Goodguys names 2026 Street Rod of the Year

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association has named John and Jennifer Fairleigh’s 1933 Ford roadster the 2026 Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year at the 28th Summit Racing Nationals in Columbus, Ohio. The win puts a spotlight on a heavily modified, 800-horsepower build from Big Creek Restoration as Goodguys continues its 2026 Top 12 awards season.

Why it matters: - The award spotlights one of the year’s top custom street rods and the builders behind it. - The win adds momentum to Goodguys’ 2026 Top 12 awards program, which helps define standout cars across the hot rodding world. - The 1933 Ford roadster also shows the level of fabrication, engineering and finish that still sets the standard in the street rod scene.

What happened: - Goodguys Rod & Custom Association named John and Jennifer Fairleigh’s 1933 Ford roadster the 2026 Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year. - The selection happened at the Goodguys 28th Summit Racing Nationals presented by Grundy Insurance in Columbus, Ohio, on July 11. - Big Creek Restoration in Ellis, Kansas, built the car for the Fairleighs.

The details: - The roadster starts with a fully modified frame. - The chassis features an extra-high rear kickup and a five-inch drop axle. - Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop supplied vintage-style Kinmont brakes. - Leading Edge Machine machined the vintage race-inspired knock-off wheels. - The engine is a Jon Kaase Racing Boss 520. - An eight-stack Borla fuel-injected manifold feeds the engine. - The powertrain makes more than 800 horsepower. - The engine bay includes vintage magnesium valve covers, custom brackets and a custom exhaust system. - The body received custom bodywork before Big Creek Restoration finished it in PPG Kansa Blue. - Chrome and polished trim contrast with the blue paint. - The laid-back grille and windshield give the roadster a lower, faster look. - The interior includes a machined dash insert and switch panel, custom Classic Instruments gauges and one-off pedals. - Rearview mirrors double as door handles. - Elegance Auto Interiors covered the seats and door panels in leather with woven inserts. - John Fairleigh has driven the car on back roads, on a Goodguys 100-mile reliability run and on a drag strip.

Between the lines: - The award favors cars that combine period styling with modern engineering and real-world drivability. - The mix of race-inspired details and road use suggests Goodguys values more than show-car polish. - The Top 12 program extends the recognition beyond one class and keeps attention on several segments of the custom-car market.

What's next: - Goodguys will name seven more vehicles to complete its 2026 Top 12 of the Year awards program presented by BASF. - The remaining awards include Snap-on Muscle Car of the Year, Griot’s Garage Muscle Machine, Vintage Air Custom Rod, Truck of the Year Early presented by LMC Truck, Dakota Digital Truck of the Year Late, Scott’s Hot Rods Custom of the Year and Goodguys’ Most Bitchin’ presented by BASF. - Goodguys directs readers to the full feature at Goodguys Fuel Curve.