By Nick Licata – Images by the Author
Most folks who are into the car show scene, especially throughout the Midwest, know that July means one thing: Goodguys Columbus. Now in its 28th year, it’s simply known as “The Big One.” The event hardly needs an introduction as its history speaks for itself. Held at the Ohio Expo Center, this year’s gathering fell on the weekend of July 10-12 and once again lived up to its reputation as one of the premier hot rod events in the country. As always, Chevy muscle cars came out in big numbers.
Columbus is especially significant because it’s where the Goodguys 2026 Forgeline Street Machine of the Year and Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year are crowned. Needless to say, the heavy hitters came out swinging. The nation’s best builders showed up with projects they’ve spent years perfecting, all hoping to take home one of the hobby’s most coveted awards and earn recognition for building a vehicle that raises the bar to new heights.
This year the Street Machine of the Year award went to Matt Jewell and his 1970 Chevelle built by the team at Eddie’s Rod & Custom. He’s owned the car for 30 years and felt it was time for a complete rebuild that now includes plenty of custom modifications, an aftermarket suspension system, and a 1,300hp LS3 built by Steve Morris Engines.
The weekend also included the Builder’s Choice Top 20 awards, along with the announcement of finalists for Custom Rod of the Year, Custom of the Year, Truck of the Year Late, and Muscle Car of the Year. Simply put, the Columbus event attracts the very best the hot rod world has to offer.
In addition, we here at All Chevy Performance magazine give out an Editor’s Choice award, and this year it went to John McLeod and his amazing 1967 Chevy Nova. It’s armed with a super stout JLine Performance small-block and Detroit Speed suspension system. It’s one of those cars you need to take a few laps around to soak in all the subtle modifications that make the car so special.
For enthusiasts who prefer driving over polishing, the autocross delivers plenty of action. It’s the perfect place to strap in, maneuver around some cones, and let your car’s aftermarket suspension and fat tires earn their keep. There is also a burnout competition for those who like to bring tires to early retirement in spectacular fashion while entertaining the crowd with a 401(k)-depleting smoke show, unless, of course, you happen to work for the company whose logo is printed on the sidewall of the tires you just annihilated.
Every year in Columbus, Goodguys also unveils the Grand Prize Giveaway vehicle for the following year. This time the spotlight fell on a stunning Pro Touring–inspired 1966 Chevy Chevelle built by Tim Palazzolo and the crew at Gap Industries in Hockley, Texas. Finished in dazzling red paint and rolling on Forgeline wheels, the Chevelle sits on a full Speedtech Performance chassis and is powered by a Late Model Engines 427ci LT engine. A complete Wilwood disc brake system provides the stopping power to match the engine’s substantial output.
As usual, we were on hand to take in all the Chevy goodness, and there was plenty to see. From high-quality pro-built rides to well-seasoned daily drivers, Bowtie fans had no shortage of eye candy. The mix of Pro Touring builds, Pro Street machines, Day Two–influenced rides, classic trucks, wild street machines, and tasteful restomods transformed the Ohio Expo Center into a Chevy enthusiast’s paradise.
There’s nothing quite like spending a weekend surrounded by some of the coolest Chevys in the country. It makes an unforgettable weekend of horsepower and hot rods.
It’s Goodguys Columbus, y’all. It’s where classic muscle cars make a statement, and enthusiasts come to see the latest and greatest rides everyone will be talking about for the next year.
The Engine Room
Every great muscle car tells a story in layers. The paint catches your eye from across the fairgrounds, while the stance, wheel-and-tire package, and overall attitude reel you in for a closer look. But sooner or later, everyone peeks under the hood. That’s where the truth lives.
An engine bay is more than a collection of parts. It’s the heartbeat of the build and the best indication of what the owner was trying to accomplish. Whether it’s a snarling big-block, a rowdy small-block, or modern LS or LT powerhouse, the engine must stick the landing or the car is in jeopardy of losing all street cred. It should complement the car’s personality, reinforce its mission, and make a statement the sheet metal hinted at.
As we wandered the many aisles at Goodguys Columbus, we found ourselves lingering just as long with the hoods up as we did admiring the paint- and bodywork. The result is this collection of our favorite Chevy engine compartments from one of the biggest hot rod gatherings in the country. Some are polished to perfection. Others wear a little grit and a lot of attitude. All of them share one thing in common: they’re packed with power and inspiration for those staring into their own empty engine bay wondering what comes next.
