Goodguys Rod & Custom Association presented its second Top 12 of the Year Award during the 19th BASF Nashville Nationals that took place the weekend of May 16-18. The honor went to Dave Kroona and his 1933 Willys coupe as the Tanks Inc. 2025 Hot Rod of the Year.
The Willys, finished in a black finish with blue hot rod flames, was built by South City Rod and Custom in Hayward, California. Kroona, a long-time drag racer and huge Willys fan, says that he wanted the Willys to project a serious hot rod attitude with the horsepower to back it up. He said he knew his Willys was in good hands as Bill Ganahl, the proprietor of South City, had won this award in 2023.
To compete for this award, vehicles must be older than 1948, show up to the event with a minimum of 500 miles on the odometer, and finish a 100+ mile reliability run through the scenic back roads of Tennessee, some of which were traversed in a downpour, according to company officials in a press release. Contestants also had to make a drag strip run at the conclusion of the day.
The Winning Willys Build
The Willys sits on a custom chromoly tube frame with a unique Watt’s link rear suspension and independent front suspension. Under the hand-formed three-piece hood is a detailed small-block Chevy built by Panella Racing Engines, topped with a supercharger and electronic fuel injection system.
The Willys body underwent a lot of modifications, including reformed fenders and floor, a sectioned grille, custom running boards, and even one-off emblems. Passengers are protected by a roll cage and sit in a ‘60s-flavored interior with vintage gauges, steering wheel and pleated interior panels.
Goodguys will be crowning 10 more vehicles to complete its Top 12 of the Year Awards presented by BASF throughout the 2025 season, which includes Muscle Car, Street Machine, Truck of the Year and other top categories for classic vehicles.
