Larry Chen Wins RADwood Build Challenge in Alameda

The photographer and builder secured a top prize with his customized 1996 Honda Accord Si-R at the NorCal event.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Car Culture

Bold vector editorial illustration of a customized 1990s sedan inside an airy, empty aircraft hangar. — Photographer Larry Chen won the RADwood Build Challenge in Alameda, securing a $50,000 prize for his modified 1996 Honda Accord. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Photographer Larry Chen took home the top prize in the RADwood Build Challenge after attendees voted for his customized 1996 Honda Accord Si-R. The competition saw three builders present modified vehicles from the 1980s and 1990s.

Why it matters

The victory highlights a commitment to automotive restoration, as both the winner and the RPM Foundation each received a $50,000 award. The foundation aims to support career development for skilled craftspeople working in the vintage vehicle restoration sector.

The challenge featured three unique builds including a 1996 Honda Accord Si-R, a 1989 Lotus Esprit Turbo, and a 1994 Chevrolet Silverado Dually. Winners were awarded $50,000 each in a split prize pool.

The players

Larry Chen

He is a renowned automotive photographer and builder who won the competition with his modified Honda Accord.

RPM Foundation

This organization develops career pathways for skilled craftspeople interested in the restoration of vintage vehicles.

Mike Burroughs

He is an automotive enthusiast who entered a modified 1989 Lotus Esprit Turbo into the challenge.

Vin Anatra

He is a builder who participated in the competition with a customized 1994 Chevrolet Silverado Dually.

The details

Builders transformed vintage vehicles at the Gold Bar Hangar in Alameda, California, before putting them up for a public vote. The event challenged participants to showcase their modification skills on platforms from the 1980s and 1990s.

The competition vehicles debuted and were voted on at RADwood NorCal on October 24, 2026.

Roadmap

The event reflects the broader automotive trend of honoring 1980s and 1990s platforms through specialized restoration projects. It demonstrates how modern enthusiasts are shifting focus toward preservation and trade skills to keep legacy vehicle cultures alive.

Local car enthusiasts can view these builds as benchmarks for restoration quality and customization standards in the current market. These types of events provide a public forum to evaluate the technical craftsmanship required to maintain aging automotive platforms.

The takeaway

Participating in or attending vintage build competitions is a primary way to support the development of future craftspeople in the trades. Focusing on the technical restoration of 80s and 90s vehicles ensures that these historic models remain viable for future generations.