Goodguys Announced Top 12 of Year Winners

The final six award-winning vehicles have been selected for the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association 2026 honors.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Car Culture

A close-up shot of the polished metallic fender and chrome trim of a custom vintage street-rod vehicle.
The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association announced the final six winners of its 2026 Top 12 of the Year awards in Scottsdale. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association revealed the final six recipients of its 2026 Top 12 of the Year awards, presented by Surventis. These vehicles were chosen from finalists identified at various events throughout the organization's 43rd season.

Why it matters

These awards recognize excellence in custom car and truck building across several categories, highlighting the highest-caliber projects from the current season. The winners represent the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship showcased at events nationwide.

The awards recognized 12 vehicles total, including the 1967 Chevy C10 and 1969 Yenko Nova. The final collection will be displayed at the 29th Speedway Motors Southwest Nationals, which expects to host over 3,000 vehicles.

The players

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association

This organization hosts national automotive events and manages awards programs for custom car enthusiasts.

Surventis

This company served as the official presenter for the 2026 Top 12 of the Year awards.

The details

The winners include the 1937 Lincoln Zephyr, 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, 1987 Chevy Crew Cab, and 1967 Pontiac Firebird. These vehicles were curated as the final half of the prestigious Top 12 list.

Timeline

  1. The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association conducted its 43rd season throughout 2026.

  2. The 12 winning vehicles will be on display in Scottsdale from Nov. 20-22, 2026.

Roadmap

The recognition of these vehicles reflects the continued evolution of custom car building within the Goodguys circuit, which serves as a benchmark for the industry. These awards help define current trends in restoration and modification that influence the broader automotive aftermarket.

Car enthusiasts and attendees in Scottsdale can view the award-winning collection in person during the November event at WestWorld. The showcase provides a firsthand look at the high-end modifications and restoration standards recognized by the association.

The takeaway

Collectors and builders can use these winning designs as a reference point for quality craftsmanship in their own automotive projects. The diverse list of award-winning vehicles demonstrates that excellence spans multiple eras, from 1930s customs to 1980s trucks.

Further reading

Learn more about the latest trends in vehicle customization by visiting the Car Culture section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by THE SHOP.