evel Knievel! This ramp truck is fully decked in Red, White and BLUE! We heard rumblings that it will feature a brand new Evel Knievel Van built by Jeff Styles at the upcoming SEMA Show riding on it’s back. Stay tuned for that.
The newest of the trucks displayed is the Action Line C10 Redefined ’72 Chevrolet built by Hot Rods by Dean. The subtle chop and incredible list of details make this beauty, well, A BEAUTY.
AND NOW, The winner of the World’s Most Beautiful Truck!
The 1956 Ford F-100 owned by Ed Ganzinotti and built by Classic Car Studio features a Jon Kasse Boss 9 540ci V-8, C6 trans, Fat Jack chassis, Kugel front suspension, Winters quick change rear and atone more details. Sit back and dig it!
