1946 Chevy Pickup "Ballistic"...
1946 Chevy Pickup "Ballistic" - Overall Winner of the CleanTools Legend Cup
Gene and Earlene Elpers of Evansville, Indiana, were crowned the winners of the 2009 CleanTools Legend Cup award with their 1946 Chevy Pickup Truck "Ballistic". They were onsite to accept the $5,000 cash prize along with a stunning perennial trophy that stands over five feet tall and honors "the best of the best."
Constructed over a period of seven years, "Ballistic" features hundreds of body modifications ranging from a 1937 Ford-inspired grille to a one-piece molded cab and bed combination. The truck is powered by a fuel-injected 6.1L Chrysler Hemi V-8. Gene described the honor of winning the CleanTools Legend Cup as "Super good!" and that the key to the truck's success has been the attention to detail. "Everything had to be right and had to look just right," Gene added.
"We've built our business with only the best of the best," CleanTools Founder Bill Stuart said. "It's always an honor each year to present the CleanTools Legend Cup award to one of the Select Six cars chosen from a field of hundreds of entries. Vehicles like 'Ballistic' epitomize our best of the best standard and will be remembered for years to come."
Over the course of the three-day event, the CleanTools Legend Cup advisory board (consisting of eight of the custom car building industry's most prominent leaders) slowly narrowed the competition to find "the best of the best." The Top 20 entries were announced on Friday, January 23. Then on Saturday, January 24 these were pared down to a select group of six finalists. "Ballistic" was chosen as the winner from these six finalists on Sunday, Jan. 25.
About the CleanTools Legend Cup
The CleanTools Legend Cup is awarded to the best first-time entry at the Chicago World of Wheels custom car show, as selected by the show's advisory board. Designed by Larry Williams, built by Howe Industries, the stunning CleanTools Legend Cup trophy's perennial base stands five feet tall. The removable cup that sits atop the base, along with a $5,000 cash prize, is presented to the winner, and the winner's name is added to the base of the trophy. Entries are judged according to International Show Car Association (ISCA) rules and by the following criteria: style and design, workmanship, degree of difficulty, engineering, presentation, theme, and detail.
1933 Ford Pickup "Tangerine...
1933 Ford Pickup "Tangerine Scream" - Scott and Jane Billish's 1933 Ford pickup looks like a screamer, too. Powered by a giant, supercharged Hemi, "Tangerine Scream" features tons of vintage custom tricks. The Edsel grille shell and the glittery upholstery were especially nice. Wide, white cheater slicks and perfect paint completed the package.
1933 Willys - John Mai's 1933...
1933 Willys - John Mai's 1933 Willys captivated the crowd with its stunning candy-orange paint and creative custom touches. The interior features a custom-formed dash, console, and door panels, with seats covered in buttery tan leather. The small-block Chevy V-8 under the hood is just as smooth, with all the components detailed to perfection - including the block and heads.
1937 Ford Cabriolet "Velocity"...
1937 Ford Cabriolet "Velocity" - The 1937 Ford Cabriolet named "Velocity" demonstrates how the original shape of a vintage ragtop can be transformed into a slick showstopper. In addition to the spectacular orange candy paint, the extra details like the flowing side-trim and Carson top tie it all together. An EFI Chevy V-8 provides the power and a full tube chassis keeps it rolling.
1947 Ford Sportsman - This...
1947 Ford Sportsman - This 1947 Ford Sportsman is owned by Jim and Pat Talaga of Plainfield, Illinois, and sports a traditional look and modern powertrain. The maroon body and perfectly finished wood surround a lowered Air Ride chassis and an EFI Lincoln 4.6L V-8 engine.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro "Razor"...
1969 Chevrolet Camaro "Razor" - Erv and Bonnie Woller's 1969 Camaro "Razor" is the latest creation from the Ring Brothers, and it's racking up trophies at every show. Pushing the pro-touring style to new levels, "Razor" features hundreds of subtle body modifications and an interior reminiscent of the latest concept cars. "Razor" is powered by a limited edition Chevrolet ZL1 EFI big-block.