Goodguys Rod & Custom Association has announced that Travis Alford and his 1970 Chevrolet Camaro is the winner of the 2024 Griot’s Garage Muscle Machine of the Year award. The Muscle Machine of the Year title, one of Goodguys’ Top 12 of the Year awards, was crowned during the Goodguys 31st Summit Racing Lone Star Nationals presented by BASF at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, on Sept. 28.
The Camaro, built by GAP Industries out of Hockley, Texas, is powered by a 416-ci LS-based engine built by Dedicated Motorsports. The aluminum block is topped with Frankenstein heads, a unique billet intake manifold and fuel injection. The engine makes over 500 horsepower, yet is reportedly smooth enough to take the family on a Sunday afternoon drive.
The GAP team kept body modifications to the European-inspired second-generation Camaro body to a minimum by tightening the panel gaps, modifying the nose, and tucking the bumpers. Enthusiasts may notice the flush-mounted glass, updated mirrors, lights and billet grille. Credit for the mirror black paint goes to Vastine’s Paint Garage, which is complemented with a set of Forgeline wheels wrapped in beefy Michelin tread.
GAP updated the entire suspension with a Detroit Speed subframe and steering components, a 4-link in the rear and StopTech brakes. Alford gets to pilot the Camaro from a custom-formed interior by Cato’s Custom Upholstery stitched in a mild blue shade. The dashboard was 3D scanned, designed, and 3D printed and features Dakota Digital gauges, stereo system and a Vintage Air climate system while a roll bar provides extra safety.
“It takes a team to get through a build like this,” Alford said, “and the guys at GAP, Cato’s and Vastine’s worked together to accomplish my dream car.”
Goodguys will be announcing the final six winning vehicles to round out its “Top 12 Cars & Trucks of 2024” program on Friday, Oct. 4, which will include the 2024 Snap-On Muscle Car of the Year, Vintage Air Custom Rod of the Year, LMC Truck of the Year (Early), Dakota Digital Truck of the Year (Late), Fuel Curve Custom of the Year and Goolsby Customs Next Generation award.
The final “Top 12” of the year award, Goodguys Trendsetter of the Year, will be announced and presented at the HRIA Reception at the 2024 SEMA Show on Wednesday, Nov. 6.
