We often see the hot rod gene handed down from father to son, but it runs rampant within the Stuban clan. They’re currently three generations deep when it comes to cars.
They not only build cars together, they compete together. Last year, the two eldest Stubans entered their respective rides in the Detroit Autorama and were in direct competition for the coveted Ridler Award. Neither won the award, but Joe walked out with Outstanding in Class, Outstanding Undercarriage, Outstand-ing Paint, Outstanding Engine, and Outstanding Display awards, while Dale walked away with a Best in Class award. While the big boys were competing in their categories, little Austin Stuban—five years old at the time—scored a Best in Class in his respective category with his Tot-Rod. Also, Austin’s dad and granddad each garnered a Rod & Custom Pro’s Pick award at the ’01 NSRA Nationals in Louisville, where we couldn’t bear to leave without getting them all on film.
Check out all three in the sidebars below.