1963 Chevrolet C10 Wins 2026 World’s Most Beautiful Truck Award
More than 300 trucks, vans & SUVs filled the Fairplex at the Grand National Truck Show as new memorial awards honored influential builders, painters & fabricators…
The 4th Annual Grand National Truck Show, presented by Classic Truck Performance magazine, welcomed more than 300 trucks, vans and SUVs to the Fairplex in Pomona, California, Sept. 26-27. Rod Shows, producer of the West Coast’s premier and longest-running hot rod events, closed out the weekend by presenting awards across more than 65 judged classes, company officials announced in a press release.
Headlining the weekend was the World’s Most Beautiful Truck (WMBT) Award, sponsored by ARP Fasteners, which was presented to Gary and Stefanie Holyoak of Cedar City, Utah, for their 1963 Chevrolet C10, named “50SHDZE.” Designed and crafted by the team at HS Customs, the C10 earned the fourth annual WMBT title, a $12,500 prize and a custom trophy presented by ARP Fasteners.
Inside the World’s Most Beautiful Truck Build
The three-pedal C10 is powered by a Don Hardy LS3 riding on a Roadster Shop chassis and rolling on custom Schott wheels. Exceptional fit and finish are complemented by PPG charcoal gray metallic paint applied in-house by HS Customs. Inside, Seams Impossible created an interior finished in bold red and black hides and finely executed details.
“This weekend is special because it brings together amazing trucks, SUVs and vans of all kinds under one roof,” said John Buck, owner of Rod Shows and producer of the Grand National Truck Show. “From one-off customs to patinas, mini-trucks and more, there isn’t another show where you can see such a variety of trucks, and we’re so thankful to all of the owners and builders who joined us again this year.”
New Memorial Awards Honor Custom Truck Builders
The weekend also introduced several awards honoring influential members of the custom truck community, the release noted. The Scott France Excellence in Fabrication Award, presented by Classic Car Studio, honors the life and legacy of the renowned metal shaper, fabricator and lifelong truck enthusiast. The inaugural award was presented to Doug Jerger’s 1965 Dodge A100, “Backrunner.”
The Steve Stillwell Memorial Award was presented to Scot Scialpi’s 1962 Ford F-100. Selected by Stillwell’s family and friends, the award celebrates a truck that reflects the legendary style and vision Stillwell brought to the custom truck scene throughout his career.
The Tom McWeeney Memorial Pinstriping Award was presented to Moi Arrizon’s 1991 Toyota pickup, honoring the master custom painter and pinstriper whose creative spirit left an indelible mark on custom trucks, cars and automotive art, event organizers said.
The Courtney “Tito” Halowell Memorial Award was also presented during the weekend to Jeremy Wray’s 1962 C10 Fleetside, selected by Tito’s family and members of the Negative Camber club.
Sean Ramage, founder of Empire Fabrication, received the Truck Trend Setter Award, recognizing his contributions to the custom truck scene and reputation for masterful fabrication and distinctive custom builds.
House of Kolor Marks 70 Years in Custom Paint
Celebrating its 70th anniversary, House of Kolor brought additional custom automotive history to the show. For seven decades, the brand has helped shape the custom paint industry with its signature candies, flakes and custom finishes. To commemorate the milestone, House of Kolor showcased a special gathering celebrating historic custom builders and the artistry that has defined the brand.
Pinstriper Charity Auction Supports Veterans
Giving back remained an important part of the weekend as well, according to the release. The popular Pinstriper Charity Auction brought together talented pinstripers from around the country to create one-of-a-kind artwork that was auctioned for charity. This year’s efforts generated nearly $20,000 for the Volunteers for Veterans Foundation.
Rod Shows has announced that the 5th Annual Grand National Truck Show will return to the Fairplex in Pomona on Sept. 25-26, 2027. For more information about the Grand National Truck Show, including the complete list of 2026 award winners and updates on upcoming Rod Shows events, visit rodshows.com.
