Late-model hot rods are now the norm at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, held at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Of course, with nearly 9,000 hot rods, there are plenty of all makes, models, colors, and build styles to see.
When referring to the 56th Annual National Street Rod Association’s Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, held at the Kentucky Exposition Center, we expect numerous hot rods and a large crowd. What isn’t normally associated with this event is stunningly beautiful weather. Yep, the 2025 56th Annual Nats was one for the record books when it came to weather. While Thursday was more of what we might have expected, there is no doubt that Friday through Sunday was spectacular. But we came for the hot rods, so let’s get back to things that go varoom day and night!
The 1932 Ford highboy roadster is the iconic symbol of the “hot rod.” Henry Jones and Becky Staglik showcased their Hercules Motor Car Company–built Brookville Roadster Deuce in the Builders’ Showcase. The powertrain includes a Chevy 350, 700-R4, and a 9-inch rearend rolling on Wheelsmith wire wheels and Excelsior tires by Coker.
As everyone knows, the NSRA uses a rolling 30-year cutoff to decide which cars and trucks can attend. With 2025 as the current year, it was impressive to see a variety of hot rods from all makes, models, and years—going back to 1996. Those of us who have been around for a while are accustomed to seeing Model As, Deuces, and vehicles from the late ’40s and ’50s. Over time, we’ve also gotten used to seeing Tri-Fives, C10s, and a wide range of Camaros and Corvettes as well as many Fords, Mopars, and other brands. What kind of hot rodder would you be if you didn’t take a “hot lap” through the swap meet? There is always an idea just sitting there in front of you for your next project. The NSRA Street Rod Nationals truly has become a “melting pot” for the world of hot rodding. I must admit seeing an early 1990s Ferrari and a mid-1980s Mercedes SL did take me back a bit, but, hey, it was cool to look at, and let’s face it, street rodding has evolved. It has evolved to take in the likes of modern-day hot rodders, which brings with it a wide spectrum of makes and models of cars and trucks and a staggering variety of build styles. The times are definitely changing, but that’s how anyone or anything survives, through evolution.
Steve Henry of Princeton, KY, brought his 1940 Ford sedan for display inside the main building. Featuring a 2-1/2-inch chop covered in Candy Brandywine over black, powered by a 1964 Chevy 409 with a 700-R4 transmission and a Ford 8-inch rearend spinning 3.50 gears. Inside, a 1955 Chevy dash and 1964 Impala seating create a stunning appearance. The workmanship is impressive.
Now, don’t get me wrong, there was, and always will be, plenty of what we expect at the Nats. Several of my favorites include the Builders’ Showcase, New Products, Pro’s Pick, and Ehrler’s ice cream stand, among many other notable Nats standbys. This year, the NSRA reports that there were 8,927 participants, an increase of 14 from 2024, which also means about 24,000 hot rodders attended. Additionally, the NSRA states that there were 35,000 walk-ins representing the general public at the spectator gate, making it the largest turnout since 2019—probably thanks to the fantastic weather. Having around 60,000 people at the Nats is impressive.
This striking 1970 Chevelle belongs to Spencer Campbell of the Carbuff Network and was built by Nate and Rob Staker of Resurgence Automotive. Power comes from a turbocharged BluePrint LS V-8.
Approximately 222 exhibitors, both inside the Expo building and out, represent street rod–supporting manufacturers. There were also 49 new products evaluated in three categories: Category A, $0–$200; Category B, $201–$1,000; and Category C, over $1,000. In Category A, Tanks Inc. won with its Adjustable Fuel Pressure Regulator with Filter; in Category B, Pure Choice Motorsports received honors for its Pure Heritage Cloth-Covered Wire Master Shop Kit; and in Category C, Mattson’s Custom Radiator won with its 1955-57 Chevrolet Truck Radiator Package. For the Best Safety Related Product category, Wilwood was recognized for their Wilwood Electronic Brake Kit for OBS trucks.
Tyan and Jodie Timmons run their shop in Florence, CO, and were present with their 1950 Chevy panel truck, which has a build style similar to an old Rod & Custom magazine project called “Dream Truck.”
There were other notable award recipients, including Rex and Annette Watson of Affordable Street Rods as the NSRA Persons of the Year, and the NSRA Manufacturer of the Year was awarded to owner John Babcock of Powermaster. Other award winners included Jason Caprico of Louisville for his 1964 Chevy Impala, who received the Outstanding Use of Kolor award from House of Kolor; Pro’s Pick of the Year sponsored by Alumicraft was presented to Dominic Torcivia of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for his stunning black 1967 Chevy Nova convertible. Yes, a 1967 Nova convertible—Chevy didn’t make one, so hats off to Torcivia for his amazing effort. The NSRA Builders’ Showcase of elite builders is sponsored by Moser Engineering, featuring the efforts of 36 incredible hot rods from these top builders whose work was on display for everyone in the Expo Center main hallway. Out of this collection of talent, there was one chosen as the Builder of the Year, which was Brian Limberg of The Tin Man’s Garage out of Sycamore, Illinois, for the 1961 Ford Unibody pickup belonging to John Lamb.
