When the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association announces their annual Custom Rod of the Year award, you expect the vehicle that gets it to be one stellar vehicle. But for this year’s award, the fine folks at Goodguys chose a car that went above and beyond expectation, even for us!
Owned by Bill and Carol Raper, this 1954 Pontiac Star Chief is truly a unique gem. Not only is it a make and model that is few and far between in the industry, but the artistry that went into creating such a magnificent show piece has put it over the top. The other amazing thing? Well, it’s a driver!
With the body left stock for the most part, except for the PPG Pearl Yellow paint laid by Showtime Customs and the shaved bumper bolts, the true custom components on the Pontiac come in the form of stance, performance, and those little details.
Under the car is a custom frame created by Tyler Harshman, which is trimmed with a Currie 9-inch rearend, 4-link rear suspension, TCI front suspension and a number of Ridetech components. Completing the pavement-hugging stance are Budnik wheels backed by beefy Wilwood brakes.
Powering the Star Chief is a 496 ci big-block stroker engine topped off with Edelbrock E-Force heads, dual four-barrels, Hedman headers and an MSD ignition. Dressing the engine bay up even more are custom panels that frame the engine and machined valve covers with “Crazy Horse” emblazoned across the tops in red.
Inside the car, you’ll find a fully custom leather interior crafted by Ron Mangus, which features bucket seats separated by a custom console, a custom massaged dash with Dakota Digital gauges, a modern stereo system, and AC. Handmade chrome trim adorns many of the interior’s lines while and ididit steering column topped off with a Budnik steering wheel pull everything together for one aesthetic masterpiece.
With the Pontiac being a driver and all, the Raper’s were all set to join the Goodguys Hall of Fame Road Tour this fall when the award announcement was made right in the Goodguys’ Pleasanton, California parking lot. Clad with its new title, the Star Chief and its proud owners enjoyed their moment in the sun before heading off cross-country for the road trip of a lifetime!
Now, the Star Chief may look amazing from the photos we have here, but we can assure you it’s even more amazing in person. We were fortunate enough to see the car at the Colorado stops of the Road Tour and you too will have the opportunity to see the car for yourself at the 17th Southwest Nationals in Scottsdale, Arizona in November where the Pontiac will join 11 other vehicles in the Goodguys Top 12 Cars of the Year display!
Congratulations goes out to Bill and Carol Raper on their outstanding win and we can’t wait to see the car once again in all its glory down in Arizona next month!