The Goodguys Custom of the Year is a WAGON!

Announced at the 31st Goodguys Autumn Get-Together, the 1963 Chevrolet Impala Wagon took the Custom of the Year prize.

Goodguys Custom of the Year 2021

A unique Chevrolet Impala Wagon has been crowned the 2021 Snap-on Custom of the Year by the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association.

The two-door custom Impala was named the winner at the recent Goodguys Autumn Get-Together event, held in Pleasanton, California.

It means the special Chevy, named ‘Impressive’, will head to the Goodguys 24th Speedway Motors Southwest Nationals this weekend.

Impressive by name and nature

Goodguys Custom of the Year 2021

‘Impressive’ is the result of a nine-year build process, undertaken by the Minnesota-based Ranweiler family.

The work was all undertaken at the family’s Show Cars Automotive shop, and included converting a four-door Impala Wagon to a bespoke two-door version.

Changes include the roof being chopped, the windshield angle reclined, and the B- and C-pillars fabricated from scratch. 

An entirely unique front end has been installed, with the fenders and other panels welded to the cowl for a completely seamless appearance. The grille and bumpers are also custom items.

Combining luxury and performance

Goodguys Custom of the Year 2021

Powering ‘Impressive’ is a 509-cubic inch V-8 engine, fitted with a Hillborn fuel injection system. It sends 600 horsepower to the rear wheels via a 4L60E transmission.

A modified Art Morrison chassis has been used, bringing updated suspension to the build. Custom EVOD wheels are fitted, with the rears a sizeable 20×12 inches.

Inside, there’s a 1960 Chevrolet Impala dashboard, but with Dakota Digital gauges. Custom-dyed Italian leather wraps the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado seats.

Bespoke metal trim, created by the Ranweilers, has been used throughout the cabin.

Another trophy for the cabinet

Goodguys Custom of the Year 2021

Living up to its name, ‘Impressive’ has already collected multiple awards. In 2020, it won the prestigious Ridler Award at the Detroit Autorama, and later took honors in the SEMA Show Battle of the Builders competition.

Victory in the Snap-on Custom of the Year category will see it displayed as part of the Goodguys Top 12 Cars & Trucks of the Year at the Southwest Nationals.

The Goodguys 24th Speedway Motors Southwest Nationals will be held in Scottsdale, Arizona. Taking place from Friday 19 November to Sunday 21 November, it marks the culmination of the Goodguys 2021 show season.

ALSO READ:

New Lamborghini Huracan art car is painted only by fingertips

Porsche reveals ‘sweet spot’ Taycan GTS Sport Turismo

Morgan Plus Four CX-T 2021 review

Related Articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

New 680hp Aston Martin Vantage S to debut at Goodwood FOS

With more power, a sharper chassis and bespoke styling, the new 2025 Aston Martin Vantage S is available to order now.

A fifth of British drivers are scared to wash an electric car

New research reveals a widespread misunderstanding still exists about washing an EV – and the risk of receiving an electric shock.

Over half of motorists now drive an older car than five years ago

Motorists are driving increasingly older cars, as figures show more than four in 10 cars on British roads are over a decade old.

Gordon Murray Automotive: the supercar stars of Goodwood Festival of Speed 

Tim Pitt visits Surrey-based Gordon Murray Automotive and asks CEO Phillip Lee about being the featured marque at Goodwood FOS 2025.