John Lamb’s 1961 Ford Unibody pickup was built by Brian Limberg of The Tin Man’s Garage. The build is so outstanding that Limberg was chosen as the NSRA Builder of the Year, presented by Moser Engineering, for this achievement.
There was also the reliable lineup of entertainment attractions, including the NSRA Safety Inspection program, Commercial Way by UPS, Nitro Knockout for those craving a whiff of alcohol and nitro, and the loud sound of a blown motor at full “song.” Speaking of “song,” there are musical acts hosting mini concerts and entertainment Thursday through Saturday. Additionally, the Michigan Hot Rod Association (MHRA) Rod Repair (in its 53rd year) is highly valuable. It will continue to be a highly requested, visited, and appreciated feature of the Nationals. Also, located adjacent to the Rod Repair area for the past 17 years is the Powermaster corner, where hot rodders can get expert advice and testing on their vehicle’s electrics, especially the starter and alternator. For those seeking more expertise through education, there was the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Days, featuring companies like Holley, American Autowire, Vintage Air, QA1, Ididit, Flaming River, Speartech, BluePrint Engines, Edelbrock, and Wilwood. Don’t forget about the outdoor awards for categories like Pro’s Picks sponsored by Alumicraft, and two of the longest-running programs being the 29 Below by Vintage Air and Mopar Country. If you like a bit more exhilaration, visit, or better yet participate in, the NSRA Autocross. GM Truck Town was another site worthy of time well spent, sponsored by Auto Metal Direct (AMD) and Harrison’s Rod & Custom. On site, there were 15 handpicked trucks sure to grab your attention and make you wish you had your pickup project a lot further along. One of my personal favorites was the vintage fire truck display outside of Freedom Hall, with many fire trucks of all sizes and types for all to look at and be amazed at their sheer size.
This 1936 Ford three-window coupe belongs to Patrick Miniard and was built by Mark Wright of Rides by Wright. The highly polished Halibrand wheels enhance this ride’s hot rod look, neatly complementing the Wilwood brake package. Power is supplied by an LS engine that is fed by a Holley Sniper-operated eight-stack EFI system.
In the past, the Giveaway Car Program, which began in 1982, became a mainstay, with 43 custom-built hot rods being awarded to registered participants over the years. This year, the NSRA Street Rod Nationals Sweepstakes takes over, offering a chance for a registered participant to win one of four $5,000 drawings as part of a $20,000 total prize package.
There’s no denying the popularity, and for good reason, of the 1968 Chevy C10 pickup, especially this one belonging to Darryl Phelps of Kentucky. It is powered by an LT V-8 with a T56 six-speed transmission and cooled by Vintage Air.
The grounds were filled, and that’s a good thing. You could cruise in your hot rod, walk about, or take the never-ending trams that circle the facility with multiple pick-up and drop-off points. It is a great way to get a calm and relaxing ride and see all of what’s going on. You can get off, look around for a while, and then hop back on and continue. One of the event’s mainstays.
John Cooper from Avon, IN, a member of the Road Rockets, was present with his 1949 Ford full custom, featuring a stacked Flathead with an aluminum intake, triple 97 carbs, and Offenhauser intake.
From early morning until late afternoon, the fairgrounds are bustling with hot rods and hot rodders, making it a great way to make and catch up with new and old friendships. The NSRA Nats are definitely the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon—and several of them. MR
1979 NSRA National Street Rod Association Nationals West – Merced California
Editor’s note: In closing, we want to recognize the passing of Vernon Walker in May, who was everything to the NSRA—founder, president, a daily driving force, and undoubtedly one of its biggest fans and a true hot rodder at heart. He served long and was always thinking of the NSRA. He will be deeply missed. —B.B.
Late-model hot rods are now the norm at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, held at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Of course, with nearly 9,000 hot rods, there are plenty of all makes, models, colors, and build styles to see.
The 1932 Ford highboy roadster is the iconic symbol of the “hot rod.” Henry Jones and Becky Staglik showcased their Hercules Motor Car Company–built Brookville Roadster Deuce in the Builders’ Showcase. The powertrain includes a Chevy 350, 700-R4, and a 9-inch rearend rolling on Wheelsmith wire wheels and Excelsior tires by Coker.
