Willman’s ’56 Buick Nails Goodguys Custom Rod of the Year Award

It doesn’t take a car enthusiast to figure out why Mark and Ellen Willman’s ’56 Buick Special won the 2013 Goodguys Custom Rod of the Year Award. An article noting the win first appeared via Rod Authority.

From the sleek gray exterior paint glistening in the showroom light, to the custom 20 inch wheels done by Billet Specialties complete with 3-D spears, you can see how the Willman’s Buick is a custom masterpiece.

Built by Troy Trepanier and the Rad Rides Team, the ’56 Buick Special wasn’t always in the pristine condition it’s in today. When the couple first found the vehicle, it needed several repairs before restoration could be done. It had been sitting outside under a tree, metal deteriorating, rusted out, and in terrible condition. With a little help from Troy and the Rad Team, this Buick has quickly propelled back into the ranks of top Custom Rod royalty. The car doesn’t only embody eloquence and style, it’s also a mean machine on the road. The ’56 Buick is a Nailhead-powered custom that is a twin-turbocharged variant of the classic, Buick V-8. Other powerful features of the car include a sharp low profile chassis, Bowler 4L80E transmission, and custom headers. The exterior paint is a slate gray with accents in brushed stainless. The car also features classic white-wall tires, chrome tucked bumpers, and don’t forget those wheels! 20 inch Billet wheels with 3-D spears add just the right amount of edge to make this rod one sleek looking road warrior. The interior of the vehicle remains mostly classic of the ’56 Buick; however, a modified steering wheel, custom leather perforated seats, and new gauges have been added.

This tribute to a General Motor’s classic is also a piece of finely tuned road art. It is impossible not to admire the craftsmanship that has gone into this car. The Willman’s will travel to Scottsdale, Arizona to the Goodguys 16th Southwest Nationals next month as part of the “Championship Arena”. This event will feature the Goodguys Top 12 Cars of the Year and runs November 15-17th. Congratulations to a title well earned by the Willmans, and a job well done by Troy Trepanier and the Rad Rides Team.