2018 Southwest Nationals | Event Coverage

THE 2018 SOUTHWEST NATIONALS HELPS CLOSE THE SEASON

EVERY YEAR AS the show season winds down there’s one event that we look forward to because it always closes things out on a high note. Usually set during the second week of November (17-19 for 2017), the Goodguys Southwest Nationals in Scottsdale, Arizona, is one of our personal favorites. With dates set practically right after the annual SEMA Show, an abundance of high-quality vehicles is usually present.

CHOPPED, SECTIONED AND CHANNELED, ROBBY COLLINS’ ‘49 CHEVY WAS COMPLETELY TRANSFORMED.

If you want to see a good classic car show and you can’t make it out to the Southwest Nationals, Goodguys has events scattered across the United States throughout the entire year. It should be noted that Goodguys’ shows cater to the classic automotive scene, however, there are quite a few events in the lineup that allow some modern vehicles as long as they are powered by American components. The events that host All American Sunday allow such vehicles, but as the name implies, they are only welcome on Sundays.

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COMING ALL THE WAY FROM THE ISLAND OF HAWAII, THIS CAB-OVER WAS INSANE.

For many, the definition of a “classic vehicle” changes with each passing year. For the longest time, except for All American Sundays, Goodguys events were exclusive to vehicles from 1972 and older. Last year, 2017, happens to be the final year that rule will be enforced. All shows for 2018 are now open to vehicles from 1987 and older. As part of the way to kick off the new parameters, this past Southwest Nationals was the first show to permit vehicles built between 1973-87 to enter the grounds. This was especially exciting for owners of squarebody C-10s; they brought their trucks in all weekend long for the first time ever. Other highlights included the Top 12 Cars & Trucks section,

ED SEARS ’41 FORD GLEAMED ENOUGH IN THE ARIZONA SUN TO DAZZLE JUDGES WHO AWARDED IT WITH THE SCOTT’S HOTRODS ’N’ CUSTOMS TRUCK OF THE YEAR—EARLY HONORS.

which showcased some of the country’s finest vehicles. Also, the Scott’s Hotrods ’N’ Customs Truck of the Year—Early was announced at the event, which was truly one of the highlights of the entire year. Another exciting part of the show was the autocross battle known as the Duel in the Desert. Competition is usually fierce. The specialized vehicles that compete maneuver as fast as they can on the course while trying not to knock down any cones. The setting for the mostly outdoor event is typically optimal. Though temperatures in Scottsdale can reach triple digits in the summertime, the late-fall show is nearly always sunny with temps in the 70s. For more info on future Goodguys events, visit Good-guys.com.