Steve Henry of Princeton, KY, brought his 1940 Ford sedan for display inside the main building. Featuring a 2-1/2-inch chop covered in Candy Brandywine over black, powered by a 1964 Chevy 409 with a 700-R4 transmission and a Ford 8-inch rearend spinning 3.50 gears. Inside, a 1955 Chevy dash and 1964 Impala seating create a stunning appearance. The workmanship is impressive.
This striking 1970 Chevelle belongs to Spencer Campbell of the Carbuff Network and was built by Nate and Rob Staker of Resurgence Automotive. Power comes from a turbocharged BluePrint LS V-8.
Tyan and Jodie Timmons run their shop in Florence, CO, and were present with their 1950 Chevy panel truck, which has a build style similar to an old Rod & Custom magazine project called “Dream Truck.”
John Lamb’s 1961 Ford Unibody pickup was built by Brian Limberg of The Tin Man’s Garage. The build is so outstanding that Limberg was chosen as the NSRA Builder of the Year, presented by Moser Engineering, for this achievement.
This 1936 Ford three-window coupe belongs to Patrick Miniard and was built by Mark Wright of Rides by Wright. The highly polished Halibrand wheels enhance this ride’s hot rod look, neatly complementing the Wilwood brake package. Power is supplied by an LS engine that is fed by a Holley Sniper-operated eight-stack EFI system.
There’s no denying the popularity, and for good reason, of the 1968 Chevy C10 pickup, especially this one belonging to Darryl Phelps of Kentucky. It is powered by an LT V-8 with a T56 six-speed transmission and cooled by Vintage Air.
John Cooper from Avon, IN, a member of the Road Rockets, was present with his 1949 Ford full custom, featuring a stacked Flathead with an aluminum intake, triple 97 carbs, and Offenhauser intake.
This 1970-1972 Chevy Suburban has a great look and stance, but most importantly, it packs a Chevy 502 underhood. David Lurding of La Grange, KY, displayed his truck for those who appreciate “big” vehicles.
This fenderless 1934 Ford three-window coupe belongs to Robin Callier and was built at Cane Customs under the watchful eye of Neil Pata. It features a blown Flathead engine with a pair of Stromberg carbs, a Vertex mag, and Navarro heads.
Outstanding Use of Kolor sponsored by House of Kolor went to Jason Caprico of Louisville for his 1964 Chevy Impala lowrider. You had to see this work of art in person to be truly amazed.
The NSRA Pro’s Pick of the Year, sponsored by Alumicraft, went to Dom Torcivia of Myrtle Beach, SC, for his 1967 Chevy II Nova convertible with a 427 LS7 engine. A 1963 Nova convertible top frame was transferred and skillfully installed, as 1967s didn’t come in convertibles.
Your no-frills 1967 Chevelle, owned by Joe and Kathy Yoron of Cedar Lake, IN, featuring a more modern 350 and automatic transmission, makes for an outstanding “road warrior.”
Built by Brig’s Rod Shop, this fenderless 1934 Chevy Master features a 2-1/2-inch top chop, a filled roof, channeled 3-1/2 inches—powered by a BluePrint 383 stroker, a 700-R4 transmission, and a 9-inch rear with 3.50 gears. The chassis is provided by Hot-Shot Hotrods, equipped with a Super Bell drop axle and Pete & Jakes front suspension.
You gotta love those big ol’ hot rods. This 1960 Pontiac Catalina belonging to Dan Sebben of Crown Point, IN, is another example of “less is more” when building a cruise cruiser.
Another eye-catching Deuce highboy is this primered highboy roadster with small-block Chevy power, an Edelbrock intake, four-barrel carburetor, mechanical fuel pump (a throwback), and valve covers.
Lil’ Meade Baldwin of Annapolis, MD, brought out another example of a primered Deuce highboy, this time a Tudor sedan. The painted undercarriage and the Halibrand wheels do give a distinctive hot rod look.
This Michigan-based 1968 Camaro, which we don’t see many of this vintage, was on hand, complete with an LS for power and painted Rally wheels with 1967 center caps.
A close friend of the Modern Rodding staff is Bob Oney from Cincy Street Rods, who brought his latest project, a 1933 Ford phaeton. The car was originally owned by Sidney Allen and was refreshed before sale by Dean Livermore of Hot Rods by Dean.
From the Pro’s Pick area was this 1955 Chevy pickup belonging to Steve Stone of Ft. Recovery, OH, a member of T-Stone Garage. Power comes from an SBC with a FiTech Ultra Ram EFI.
