Goodguys Names 2026 Street Rod & Street Machine of the Year Winners

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association announced the winning vehicles for its 2026 Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year and 2026 Forgeline Street Machine of the Year awards during the Goodguys 28th Summit Racing Nationals presented by Grundy Insurance in Columbus, Ohio, on July 11.

1933 Ford Roadster Wins Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year

The 2026 Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year title was awarded to John and Jennifer Fairleigh and their 1933 Ford roadster, built by Mike Kellar and his team at Big Creek Restoration out of Ellis, Kansas. Everything on the car has been modified or fabricated, starting with the frame that features an extra-high kickup in the rear and a five-inch drop axle to give it the perfect street rod stance, organization officials said in a press release. Vintage-style Kinmont brakes from Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop were used along with vintage race-inspired knock-off wheels machined by Leading Edge Machine.

A powerful Jon Kaase Racing Boss 520 engine is fueled by an eight-stack Borla fuel-injected manifold that creates over 800 horsepower. Vintage magnesium valve covers, custom-made brackets and exhaust system create a detailed, race-inspired engine that looks as good as it sounds.

The body received plenty of custom touches and massaging before the Big Creek team applied the custom PPG Kansa Blue finish, the release noted. Chrome and polished trim provide a brilliant contrast while the laid-back grille and windshield create the look of speed.

The interior follows the vintage competition vibe with a machined dash insert and switch panel, custom gauges by Classic Instruments, one-off pedals, and rearview mirrors that function as door handles. All of this is complemented with leather-covered seats and door panels with woven inserts stitched by Elegance Auto Interiors.

John has already racked up miles on the car, proving its drivability on back roads and drives, including a Goodguys 100-mile reliability run and even a couple passes down a drag strip.

1970 Chevelle Wins Forgeline Street Machine of the Year

The 2026 Forgeline Street Machine of the Year title went to Matt Jewell and his 1970 Chevelle. After owning the car for over 30 years, Jewell decided the Chevelle needed a complete rebuild and enlisted Eddie Pettus and his team at Eddie’s Rod & Custom to reimagine the car as a contemporary street machine.

The 1970 Chevelle Super Sport is one of the most iconic muscle cars of all time, and Jewell’s six-year build now features modern performance upgrades combined with custom modifications from top to bottom, resulting in the ultimate street machine, officials said.

The body retains its Chevrolet Chevelle heritage but has been modified with fender extensions, sectioned panels, and hand-fabricated bumpers, hood and deck lid. Even the roof lines have been customized. The interior follows suit with original styling cues incorporated into a custom interior featuring 3D scanning and printing technology finished in leather by Avante Garde Design.

The original chassis was cast aside in favor of a custom-built Roadster Shop assembly that features modern technology including coil-overs, Brembo brakes, and a unique cantilever independent rear suspension supported by one-off machined wheels. For power, Jewell chose a twin-turbocharged Chevy LS3 engine built by Steve Morris Engines that boasts over 1,300 horsepower and is surrounded by extensive metalwork and craftsmanship.

More Top 12 of the Year Awards to Come

Goodguys will be crowning seven more vehicles to complete its Top 12 of the Year awards program presented by BASF over the remainder of the 2026 season, including the Snap-on Muscle Car of the Year, Griot’s Garage Muscle Machine, Vintage Air Custom Rod, Truck of the Year Early presented by LMC Truck, Dakota Digital Truck of the Year Late, Scott’s Hot Rods Custom of the Year, and the Goodguys’ Most Bitchin’ presented by BASF.