This post is written by me and sponsored by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. All opinions are 100% mine. The 31st Goodguys West Coast Nationals had hundreds of amazing cars, of which I’m excited to show you a few. What struck me most about covering this show, alongside Nationwide, was how much meaning owners place on their car—whether it was personal style, handed-down legacy or being hand-built that set their ride apart. Of course, I attach tons of meaning to my Studebaker, but I don’t expect everyone I talk to at a car show to feel the same way. Meeting dozens of classic car owners at Goodguys, I was blown away that every car story told to me was entirely unique. From all-original family cars to newly purchased barn finds and lifelong goals achieved. Surely, these cars are intriguing all by themselves, but they’re even more so when you know the stories behind them. Watch the video above to join in on my conversations and browse below to see more details on some of the incredible cars & people I encountered. HANDBUILT | 3-Window Coupe I heard this car before I saw it, glancing across the Goodguys show grounds it looked mean cruising in for a parking spot. This owner built his car to have fun on the autocross course. Right away, I noticed the LS engine, quick-change rear end and suspension you don’t normally find on this sort of hot rod. Learning he took the Goodguys Autocross Hot Rod class championship two-years straight, I wanted to know where he gained all these engineering and fabrication skills. Turns out he spent some time in the fabrication business and worked on Overhaulin’ projects for a while. This car may not have a fancy paint job, but it’s one well-built hot rod! Built to drive gets two big thumbs up from me. LEGACY | Chrysler C300 To be honest, I wasn’t certain of the significance of this car when I first passed it. What I did know was that it wasn’t something you see very often and it clearly had a story to tell. Asking for the owner in a group of friends sitting in the shade, John introduced himself in an unmistakable New Zealand accent. He went on to tell me the significance of the Chrysler C300 in NASCAR history. Far greater than it’s racing significance is the place this car holds in John’s family. Purchased new in ’55 by his father-in-law, his wife was born in the back seat. Both of those loved ones have passed on, and John takes care of and enjoys this car in celebration of them—keeping it 100% original, including its 331 solid lifter Hemi, 6-volt electronics and all-original body. This car has more than a lifetime of stories to tell. STYLE | ’63 Corvette The plate read “ONL 383”… only a 383 stroker small block under the hood was more than enough to power this cute little ’63 Corvette. Come to find out it was helping to rebuild an engine from a Corvette at age 18 that first grabbed the attention of this owner. A test drive made him fall in love and decades later an opportunity to buy one finally came up. He’s only owned it for a short time, but has already started added some personal touches of his own and of course enjoying plenty of driving. LEGACY | ‘68 Mustang GT Three generations of family greeted me next to this un-restored ’68 428 Cobra Jet Mustang with only 33k original miles. Grandparents Dave & Donna now own the car, but it was Dave’s dad, Lee, who originally purchased it in 1968 for drag racing at the Fremont Street Drag Strip. The family’s enjoyment, continuing nearly 50 years later, is not just a testament to what a great car the Ford Mustang is but to a family that enjoys life’s journey together. HANDBUILT | ’69 Chevy Impala Japan may be an unlikely place to buy a classic American car, but it’s just where this U.S. Airman nabbed his ’69 Impala while serving overseas. After months of passing by and asking the owner to sell it, he finally agreed in time for Donald to bring it home. From there it got the full restoration treatment and is now enjoyed by family and friends—such as Donald’s dad and friend, both also named Donald, hanging out together with it at the Goodguys show. These guys know how to have a good time! STYLE | ’52 GMC Carryall It wasn’t only that I managed to find another lady car owner, but the air inlet to Tammy’s built engine was peeking at me over the grill of her ’52 Suburban. She went on to tell me that she’d made the engine choice, a 383 stroker, in memory of her heavy-pedaled grandmother. I think much like myself, Tammy has adopted this car as an extension of herself—not willing to part with it no matter how much money is offered. LEGACY | Barnfind ’34 5-Window Pulled up between rows, amidst tons of shine and chrome, sat Rudy’s just-bought barn find ’34 5-window. Although he joked that, “people with shiny cars just haven’t got there yet,” he’d arrived that day in a beautiful, shiny ’59 Impala. He seemed giddy with excitement about his new purchase, promising it, “Runs great, we’re not going to do nothing to it… it’s done.” Sitting inside the old car, truly was like a time capsule—the smell, the materials, the areas showing wear and tear. We can’t all have barn finds, but it’s special to see the history they have to tell when you get the chance. I had a load of fun at Goodguys West Coast Nationals! Being in an area outside of my home in So Cal meant plenty of cars I don’t usually see and new people to meet, which turned out to be such a pleasure. Seeing all the meaning these classic car owners placed on their vehicles makes it all the more important to ensure those vehicles are protected. Speak to an insurance expert at Nationwide about industry-leading coverage. Nationwide provided me with information regarding its partnership with Goodguys Rod & Custom Association. Comment & Join the Conversation! Cancel reply