This attractive 1963 Rivi belongs to David Hughes of Seaman, OH, who’s involved with the Ramblin’ Relics Car Club. It’s equipped with a 401 V-8, automatic transmission, air-ride suspension, and Billet Specialties wheels.
This 1935 Ford (Arrest Me Red) roadster belongs to Erik and Lori Murphy of Loveland, OH. The modified dashboard is equipped with Classic Instruments Mooneyes gauge collection and Lokar shifter, gas, and brake pedals.
Inside, there was a collection of gassers from the Straight Axle Mafia (based in Louisville and dedicated to vintage gassers) that was a must-see stop for hot rodders cruising the aisles, like this mid-’50s Ford wagon and 1955 Chevy post car.
Arguably one of the nicest hot rods on the grounds was the 2016 AMBR-winning 1931 Ford highboy roadster belonging to Marshall Chesrown of Bradenton, FL. He also had on hand his 1948 Ford Woodie—another excellent example.
Once again wandering the Pro’s Pick area, we came across this 1965 GTO belonging to Robert Overman of Statesville, NC.
More Pro’s Pick(ings) include this mildly channeled and extended wheelbase 1931 Ford Tudor owned by Jeff Bennett of Roanoke, VA. The Tudor has several custom touches inside, including a highly modified 1936 Plymouth dash with a single gauge and a 1952 Merc steering wheel. Underhood is a Mercury Y-block V-8 for power, tri-power, and ye old mechanical fuel pump to finish it off.
More Pro’s Pick cruising led us to this 1968 Chevy C10 owned by Robert and Terri Carpenter of New Braunfels, TX. It features an LS engine with an eight-stack EFI and a Vintage Air Front Runner.
Billy and Vicki Grobe of Maineville, OH, and a member of the Cincy Street Rods, displayed their 1932 Ford highboy roadster in the Pro’s Pick area. The Deuce is a former Great 8 winner from the Detroit Autorama. The car features stunning detail throughout and is finished in a brilliant gold paint.
Dave Stockton of Yellow Springs, OH, had his mild custom 1934 Ford phaeton, complete with wide whites and Caddy hubcaps, on display in front of Freedom Hall.
In Mopar Country, we found this very cool-looking primered 1937 Plymouth panel truck belonging to Larry and Bev Stroble of Carlyle, IL.
This 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback, belonging to Wendell Rusher of Fordsville, KY, is a great example of the HiPo-equipped 289 V-8.
Once again in Mopar Country, we found this excellent example of a 1969 Plymouth GTX owned by Kerry Holloway of Mt. Washington, KY, complete with an early 440 V-8 and chrome five-spoke mags.
This good-looking 1969 Chevelle belongs to Dan and Karen Earl of LaPorte, IN. Big-block Chevy power and chrome five-spoke mags with BFGoodrich rubber portray the muscle car–era look.
More Mopar Country finds include this 1936 Plymouth five-window business coupe belonging to Tony Krom of Wabash, IN, which rides on wide whites and chrome steelies with smooth caps.
Our candidate for “Best Louvers” goes to Tony Smoot of Woodbridge, VA, for his fenderless and “almost” fully primered 1933 Ford three-window coupe. Polished big-windshield mags help with the hot rod look. Note the grille shell opening—we did say lots of louvers!
Rodney and Donna Pangle of Bourbonnais, IL, arrived in their bright red 1940 Ford pickup, equipped with a GM Performance Parts Ram Jet fuel-injected 350.
This is the 53rd year that the Michigan Hot Rod Association (MHRA) has operated the Rod Repair Shop. This is one piece of an amazing puzzle that is the Nats, and without this effort, the Nats wouldn’t be the Nats.
In New Products, Category 1 (up to $200), Tanks Inc. took home top honors for its Adjustable Fuel Pressure Regulator with Filter.
In New Products Category 2 ($201-$1,000), Pure Choice Motorsports was awarded for its Pure Heritage Cloth-Covered Wire Master Shop Kit.
In New Products Category 3 ($1,000 and over), Mattson’s Custom Radiator captured top honors for its 1955-57 Chevrolet Truck Full Package. (Photo by NSRA’s Mike Adams)
In the Safety Related Product Category, Wilwood Engineering took home a new product award for its Electric Parking Brake for OBS Chevy trucks.
What can a hot rodder say except, “If there’s a swap meet area, I am going.” This section has been around since the beginning and has always been of interest. You want anything vintage, like intakes, fenders, or headlights? You can find them. If not, just ask. Chances are, someone will know where to find it if they don’t have it themselves.
1979 NSRA National Street Rod Association Nationals West – Merced California
