The third annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Truck Show, presented by Classic Truck Performance magazine, once again brought an impressive gathering of classic and custom trucks, SUVs, and vans to the Fairplex in Pomona, California, on September 26–27, 2025. Produced by Rod Shows, the two-day event featured a packed schedule of exhibitions, curated displays, and awards presented across more than 65 judged classes.
World’s Most Beautiful Truck Award
Above and lead photo: The Most Beautiful Truck Award went to this midnight blue 1941 Willys pickup, owned by Larry Jacinto.
Above and below: Lucille 10 - Frank and Kara Walsh owners
Above and below: 1976 Chevy K5 Blazer - Kenny Hinge Santa Maria, California owner
The event’s top honor, the World’s Most Beautiful Truck Award sponsored by ARP Fasteners, went to Larry Jacinto’s 1941 Willys pickup. Built by Veazie Bros. Fabrication, this remarkable blue Willys was a project decades in the making. Jacinto originally rode in the truck as a young boy, when it was owned by a family friend, and later acquired it more than 40 years afterward.
Above and below: 1969 Chevy C10 - J.R. Villareal of Mira Loma, California owner
The build began under the guidance of legendary builder Bob Bauder, who helped establish the truck’s signature stance before his passing in 2017. Veazie Bros. completed the project with expert craftsmanship while honoring Bauder’s vision.
Above and below: 1968 Chevrolet C10 - Bob Matranga Newport Coast, California owner
Above and below: 1955 Ford F100 - Pat Kelly owner
Above and below: 1972 Chevy K5 Blazer - David Huerta Norwalk, California owner
Under the hood, the Willys features a blown and injected LS3 topped with a polished 6-71 Littlefield blower. The bodywork includes a custom ’46 Chevy bed and tailgate, finished in a striking deep blue by Mick’s Paint. Inside, the Ron Mangus–designed interior includes a leather bench seat and Classic Instruments gauges in a modified dash. The Willys stood out among a strong field of custom trucks to earn the $12,500 cash prize and custom ARP trophy.
Above and below: 1972 GMC C15 laying frame - Steve Heinzle Modesto, California owner
Above and below: 1985 Chevy Silverado C10 - Bruce and Kandi Griffin of Lincoln, Alabama owners
Above and below: 1962 Ford unibody pickup - Rick and Maria Clutter owners
Above and below: 1985 Chevy C10 - Terry and Carolanne Kelowna British Columbia owners - Lo10sion - loh-ten-shunn
Above and below: 1968 Chevy C10 - Bruce and Kandi Griffin owners
Above and below: 1968 Chevy K10 - Kent Matranga Dana Point California owner
Special Recognition Awards
Several additional honors highlighted innovation and craftsmanship across the truck community:
- Chip Foose Design Achievement Award: Awarded to Bob Matranga’s 1968 Chevy C-10.
- Courtney Hallowell Memorial Award: Given to Jesse Corrales’s 1952 Chevy 3100.
- Steve Stillwell Memorial Award: Presented to Ken Tilton’s 1970 Chevy C-10.
- Tom McWeeney Memorial Pinstriping Award: Recognizing artistry in paint and pinstriping, awarded to James Griffin’s 1998 GMC Sonoma.
- Truck Trend Setter Award: Celebrating influence in the industry, presented to Del Uschenko, founder of Delmo Speed and Delmo 4x4 (two Delmo photos just below).
Above and below: 1955 Ford F100 - Julian Temblador owner
Above and below: 1977 Dodge B200 van - Timothy Duplesis San Jacinto, California owner
Above and below: 1975 Chevy Boogie van - Susan Styles Corona, California owner
Above and below: 1951 Dodge Route van
Above and below: 1953 Chevy 3100 - Sal Seeno Castroville, California owner
Above and below: 1966 Chevy C30 - Sven Boernicke Jackson, California owner
Above and below: 1963 Ford Econoline van - Bruce Long Chino Hills, California owner
Beyond the Awards
The show also featured a variety of live entertainment and special displays, including:
- Medusa: A mid-engine 1951 Peterbilt producing more than 4,000 horsepower.
- Inferno Jet Truck: A flame-throwing crowd favorite.
- Mini-truck dancing beds and a BMX stunt show.
- Restored vintage race car haulers connecting past and present.
- The popular Truck-In, an outdoor showcase that drew additional vehicles throughout the weekend.
Above: 1955 Morris van - Effi Muniz owner
Above and below: 1940 Ford pickup - Gary Elledge owner
Above: 1967 Chevy - one of five car haulers
Supporting a Worthy Cause
The Pinstriper Charity Auction returned as a highlight of the show, with talented artists creating custom pinstriped pieces live on site. Their work raised nearly $20,000 for the Volunteers for Veterans Foundation, reinforcing the event’s commitment to community support.
Above and below: 1949 Studebaker custom
A Weekend of Truck Culture
“This weekend is special because it brings together amazing trucks, SUVs, and vans of all kinds under one roof,” said John Buck, owner of Rod Shows. “From one-off customs to patinas, mini-trucks, and more, there isn’t another show where you can see such a variety.”
Above: 1946 Diamond T - Tom Phillippbar San Clemente, California owner
The Grand National Truck Show continues to cement its reputation as one of the premier gatherings for truck enthusiasts, builders, and fans of classic and custom vehicles alike. You'll find a list of all the winners and updates on upcoming events by visiting the Rod Shows' site.
Classic Industries & American Made Muscle Trucks - Pickup Parts for GM, Dodge, & Ford
Above and below: 1970 Chevrolet C10 Ralph Sears, Chino Hills, California owner
Whether your allegiance is to Chevy, GMC, Dodge, or Ford you know that there's a plethora of pickup parts available at Classic Industries for your precious truck. You might be building a hot rod hauler, a restomod roadster pickup, a patina pickup, a slammed to the ground air up cruiser, a rat rod truck, or a classic that's restored to perfection - Classic Industries has you covered. Shopping online is a breeze, as is perusing the GM truck catalog for pretty much whatever your heart desires.
Above: 1965 Chevy C10 - Ismael Oliden owner
Above: According to the GNTS tag, this Mopar is supposed to be Bill Heckman's 1937 Dodge pickup. Mr. Heckman is probably the man sitting behind the Mopar, but your humble scribe was too busy photographing trucks to stop and ask him about his '37 Dodge pickup masquerading as a Mopar muscle car. From the expression on his face, he may be giving me a stern or dirty look. Time to move on to the next vehicle.
Above: Next year's Grand National Truck Show promises to be even bigger and better than the 2025 edition. We look forward to seeing you at the Pomona Fairplex. Until then...Keep on Truckin'!
