Toys of Summer: Hot Rods at 2022 Pacific Northwest Nationals

© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience Goodguys Pacific Northwest Nationals
More than 2,800 hot rods, classics, customs, muscle cars and trucks invaded the Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup July 22–24, 2022, for the Goodguys 34th Pacific Northwest Nationals Presented by Griot’s Garage. Entries in this annual car show and competition covered the spectrum from outrageous performance machines to pristine classics. This year there were a record number of entries for the 3-day event, but don’t expect to find any vehicles less than 25 years old in this highlights coverage — although you will definitely find modern components and new technology under the skin. Take a quick look at favorites from the Goodguys 34th Pacific Northwest Nationals Presented by Griot’s Garage.

© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience 1959 Chevrolet Corvette
This beautiful 1959 Corvette restomod — combining classic car looks and modern technology — was built by Josh Sanders, the 24-year-old owner of Sanders Street Rods in Enumclaw, Washington. The platform for this build is an Art Morrison Corvette C1 chassis with a Morrison independent front suspension as well as a multilink independent rear suspension, matched with Wilwood brakes touting 14-inch rotors.

© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience 1959 Chevrolet Corvette
Under the hood of this amazing ‘Vette lurks a normally aspirated Chevrolet LS7 7.0-liter V8 engine tuned to produce more than 600 horsepower, combined with a Tremec T56 6-speed manual transmission. Performance also benefits from Ultimate Headers and a polished stainless Magnaflow exhaust system. This award-wining example is finished with PPG paint, and inside the Classic Instruments gauges provide modern-style gauges with classic looks.

© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience 1948 Willys Overland Jeepster
This stunning red 1948 Willys Overland Jeepster is owned by Brian and Ella Fitzgerald of Dupont, Washington. It features a General Motors 335 cubic-inch V8 engine producing 392 horsepower and a Magnaflow stainless steel exhaust system. That V8 power gets delivered through a Turbo 700R4 transmission and a 9-inch Ford rear end.

© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience 1948 Willys Overland Jeepster
This Jeepster’s original suspension is modified with coilover shocks, power rack and pinion steering and power 4-wheel disc brakes. The custom leather interior by McFarland Upholstery features power bucket seats, and the brilliant red paint is by the Northwest’s own Austin Riddle, who has 30+ years of auto painting expertise.

© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience 1932 Ford Five Window Coupe
Attend any hot rod show and you’ll see dozens of ’32 Ford Coupes (immortalized by The Beach Boys hit, “Little Deuce Coupe”). This particular 1932 Ford Five Window Coupe owned by Terry and Jennifer Wilcox is unique in that it was both built and painted by the owner. This 1932 Ford has a steel body along with fiberglass fenders, running boards and rear decklid to complete the package.

© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience 1932 Ford Five Window Coupe
From under the hood — and protruding up through it — comes a 502-cubic-inch Chevrolet V8 engine with an 871 supercharger. All that power gets delivered through a Turbo 400 transmission and a 9-inch Ford Detroit Locker rear end. This Deuce Coupe’s modifications also include 4-wheel disc brakes and rack and pinion steering.

© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience 1959 Studebaker Scotsman NAPCO
An extremely rare Studebaker pickup — according to owner Mark Hawkins of Poulsbo, Washington — this Scotsman NAPCO is the only 1959 Studebaker Scotsman produced with 4-wheel drive.

© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience 1959 Studebaker Scotsman NAPCO
Studebaker intended the Scotsman to be an entry-level pickup and only 605 were produced for the 1959 model year. Beyond the amazingly low production number, this perfectly restored 1959 Scotsman is even more special since it’s the only example produced with the NAPCO 4-wheel-drive conversion.

© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience 1950 Mercury Sedan
This 1950 Mercury Sedan is a prototypical example of what Goodguys is all about. It sports a modified body, drivetrain and suspension — all in a flamboyant paint job that simply screams “hot rod.” The body has been shaved, nosed and decked, including a shaved trunk and Frenched (recessed into the bodywork) headlights and taillights. Electric openers for the doors and trunk are a modern addition.

© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience 1950 Mercury Sedan
Power for this special Merc comes from a 350-cubic-inch Chevrolet V8 engine with a mild cam and a 650 Street Avenger Holley carburetor, combined with a 700 R4 transmission and a 9-inch Ford rear end. The body is painted blue with matching fender skirts and flames. The grille originates from a 1951 Mercury with 1956 Pontiac grille guards as well as a 1953 Desoto grille. At the rear are 1959 Cadillac taillights, and the interior features a 1949 Mercury dash.

© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience 1941 Willys Coupe
This 1941 Willys Coupe owned by Dan Cope of Spanaway, Washington, is finished in Violet paint by Steve Wortham with pinstripes by Real Ralph and custom Boyd Coddington wheels. Body and frame work were completed by Dennis Taylor.

© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience 1941 Willys Coupe
Under the hood of this sleek coupe resides a supercharged, fuel-injected 510-cubic-inch Chevrolet V8 engine that gets mated with a Turbo 400 transmission and a 9-inch Ford rear end. This 1941 Willys Coupe also features a stainless steel exhaust and 4-wheel disc brakes. Keep going to discover more hot rods and customs from the 2022 Goodguys Pacific Northwest Nationals. Enjoy!